Introduction: Kyosho's relatively new 365GT/4 Daytona is one of my favorite models, as you can read on my Diecast Rankings page. I'm not alone in my praise of this diecast, as it finished in 3rd place in the Diecast Zone's 2003 Zonee Awards for model of the year ($51-100 category). That Kyosho is making Ferraris again at all is something to be very thankful for...Mattel has held the Ferrari license for several years now, with exclusive rights to produce Ferrari models. I don't know how the arrangement works, but Mattel has given Kyosho some limited permission to produce Ferraris again, and the product box includes the Mattel logo. But don't be fooled if you see this diecast on the shelf at your favorite retailer, and notice the Mattel logo. That logo is the only hint that Mattel is involved. Quality-wise, it's all Kyosho. And Kyosho did a wonderful job with this one...
Highs: It's a long list, so make yourself comfortable. First, let's talk about the interior. The seats are made of flexible rubber, so you can actually push down on them and they will give slightly. The steering wheel has the famous prancing horse on the center cap. The dash-gauges look as real as can be, probably better than on any other model I own. I keep trying to get the rear wheels spinning, because I could swear that speedometer would register if I get 'em going fast enough! There is a felt-like material that replicates carpeting. There are seatbelts in the back, too. Overall, an excellent job on the interior. The doors are another highlight...the hinges have spring action to them, and actually snap shut more smoothly than on any other Kyosho I own. They're good enough to rival the hinges on the Autoart 350Z. Now let's move to the front of the car, starting with the hood itself. It opens on the sweetest, smoothest pneumatic struts! I fell in love with this diecast the first time I lifted the hood. The underside of the hood (as you can see in the photo below) actually replicates the insulation used to protect the paint from heat. Also, there are two reverse-scoops in the hood, and the openings have actual tiny metal mesh screens in them. The engine is stunning, with full wiring, a fully-detailed battery (not just the cables, but full branding and colors), and even the radiator cap is colored the proper aluminum color. All the detail is there, with the Ferrari name on the valve cover, the triple carbeurators, the orange oil filters...just gorgeous. Up front, Kyosho used plastic over the headlights with just the right texture and opacity, perfectly replicating the full-body-width headlight and glass assembly. Around the windshield, side windows and backglass the chrome is just painted on, rather than actual separate pieces, but I think it looks fine (plus you don't have to deal with the chrome pieces coming loose). In the rear, the trunk opens smoothly and stays open on its own, and is carpeted inside. The rear taillights are worth highlighting, because Kyosho included the black rubber gaskets around each assembly, which "seals" them to the body. This is important because Kyosho did not include the rubber gaskets on their new 308 models. Finally, I'm not sure what Kyosho did differently with the wheel assembly on these, but mine rolls more smoothly than any other model I own. You can roll it across a desk or table, and there's no vibration, no friction, no wheel wobble...it rolls like a real car would roll, smooth as silk (my Autoart Saleens, by comparison, roll as if they're on hexagonal wheels, really lousy, so I don't take that for granted!).
Lows: Tires are unbranded...if there's more to complain about, then I missed it.
Summary: Did you notice how many times above I said "....better than any other model I own". That's because Kyosho completely raised the bar with this diecast. It's not only better than most other Kyoshos, it's also better than every Lane Exact Detail I've ever seen, and every GMP except maybe the GTOs. And while it may not be an Exoto or CMC, let's keep in mind that this is a $50 model. That's 1/3 the cost of your average CMC or Exoto. Just the fact that I can mention those 3 makes in the same sentence gives you an idea of how incredible this car is. On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a solid 14. It's that good, so go get one and thank me later.
