Remember we told you that there would be a 1:8 scale version of the CaDA Alpine A525 Formula 1 race car building set? Well, it is finally here. And man, it is looking absolutely glorious. Folks, behold the CaDA 1:8 BWT Alpine A525 Formula 1 Race Car. Now, you might be thinking, “Pffft, it is probably a recolor of the Kick Sauber F1 set.” Not quite, my friend. Not quite.
The C64012 had me at hello with its cleaner and more streamlined design. Let’s put it this way. At a glance, you would think it is an actual factory-assembled model, not a Technic-style set. At least, that appears to be the case in photos. Then again, judging by the number of elements, you can tell it is a tighter model. It has 2,173 elements, compared with the 2,553 elements of the Kick Sauber set.
Measuring 71 cm (28 in.) long, 23 cm (9.1 in.) wide, and 14 cm (5.5 in.) tall, this set has plenty of room for detail. For starters, it comes with two sets of printed parts, letting you choose between car number 10, driven by Pierre Gasly, or car number 43, driven by Franco Colapinto, just like the 1:24 scale version.
The model recreates the aerodynamic design of the 2025 season BWT Alpine F1 Team A525 race car, including the Venturi tunnel underbody. It looks so good, you may want to display it higher up on a transparent stand just to admire it.
The model features independent suspension all around, with push-rod suspension just like the real F1 car. It also includes a working DRS system. DRS, short for Drag Reduction System, is a driver-activated mechanism that opens a flap on the rear wing to reduce aerodynamic drag, allowing extra straight-line speed for overtaking. On this model, it is activated via a lever inside the cockpit.
The CaDA 1:8 BWT Alpine A525 Formula 1 Race Car (C64012) further sports a front-narrow, rear-wide setup with slick tires, along with a generous use of molded parts. These include a molded steering wheel with printed details, a molded Halo device, and molded side mirrors.
Like the real F1 car, it has a removable front wing for quick pit repairs. The engine cover is also removable, revealing the V6 engine. The engine features a connected design with exposed “pistons” that move as the wheels roll.
The model also boasts functional steering, controlled via a mechanism on top of the airbox, and removable sidepods that let you admire the internal heat dissipation system. Yes, really.
And then, of course, there are zero decals. All graphics are printed directly on the elements. It even covers most of the sponsors for the sake of realism. Rounding out the feature list is the requisite officially licensed plaque.
The CaDA 1:8 BWT Alpine A525 Formula 1 Race Car (C64012) has launched in China with an MSRP of 1,299 yuan (US$188), or just 699 yuan [CH] (US$101) after an official store discount on Tmall.
Images: Weibo (咔搭CaDA) [CH].
