Hello Kitty and 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35)

       

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Made By:
Jada Toys
Scale:
1/24
MSRP:
US$24.99
Overview:
Packaging (Design):10/10
Packaging (Durability):8/10
Casting (Body):9/10
Casting (Interior):8/10
Casting (Chassis):8/10
Casting (Engine):9/10
Paint (Exterior):8/10
Paint (Interior):N/A
Paint (Trim/Graphics):9/10
Overall Panel Fit:9/10
Total Score:8.7/10

 
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Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35)
Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) Packaging Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) Hello Kitty figure Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) interior Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) engine Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) hood detail Jada Toys 2009 Nissan GT-R (R35) rear

 
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NOTE: This is a modified reissue of an existing model, and this review will focus on the changes made between the cars. You can see the original review for more details.

Background

Thanks to the character's friendly appearance and popularity, Hello Kitty was named as children's ambassador to the United States in 1984 and Japan in 1994. In 2004, Sanrio donated over $150,000 to UNICEF girls' education and advocacy, educating fans about geneder discrimination in developing world schooling. Because of this, Hello Kitty recieved the exclusive title of "UNICEF Special Friend of Children."

 

Packaging

The box is the same size and physical design as the previous GT-R, but he graphics are completely new. This box has a more "official motorsports" vibe, with hashmarks across the bottom of the front and both end panels suggesting a pit area retaining wall. A placard is in the bottom left corner and coming up into the main window, with "Hello Kitty (and Friends) - ハローキティ - Tokyo Speed" written in it and the character/car name written across the bottom panel to the right of the placard. Hello Kitty is in a white racing suit just to the right of the main window, waving a checkered flag. The window end flap has several Hello Kitty-themed sponsor logos, while the other end flap has a repeat of the placard under crossed checkered flags. The back panel has the hashmarks moved to the top of the panel, above a product photo and the legal information. Inside, the back panel repeats the hashmarks and logos, while the floor has a pair of tire track stripes done in hot pink. The car is held in place with two screws with a plastic tray around the tail and plastic bands around the doors and hood, and the figure is held in place with two screws near the front of the car.

 

Casting/Paint

This GT-R is in factory trim, so it has the stock seven-spoke wheels and lower rear spoiler. The mold appears to be holding up pretty well, though the gap at the right rear of the hood and forward corners of the trunk lid are slightly wider than they were for the first release. Still, very close. Under the hood, the engine is entirely chrome plated for this release.

The paint job is the real star of the show. The base gloss white shops just short of having a pearlescent finish, and is applied with a nice even finish. A diagonal break starts about a third of the way back on each rocker and hits the bottom corners of the rear window, with everything below it painted hot pink. Hot pink stripes are also on the roof and hood. The roof has a large Hello Kitty bow centered on the panel, and the hood has a small "01" in black against the hot pink field. Black is also used for lines and NACA ducts on the hood, splitter, grille, side skirts, and "ハローキティ" text on the hood and sides. White is used for accent stripes in the pink area as well as "Hello Kitty" scripts ahead of each rear wheel and block text on the spoiler. Silver is used for the grille outline and side trim. The Nissan and GT-R badges are printed in their factory locations, and there's a black rear license plate with white "Hello Kitty" script.

 

Features/Accessories

All the opening panels work just as they did previously. A 1/24 Hello Kitty figure is also included, decked out in a white racing suit with hot pink stripes to match her car. Other than a little bit of a fuzzy edge where the top edge of her visor meets the stripes on her helmet, the paint here is very good. There's even has a tiny name tag and car number printed on the front of the suit..

 

Accuracy

This is not based on an existing design, but is instead a "character car" that simply uses an existing tooling with a new paint job to evoke a persona.

 

Overall

Reviewing the R34, I thought Jada missed the mark in enough places that while I liked the design, it was best as a three-footer and should be left in the box. I may say leave this one in the box as well, but only speaking more of the excellent packaging and to allow for a uniform look on the shelf. This R35 is solid work across the board, to the point where if you have the R34 you should get this to go with it - it somehow makes both of them look better.

 

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