FSW Weekly Edition #46/2025

Formula 1 & Kits — Beemax’s McLaren MP4/4: Turbo-Era Supremacy

As Norris extends his lead in today’s ground-effect era, Beemax takes us back to one of Formula 1’s most dominant seasons with its McLaren MP4/4 Monaco 1988 kit. Powered by Honda’s ferocious RA168E 1.5-litre V6 turbo and driven by the legendary pairing of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, the MP4/4 set a benchmark for performance and efficiency that teams still reference nearly four decades later.

The Beemax kit recreates the Monaco-spec MP4/4 as a dual-driver build, allowing collectors to portray either Senna’s #12 or Prost’s #11. In 1:12 scale, every feature is amplified: the razor-low chassis, tightly packaged sidepods, slimline rear wing and distinctive coke-bottle rear bodywork that defined late-’80s F1 aerodynamics.

This is a serious builder’s project — one that rewards patience and precision. The MP4/4’s turbo plumbing, suspension geometry and signature bodywork offer incredible display potential, while the dedicated detailing set allows modellers to elevate the realism even further through enhanced metal, resin and photo-etch components. For fans captivated by Norris’ modern McLaren title charge, Beemax’s MP4/4 is the perfect reminder of an era when red-and-white ruled the world — and Monaco belonged to Senna.

The week also brings a wave of additional Formula 1 and kit-building highlights. Beemax’s detailing set elevates the MP4/4 even further, while Tameo Kits introduces its ultra-precise McLaren MP4/2B Monaco 1985 in metal and resin. Cigale unveils premium kits of the 2005 Red Bull RB1 from both the Australian and Monaco Grands Prix, produced to Tameo-grade standards. GP Replicas expands its selection of 1:12 Ferrari and McLaren classics, Minichamps continues to expand its modern F1 line-up with new 2024–2025 releases.

McLaren MP4/4 1st Monaco 1988 #11/12 Senna/Prost 1:12 - BEE12002

ACO Le Mans 24hrs 2025 Official Yearbook - ACO2025

Endurance & Books — ACO Le Mans 2025: The Season That Crowned Ferrari

With Ferrari celebrating a first Hypercar world title and Toyota finally striking back in Bahrain, there’s no better time to add the official written record of the season’s defining race to your collection. The ACO Le Mans 24hrs 2025 Official Yearbook serves as the definitive chronicle of the 93rd running of the 24 Hours — the race that set the tone for Ferrari’s championship triumph and showcased the depth of the Hypercar era.

Across 304 pages and more than 700 photographs, the 2025 Yearbook combines storytelling and technical insight: from full race reports and strategy breakdowns to class-by-class rundowns and intimate behind-the-scenes moments. Every pivotal scene is captured — night-time stints under pressure, weather shifts, pit-wall decisions and the relentless pace of the lead Hypercars as they fought through Sunday morning traffic.

Presented in its signature large-format hardback, this Yearbook belongs on any endurance racing enthusiast’s shelf. For collectors of Ferrari’s 499P, Toyota’s GR010, or Porsche and Cadillac Hypercars, it is the narrative companion — the complete story behind the miniatures.

Endurance collectors also gain a wide selection of fresh releases this week. IXO expands its sports-car range with two superb Werk83 Porsche 908/03s — including the Gulf-liveried Nürburgring 1000kms runner-up and the 1970 Targa Florio contender of Elford and Herrmann. Minichamps delivers the BMW M4 GT3 Le Mans #46 from Team WRT, while Tarmac Works extends its 1:64 GT offering with new Bentley, Ferrari 488 and AMG GT3 entries. Tecnomodel enhances its GT line-up with revised Ferrari F40 GTE versions featuring detailed removable engine covers, adding deeper mechanical realism to one of Maranello’s most celebrated endurance racers. Trofeu expands the historic endurance grid further with the BMW Alpina 2800CS from the Spa 24 Hours and the Ford Capri RS2600 from the Le Mans 4 Hours — two icons from Europe’s golden touring-endurance era.

Rally & Road — IXO’s Toyota Yaris Rally2: Stage-Ready

As Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans push the World Rally Championship toward a dramatic Saudi Arabian title decider, IXO delivers the next generation of Toyota rally machinery with its Yaris Rally2 finished in Metallic Grey. While Rally1 machines dominate the headlines, Rally2 cars form the backbone of global rallying — from WRC2 and ERC contention to national-level championships.

IXO’s model captures that spirit perfectly. The Metallic Grey finish highlights the sharp body lines, flared arches, sculpted bumpers and purposeful rally-ready stance of Toyota’s customer racer. Every moulding, crease and proportion reflects the compact aggression that defines Rally2 competition — squat, planted and ready to fire out of a hairpin.

Listed for both rally and road categories, this Yaris Rally2 bridges the gap between hot-hatch passion and full-blown WRC capability. For collectors inspired by Ogier’s precision or Evans’ relentless consistency, IXO’s model is a timely celebration of Toyota’s continued rally-winning DNA.

Rally and road collectors have plenty more to enjoy this week. Tarmac Works expands its 1:64 line-up with Ford RS200s, Lancia Integrales, Toyota Yaris variants and Hyundai i20Ns, while DSN 43 prepares a series of historic rally icons including Opel Kadett GTEs, Porsche 911 rally machines and Fiat 124 Spiders. Top Marques honours Ken Block’s legacy with two striking 1:18 Ford Escort RS recreations, Model Car Group adds fresh Escort RS Turbos, and KK Scale unveils its upcoming 1:12 BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile”. Cult Scale Models rounds out the week’s news with future classics from Aston Martin, Maserati and Mercedes, while BBR contributes a wave of premium road supercars including the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, Ferrari 12Cilindri and an exquisitely crafted Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Also Mini GT adds motorsport culture to 1:64 with forthcoming James Bond Aston Martin DB10 and copper Lotus Esprit Turbo diecasts.

Toyota Yaris Rally2 2024 Metallic Grey - IXORAM954