Auto World has taken a cool and different direction with their latest release in the Xtraction line with Import Heat! Taking three wicked Japanese high performance models and adding some slick livery work, these new releases are a unique offering that brings a new racing venue to HO scale tracks. Based on the previous versions of the Skyline GT-R, Eclipse and Supra, Auto World took them up a notch from the original street racers. Let’s take a look at the models in this group and get some up close views of these slick designs.
1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34)
The R34 Skyline GT-R was introduced in 1999 had advanced technology which set the model apart. While it retained the RB26DETT engine of the R32 and R33, producing an impressive 276 horsepower and increasing to over 500 in racing trim, it took advantage of the shorter wheelbase and more streamlined body of the R34 to allow it to achieve even higher performance than its predecessors. The Skyline GT-R competed in the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship and won the GT500 title building up it’s racing reputation.
1994 Toyota Supra
As part of the fourth generation of Toyota Supras, the model has participated in multiple racing venues from drag racing to SCCA road course challenges. The new Auto World rendition covers a look from Super GT, SCCA (GT2) and Le Mans racers of the era. The Supra used a developed version of the 3SG engine, which was developed from the IMSA engine and similar to the 3SGTE engine found in the Toyota Corolla rally car.
1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Although Mitsubishi did not jump into factory sponsored racing at the GT level, they did participate in hill-climb competitions with a good deal of success. The second generation model, equipped with a turbocharged 4G63 engine produced 210HP from a 2.0 L package. Quite the nimble car, as proven by street racers over the years, this may have been an excellent GT competitor with the right backing. Fortunately, we get to race it HO scale against these other proven track champions.
2019 Auto World X-Traction
Release 28 SC346 Import Heat – Packaging
Auto World has given us a taste of something different with the release of the Import Heat Xtraction cars. Anyone with a taste of Japanese high performance or just likes fast cars will really get into this new series of racers.
-Paul Shoemaker
ref- Toyota Supra in Motorsport, From Skyline to GT-R: The Evolution of a Supercar, Mitsubishi Eclipse Factory Home Reference Pages.