Aoshima 1/24 JUN Auto Works Subaru Impreza WRX Kit First Look

By Phil Cooley, Front Range Auto Modelers (FRAM)

First Look

Knowing that Subaru has a very successful Rally program, when I saw the box for the Aoshima 50552 JUN Auto Mechanic/Machine Shop/Auto Works Subaru Impreza WRX, I assumed the model inside was a model of one of their rally cars.  However in my research I couldn't find any pictures of it.  It was only after I discovered the JUN website, that I found I was way off-base. 

JUN does not sponsor a Subaru Impreza rally car.  Rather, JUN is a Japanese Performance company that sells “tuner” upgrades for Japanese performance cars, such as Subaru Imprezas, Nissan GTRs, Toyota Supras, Acura Integras, and the like.  For me, a musclecar afficionado, it appears JUN provides a service similar to Baldwin Motion or Yenko, who offered performance parts/upgrades (and turn-key high performance cars) back in the musclecar era.  Anyway, the JUN website appears to offer a lot of different performance upgrades, including engine upgrades, brakes and differentials, though I wasn't able to understand the details, as the website is in Japanese...

The picture on the box is of the Impreza shown on the JUN website—you'll see it when you click the Subaru Impreza WRX Tab.  The model's body is molded in yellow and includes an aftermarket body kit and spoilers.  Couple that with the multicolor decals and you can build what appears to be a very accurate replica of that car.  The chassis, suspension, and interior parts are molded in black; the front windshield and side glass is clear, while the rear and hatchback windows are tinted dark gray/black.  There are also 2 chrome sprues, which depict the headlight pods, muffler with exhaust tips, and sidemarkers.  As a bonus, Aoshima includes a piece of black mesh which will enable you to cover the openings in the hood and grille (the instructions include the necessary patterns).   

The interior is a platform type with separate sides.  I know this is the standard today and I really appreciate it as it makes detailing the side panels much easier than the interior tubs of yesteryear.  You  have the option of building your model with as a Japanese or a US spec car with right or left hand drive dashboards, cowls, and windshield wipers.  The only inaccuracy is in the console—you can't change which side the shifter is on. 

The suspension is highly detailed; you can lower it in the front and it appears you can make the the front wheels turn.  The tires are soft rubber and have directional tread.  Even though the sidewall is very thin, the tires have Pirelli F7000 markings--impressive!  The 10 spoke wheels are done in a dark silver-gold color (titanium?). They will look great when mated with the tires and will be a nice contrast to the yellow body (and green decals).  As with many Aoshima and Tamiya kits, this one is a curbside...

The instructions are nicely done and include painting directions to make your model as accurate as possible.  The sole deficiency I can see is the right hand drive components are the only ones depicted.

As I noted earlier, I'm pretty much a “musclecar” guy.  I don't particularly like the bumblebee sounds that eminate from many turbocharged tuner cars.  Yet, one of my sons owns an older Impreza Outback—I like how it handles and it's full-time 4 wheel drive; I'd consider buying one myself.  As to the model, I think this is a very accurate kit and highly recommend it for anyone who prefers tuners.  And if you're a musclecar guy like me, I'd recommend you build this kit or another like it, if only for a change of pace.  I think you'll enjoy the change.

My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!