Review by CoMod JoergW of Carrera the Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)
You might almost think you’re looking at a Morgan from the 1970s, but it’s the latest addition to this legendary family, which delighted the public at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The model was originally intended to be a one-off, but a slightly modified version is now being produced in a limited run of 100. The last units are scheduled to be delivered in 2009 to mark the company’s 100th anniversary.
Appearance:
Both vehicles correspond quite well to the real-life model; the proportions are accurate, even though the actual car appears to be larger. The Aeromax looks significantly more muscular and stockier than the Plus-8, though this does not detract from the positive overall impression. The metallic effect of the green version is a bit too pronounced for my taste. The highlight of both versions is clearly the lovingly designed driver figures.
Technical Specifications:
The vehicles have a pleasantly low center of gravity. Combined with the new chassis—and in particular the expanded swivel range of the keel—good to very good handling characteristics can be expected. The independent suspension allows for front wheels with long trail, so no braking effect is to be expected here. Unfortunately, this Morgan also lacks a light, which digital fans in particular will miss, as the refueling function is much easier to manage with a light.
Workmanship:
There is very little to criticize here. Gluing the two-piece rim together can cause imbalances that are difficult to correct afterward.
Handling:
While the Aeromax offers positive features such as a low center of gravity and an improved keel area, these are clearly offset by the choice of tires. True to the prototype, the Aeromax has very thin “low-profile tires.” In combination with the rims, the full contact patch isn’t always achieved, so sufficient tire grip isn’t guaranteed—especially when driving without a magnet. The tires generally offer a normal level of grip; they could beGo
compared to the
lfreifen.
Conclusion:
The vehicle is certainly a nice addition to the lineup and pairs very well on the track with the Morgan Plus 8. In the long run, however, it will not be able to live up to more than a tribute to the company’s anniversary with “exotic” status. This vehicle is a must-have for collectors of aerodynamically shaped bodies.
CoMod JoergW
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Review by CoMod Lotus ofCarrera
the
Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)
The Brit with a Bavarian heart!
Retro style is in! The best examples are reinterpretations of well-known and popular classics, such as the MINI from Rover/BMW or the FIAT 500. But there are also car companies (albeit only a few) that don’t need to do this because they’ve been building the same car for 70 years and still don’t seem outdated. The best-known example is probably the English automaker Morgan, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Among other models, this brand offers the Morgan 4/4, which has been in production in virtually unchanged form since 1935. So it came as an even bigger surprise when, in 2005, a concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show that sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans of the brand. And since the average Morgan driver tends to be rather conservative, that’s saying something.
The Aeromax is based on the Morgan Aero 8, which was introduced as recently as 2002. The Geneva concept car was built for a friend of the Morgan family, Prince Eric Ioan Sturdza, the owner of Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. The overwhelming response to the car prompted Morgan to bring it to market in a limited series of 100 units.
Like its predecessors, the Aeromax is built on a laminated ash wood frame, and the body is made of aluminum and handcrafted. The car is a coupe with a fastback roofline that features a striking crease down the center similar to that of the Bugatti Atalante; there is ample storage space beneath the split rear window. At the heart of the car is BMW’s 4.8-liter V8 engine, which produces 367 PS (with a curb weight of just 1,150 kg).
Looking at these specs, it’s clear that CARRERA has created a highly accurate replica of the AEROMAX. In fact, the model weighs only 84 grams, including magnets, making it the lightest car inEVOLUTION
the DIGITAG 132 lineup. As a result, the Morgan drives very briskly and nimbly. The new suspension is a noticeable improvement: the front independent suspension allows the guide keel to be positioned between the front axle, and the guide keel itself moves very smoothly. Furthermore, the new suspension no longer feels as “stiff” as, for example, on the Manta or the GTi.
The body itself is available in British Racing Green or anthracite; personally, I prefer the gray one. The car also has a special gimmick: the driver smokes a pipe! The real-life inspiration for this is said to be no stranger in CARRERA circles.
Unfortunately, the car doesn't have any lights, but that's something we can live with; what bothers me more is the lack of a dual exhaust. Although it probably wouldn’t have survived the first crash anyway, which is why it’s not included on the model.
Bottom line:
CARRERA has really put a one-of-a-kind car on the track here. But that makes it all the more interesting!
CoMod Lotus
(27293 and 30470/30471)
You might almost think you’re looking at a Morgan from the 1970s, but it’s the latest addition to this legendary family, which delighted the public at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The model was originally intended to be a one-off, but a slightly modified version is now being produced in a limited run of 100. The last units are scheduled to be delivered in 2009 to mark the company’s 100th anniversary.
Appearance:
Both vehicles correspond quite well to the real-life model; the proportions are accurate, even though the actual car appears to be larger. The Aeromax looks significantly more muscular and stockier than the Plus-8, though this does not detract from the positive overall impression. The metallic effect of the green version is a bit too pronounced for my taste. The highlight of both versions is clearly the lovingly designed driver figures.
Technical Specifications:
The vehicles have a pleasantly low center of gravity. Combined with the new chassis—and in particular the expanded swivel range of the keel—good to very good handling characteristics can be expected. The independent suspension allows for front wheels with long trail, so no braking effect is to be expected here. Unfortunately, this Morgan also lacks a light, which digital fans in particular will miss, as the refueling function is much easier to manage with a light.
Workmanship:
There is very little to criticize here. Gluing the two-piece rim together can cause imbalances that are difficult to correct afterward.
Handling:
While the Aeromax offers positive features such as a low center of gravity and an improved keel area, these are clearly offset by the choice of tires. True to the prototype, the Aeromax has very thin “low-profile tires.” In combination with the rims, the full contact patch isn’t always achieved, so sufficient tire grip isn’t guaranteed—especially when driving without a magnet. The tires generally offer a normal level of grip; they could be
Conclusion:
The vehicle is certainly a nice addition to the lineup and pairs very well on the track with the Morgan Plus 8. In the long run, however, it will not be able to live up to more than a tribute to the company’s anniversary with “exotic” status. This vehicle is a must-have for collectors of aerodynamically shaped bodies.
CoMod JoergW
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Review by CoMod Lotus of
(27293 and 30470/30471)
The Brit with a Bavarian heart!
Retro style is in! The best examples are reinterpretations of well-known and popular classics, such as the MINI from Rover/BMW or the FIAT 500. But there are also car companies (albeit only a few) that don’t need to do this because they’ve been building the same car for 70 years and still don’t seem outdated. The best-known example is probably the English automaker Morgan, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Among other models, this brand offers the Morgan 4/4, which has been in production in virtually unchanged form since 1935. So it came as an even bigger surprise when, in 2005, a concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show that sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans of the brand. And since the average Morgan driver tends to be rather conservative, that’s saying something.
The Aeromax is based on the Morgan Aero 8, which was introduced as recently as 2002. The Geneva concept car was built for a friend of the Morgan family, Prince Eric Ioan Sturdza, the owner of Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. The overwhelming response to the car prompted Morgan to bring it to market in a limited series of 100 units.
Like its predecessors, the Aeromax is built on a laminated ash wood frame, and the body is made of aluminum and handcrafted. The car is a coupe with a fastback roofline that features a striking crease down the center similar to that of the Bugatti Atalante; there is ample storage space beneath the split rear window. At the heart of the car is BMW’s 4.8-liter V8 engine, which produces 367 PS (with a curb weight of just 1,150 kg).
Looking at these specs, it’s clear that CARRERA has created a highly accurate replica of the AEROMAX. In fact, the model weighs only 84 grams, including magnets, making it the lightest car in
The body itself is available in British Racing Green or anthracite; personally, I prefer the gray one. The car also has a special gimmick: the driver smokes a pipe! The real-life inspiration for this is said to be no stranger in CARRERA circles.
Unfortunately, the car doesn't have any lights, but that's something we can live with; what bothers me more is the lack of a dual exhaust. Although it probably wouldn’t have survived the first crash anyway, which is why it’s not included on the model.
Bottom line:
CARRERA has really put a one-of-a-kind car on the track here. But that makes it all the more interesting!
CoMod Lotus
