The Model Spot - SA

Production of the Audi A3 Cabriolet started in Hungary. Sporty, elegant, emotion-packed – the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its appearance in perfect time for spring 2008. The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class. It offers the sporting genes of the A3 coupled with the uncompromising quality that distinguishes every Audi model. There are four engines to choose from, together with an extensive range of individual equipment options. Sales commence in Germany at the start of February 2008.

Audi convertible models generally sport a classic fabric top – and in the case of the Audi A3 Cabriolet this feature lends its profile a note of harmonious elegance and coupé-like sportiness. Its soft top is notable for its light weight and excellent fit. It can be opened hydraulically in just nine seconds; when open, it takes up very little space. The hood is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions, in the latter instance as a specially soundproofed acoustic hood.

Technology and Art

The TECHART Turbo Cabriolet – German premiere at the Essen Motor Show 2007. What is created through passionate precision and with the love of detail emphasises the respect towards an inimitable automobile. Dynamic driving through performance and optimum aerodynamics becomes an experience of the highest art with the TECHART Turbo Cabriolet on the basis of the new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. TECHART Automobildesign merges technology and art to produce a complete work.

Functionality and aesthetics are two inseparable components at TECHART Automobildesign. The 3.6 litre Boxer engine is modified in many details at TECHART. Two special turbo chargers, carbon suction pipes and made to measure intercoolers contribute equally to TECHART performance enhancement as the sport air filter and the stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds and high performance catalytic converters. All modifications are perfectly coordinated using the newly programmed engine management.

Merry Christmas, happy new year and a warm festive welcome to Issue 5 of The Diecast Magazine. This issue features an article about one very special vehicle... The Bill Bourke Special. Scott Hill, owner of the 1:1 scale version, allowed The Diecast Magazine to get up close and personal with the car and the pre-production sample of the 1:18 scale model prior to its release in December. This is a rare opportunity to see and read about this car, which has only been out on the road three times in the past seven years.

Also featured in this issue is a brilliant article from Terry O’Neill illustrating how a little time and effort can turn a budget-priced model into something a lot more. Also Brett Gray, model customiser, takes us through some of the steps involved in repainting a model and the finer points of his most recent customisation project. As always we also have articles featuring models manufactured by Autoart, Classic Carlectables, CMC, GMP, Die-cast Promotions and many more.

The 2007 Christmas Stocking Competition has been drawn and four happy winners share in a total prize pool valued at $A4173. The Diecast Magazine would like to thank everyone who entered and we trust you will be back again with us next year.

"1:18 Diecast Downunder is the finest model magazine the world has seen in the fifty years that I have been a modeler and collector. I am pleased that they are focused on quality 1:18 diecast models like Carousel 1 makes." Frank Dalton, President Carousel 1"

Issue 5 will be available from 5 December 2007. Reserve your copy now from ModelSpot at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it cover price R129.00 incl vat. 

This is one really awesome show car - yes, just a show car which means no one will ever own one! This came about when a gentleman, who happens to be the chief designer at Holden, had a dream...

...to create a retro-looking custom coupe that boasts V8 super car power under the bonnet. When he woke up he began a collaboration with various suppliers to turn his dream into reality by using a Chev Corvette under-body as the foundation.