Review by CoMod Carrera124 on the Carrera Evo/D132 Opel GT Steinmetz "Tuner 1"
(27326 and 30520)
"Only flying is more beautiful!" That's what Opel's advertising strategists used back then. And since then, it's been an unwritten rule that this famous saying is quoted in every article about the Opel GT. So, I've already fulfilled that obligation ;-)
Technical data:
Weight (digital vehicle, complete with magnets): 83 grams
Weight (analog vehicle, complete with magnets): 78 grams
Weight (body): 21 grams
Length including spoiler: 125 mm
Wheelbase: 76 mm
Track width (front axle): 54 mm
Track width (rear axle): 57mm
Other: analog vehicle without lighting
Overview of the color and country variants:
The Opel GT will initially be delivered in two design variants. A tuner version in dark blue metallic, available as an analog and digital vehicle, and a racing version, similar to the one used in various touring car races in 1972. The racing version will be produced exclusively for the digital range.
The model:
The basic shape of the Opel GT is well captured, the lines impeccable. And despite the thick, stone-like cheeks, the vehicle overall appears small and delicate, thus certainly living up to its true identity. Opinions differ on the color scheme – whether you like the metallic paint with the printed US flag or not is a matter of personal taste.
Also worth mentioning are the beautifully designed and finely perforated spoked rims.
The technology:
The chassis has all the features typical of new designs since 2009: the magnets are located inside, and removing them requires removing the motor and/or the circuit board. However, since the magnets are usually only removed once, I consider this effort justifiable. The front wheels are individually suspended, and due to tighter production tolerances, they wobble noticeably less than in last year's vehicles—for example, the Ford Capri.
The remarkable weight is 83 grams (digital vehicle) and 78 grams (analog vehicle). The weight difference is due to the absence of lighting in the analog vehicle. The body itself weighs only 21 grams.
The lighting is a disappointment, at least at the front. The LEDs shine everywhere except the front.
The driving behavior:
Let's get to the road test: the low weight combined with the small wheel diameters promises aggressive handling. Both magnets remain installed for now. With this setup, the GT handles almost like a GO!!! car on my test track – as long as my standard driving voltage is set, even K1 can be driven at full throttle without any problems.
In the next step, I removed the rear magnet. This makes acceleration a bit more aggressive, and creates a kind of controllable limit in the corners. However, the magnetic effect is still comparatively strong. Nevertheless, I decided to leave the center magnet in the car so that the digital switches can be taken safely and quickly. When the limit is exceeded, the rear end does break out, but the tendency to roll is very minimal. If you want to run completely magnetless, there's enough space in the chassis to attach trim weights.
Overall, it's a very lively, virtually foolproof vehicle, perfectly suited for the typical home track with tight curves and chicanes. For analogue use, it's a good idea to have a power supply with adjustable voltage on hand.
CoMod Carrera124
----------------------------------------
Review by CoMod JoergW on the Carrera Evo/D132 Opel GT Steinmetz "Tuner 1"
(27326 and 30520)
Opel GT … the little man’s Corvette.
"Driving an Opel is like flying"... and in the extra-wide Steinmetz version it's even more fun.
As a design offensive for the otherwise rather tranquil and old-fashioned model range, the Opel GT was presented as a prototype to an astonished and skeptical audience at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1965: in the design known as the "Coke Bottle Shape", with folding sleeping eyes and clear borrowings from the successful Corvette of the parent company GM.
The Opel GT was initially built in the Opel GT 1100 and Opel GT 1900 variants. The vehicle's development relied on proven modular elements. The floorpan, chassis, and 1.1-liter engine were taken from the Kadett B. The larger variant received a modified engine from the Opel Rekord, which also explains the dented hood.
More than half of the production was shipped to the USA, where it sold extremely well. This is certainly the reason why the successful model was discontinued without a successor. The little brother stole the mold from the big sister... the Corvette clearly took priority.
Optics:
The dark metallic blue paintwork of the Carrera model looks very classy and certainly more in keeping with a modern, restored version than a sports version from the early 1970s. The American flag on the hood cleverly draws a connection to the Corvette.
The yellow and black GT is, in my opinion, a well-executed version of the
Touring race car from 1972. All in all, a visually very appealing model, which, thanks to the new, flatter chassis and its stylish silhouette, appears very true to the original. Personally, I'm not so fond of the mirrors used.
Technology:
Independent wheel suspension in brass bushings, extended steering angle, and treaded tires with good grip. The digital model also features front and rear lights. The front lights in the radiator grille are used, as the night lights are retracted.
Processing:
The tires, which have quite good grip, sit relatively loosely on the rims. Gluing them on would certainly be recommended for longer use. The rims and axles are fine on both models.
Unlike other 1:32 scale vehicles, the GT is attached to the chassis at the rear with only a single screw. In terms of handling, the resulting ease of maneuverability should be neither advantageous nor disadvantageous.
Driving behavior:
Low, wide, with a relatively long wheelbase—what more could you want? With magnets, the GT is clearly superior to older 1970s cars thanks to its low profile and the extended pivot range of the guide keel. The inside lane on Turn 1 is no longer a nightmare.
For those who prefer magnet-free driving, both chassis offer space for custom-cut lead sheets from the roofing trade.
Conclusion:
Recommended as a supplement to the existing vehicle range of the 70s.
If you are looking for suggestions for other model variants, more photos or additional information, you can have a look here: http://norbert.opelgt.org/
Maybe we can get a bodyshell of the vehicle. Would it be worth it?! There are certainly plenty of design ideas out there.
CoMod JoergW
(27326 and 30520)
"Only flying is more beautiful!" That's what Opel's advertising strategists used back then. And since then, it's been an unwritten rule that this famous saying is quoted in every article about the Opel GT. So, I've already fulfilled that obligation ;-)
Technical data:
Weight (digital vehicle, complete with magnets): 83 grams
Weight (analog vehicle, complete with magnets): 78 grams
Weight (body): 21 grams
Length including spoiler: 125 mm
Wheelbase: 76 mm
Track width (front axle): 54 mm
Track width (rear axle): 57mm
Other: analog vehicle without lighting
Overview of the color and country variants:
The Opel GT will initially be delivered in two design variants. A tuner version in dark blue metallic, available as an analog and digital vehicle, and a racing version, similar to the one used in various touring car races in 1972. The racing version will be produced exclusively for the digital range.
The model:
The basic shape of the Opel GT is well captured, the lines impeccable. And despite the thick, stone-like cheeks, the vehicle overall appears small and delicate, thus certainly living up to its true identity. Opinions differ on the color scheme – whether you like the metallic paint with the printed US flag or not is a matter of personal taste.
Also worth mentioning are the beautifully designed and finely perforated spoked rims.
The technology:
The chassis has all the features typical of new designs since 2009: the magnets are located inside, and removing them requires removing the motor and/or the circuit board. However, since the magnets are usually only removed once, I consider this effort justifiable. The front wheels are individually suspended, and due to tighter production tolerances, they wobble noticeably less than in last year's vehicles—for example, the Ford Capri.
The remarkable weight is 83 grams (digital vehicle) and 78 grams (analog vehicle). The weight difference is due to the absence of lighting in the analog vehicle. The body itself weighs only 21 grams.
The lighting is a disappointment, at least at the front. The LEDs shine everywhere except the front.
The driving behavior:
Let's get to the road test: the low weight combined with the small wheel diameters promises aggressive handling. Both magnets remain installed for now. With this setup, the GT handles almost like a GO!!! car on my test track – as long as my standard driving voltage is set, even K1 can be driven at full throttle without any problems.
In the next step, I removed the rear magnet. This makes acceleration a bit more aggressive, and creates a kind of controllable limit in the corners. However, the magnetic effect is still comparatively strong. Nevertheless, I decided to leave the center magnet in the car so that the digital switches can be taken safely and quickly. When the limit is exceeded, the rear end does break out, but the tendency to roll is very minimal. If you want to run completely magnetless, there's enough space in the chassis to attach trim weights.
Overall, it's a very lively, virtually foolproof vehicle, perfectly suited for the typical home track with tight curves and chicanes. For analogue use, it's a good idea to have a power supply with adjustable voltage on hand.
CoMod Carrera124
----------------------------------------
Review by CoMod JoergW on the Carrera Evo/D132 Opel GT Steinmetz "Tuner 1"
(27326 and 30520)
Opel GT … the little man’s Corvette.
"Driving an Opel is like flying"... and in the extra-wide Steinmetz version it's even more fun.
As a design offensive for the otherwise rather tranquil and old-fashioned model range, the Opel GT was presented as a prototype to an astonished and skeptical audience at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1965: in the design known as the "Coke Bottle Shape", with folding sleeping eyes and clear borrowings from the successful Corvette of the parent company GM.
The Opel GT was initially built in the Opel GT 1100 and Opel GT 1900 variants. The vehicle's development relied on proven modular elements. The floorpan, chassis, and 1.1-liter engine were taken from the Kadett B. The larger variant received a modified engine from the Opel Rekord, which also explains the dented hood.
More than half of the production was shipped to the USA, where it sold extremely well. This is certainly the reason why the successful model was discontinued without a successor. The little brother stole the mold from the big sister... the Corvette clearly took priority.
Optics:
The dark metallic blue paintwork of the Carrera model looks very classy and certainly more in keeping with a modern, restored version than a sports version from the early 1970s. The American flag on the hood cleverly draws a connection to the Corvette.
The yellow and black GT is, in my opinion, a well-executed version of the
Touring race car from 1972. All in all, a visually very appealing model, which, thanks to the new, flatter chassis and its stylish silhouette, appears very true to the original. Personally, I'm not so fond of the mirrors used.
Technology:
Independent wheel suspension in brass bushings, extended steering angle, and treaded tires with good grip. The digital model also features front and rear lights. The front lights in the radiator grille are used, as the night lights are retracted.
Processing:
The tires, which have quite good grip, sit relatively loosely on the rims. Gluing them on would certainly be recommended for longer use. The rims and axles are fine on both models.
Unlike other 1:32 scale vehicles, the GT is attached to the chassis at the rear with only a single screw. In terms of handling, the resulting ease of maneuverability should be neither advantageous nor disadvantageous.
Driving behavior:
Low, wide, with a relatively long wheelbase—what more could you want? With magnets, the GT is clearly superior to older 1970s cars thanks to its low profile and the extended pivot range of the guide keel. The inside lane on Turn 1 is no longer a nightmare.
For those who prefer magnet-free driving, both chassis offer space for custom-cut lead sheets from the roofing trade.
Conclusion:
Recommended as a supplement to the existing vehicle range of the 70s.
If you are looking for suggestions for other model variants, more photos or additional information, you can have a look here: http://norbert.opelgt.org/
Maybe we can get a bodyshell of the vehicle. Would it be worth it?! There are certainly plenty of design ideas out there.
CoMod JoergW
