As first reported on the DiecastXchange Blog, pictures are emerging of forthcoming 1/18 scale AUTOart AMG Mercedes-Benz diecast models. They are:

• 76168 AMG Mercedes-Benz CL63 - Iridium Silver
• 76169 AMG Mercedes-Benz CL63 - Black
• 76241 AMG Mercedes-Benz S63 - Iridium Silver
• 76242 AMG Mercedes-Benz S63 - Black
• 76246 AMG Mercedes-Benz G55 - Black
• 76247 AMG Merdedes-Benz G55 - Silver

The CL63 and S63 are advertised with real leather seats - a first for AUTOart models and for a car this luxurious, a much appreciated feature. It's great to see these pictures and the hope is that the wait won't be long for availability. The G-Wagon will be a welcomed return. Why did AUTOart never restock the original release?

The diecast collecting community has mixed feelings about AUTOart, much of which began in 2003 with the initial releases of the sealed shell cars and simultaneous 30% increase in retail cost. Loyal distributors of AUTOart products have been given the cold shoulder and a total lack of communication from the company, barring the ever-present memos of coming price increases. And who can forget the arrogance of company reps who flatly insulted the American collectors? But we keep coming back despite it all because of products like these Mercedes models. They might be too high, but if we want it bad enough, where else are we going to get it? Our advice? Choose your purchases wisely and support the companies who are still hanging on through the turmoil this hobby and industry are currently experiencing. It will likely take a major resurgence in the American economy before things get better (better: higher-quality diecast at lower prices). Try to hang in there a little longer!