Exterior Features, Quality:
The GS400 was meant to be a direct competitor to the benchmark 5-series, but one with traditional Lexus virtues as well, like comfort and reliability mixed into the sport theme. It's hard to say that Lexus has succeeded in its goal of besting the Bimmer, but it's obvious that the GS is a unique automobile with many attractive virtues. The V-8-powered GS400 was the sportiest model available, which is clearly shown by the chrome rims, rear wing, and aggressive body kit.
Now, the GS400 was the first Autoart model to be released, so one might think that it would not be as good as the later releases. Well, at first look, the GS400 gives away nothing to more recent Autoarts. It's even very heavy, and lacks the plastic feel that some AA models have. However, a close examination of the paint suggests that Autoart has improved its techniques, as the GS400's is a bit rough. Still, it looks superb, but the metallic finish lacks the "rich" effect of later AAs. Scale is absolutely spot on and proportions are accurate.
The front lights look quite good, with impressive light details and no sign of attachment stubs. However, the inner lights are not well attached and can be pushed inwards a bit. The grille is not perforated but nicely textured. The chrome work around the grille is neat with a flawless finish. The lower cooling ducts are perforated and look superb. However, the fog lights have huge mounting posts that completely detract from the whole front appearance. Still, the front of the model is nicely done.
Here's something you don't typically find on premium models: stickers for lights. Even Maisto is doing away with this practice, but here it is on an Autoart! The exterior turning indicator lights are plain stickers, which is really a huge disappointment on a model at this price. The tires are unmarked, which is obviously not good, but also not surprising for an Autoart. The shiny chrome rims, however, look really cool, and are well done. They seem to truly brighten up the somewhat "sterile" appearance of the model. Brake discs are pretty basic and calipers don't have much detail.
Autoart did an excellent job on the rear lights, capturing the design perfectly - this is probably one of their best yet. Even the tiny bulb behind the clear glass is captured, and looks terrific. The spoiler backlight is painted on, however. The exhaust pipes are actually hollow and look great. Overall, the exterior quality is above average in the entire world of models, but seriously lacking compared to other AAs. Here's hoping the next sections are a bit better.
20/25
Interior Features, Quality:
The interior, in the humble opinion of yours truly, is one of the best parts of the model, even though it has its shortcomings. The dash itself is very well done - the strange backlight colors of the speedo and tach are replicated well, the wood trim is good, the controls on the center console are marked and reproduced accurately, the nav screen is one of the most detailed I've ever seen, and the gearshift has excellent detail. Then, the model's floor is textured (not really carpeted, but not far from it). So, you may ask, what's wrong with the interior? Well, for one, the seats are hard plastic, although they have good detail, and - this surprised me - the ceiling of the model is not finished and has a few bolts that hold the sunroof. That's a surprising find in a model at this price, and it definitely should not be there. Otherwise, this is a pretty impressive interior, and a job well done.
23/25
Features
The GS400 features an opening hood, doors and trunk. Like most of Autoart's models, the hood doesn't stay open. I am seriously perplexed by this and cannot understand why it is so difficult to implement a locking system for the hood. Motormax, Revell, Welly, etc. can do it, why not Autoart? Now that I've written my rave, I can go on to the engine detail itself, which is quite decent. Though not the best I've seen, the engine is plumbed and is a separate piece, instead of being molded into the compartment. Markings are found around the cabin, and overall, this is a nice looking space. Doors ride on dogleg hinges, which were the norm at the time, and Autoart was probably unwilling to innovate with its first model. Still, the doors actually feature windows, which is a great touch. The trunk does hold in place and opens up to reveal a fairly simple compartment. Autoart used the same material here as it did in the interior, and it serves well here.
24/25
Value:
Obviously, Autoarts aren't cheap, but they provide good value to the consumer by combining detail and realism into an attractive package. Though most will never become rare, they are still worth owning for their quality. That said, the GS400 models are becoming a bit hard to find now, although their prices haven't changed. As this was Autoart's first release, that may hold some sway in deciding the model's price later on. The GS400 also comes in Black Onyx; Autoart also manufactures a right-hand drive version that is sold in Japan, the Toyota Aristo, which is definitely rare in the States. No other modelmaker manufactures the GS400, and it will probably stay that way, as most prefer to do muscle cars or exotics.
24/25
Overall:
For a first model, it's a darn good one. When it was released in 1999, the GS400 was pretty much state of the art and the best model for the price. It is my opinion that models like the GS400 allowed Autoart to become the giant it is today, with resources to pull through many more projects than most would have expected. How come? Models like these meant that you didn't have to pay $150 to get a great replica, and because of Autoart's relatively easy availability, this kind of quality could be delivered to the masses. Thus, it is not only important to rate the GS400 on its detail, realism, etc...but on its contribution to Autoart's success as well. Still, this is a very good model. Not Autoart's best, certainly not. The use of stickers for lights, some cost-cutting and lack of quality control in several places make this model on the level of later Maistos, but Maisto has come a long way too. However, it is yet another Autoart model that brings the consumer the detail that is required of the price point, and nothing less. And that, in itself, is impressive.
