Test report by CoMod Joerg on the Carrera Evolution/DIGITAL 132 McLaren-Mercedes Vodafone Race Car 2010
(27325/30518)
After Lewis Hamilton won the Drivers' World Championship in 2008, the McLaren team was once again able to paint the starting number 1 on the nose of its new racing car. The team's second driver was Heikki Kovalainen.
The 2009 season got off to a more than mixed start for McLaren. The new MP 24/4 failed to deliver the performance and reliability expected from its design. In 17 races, the team achieved only two wins and a few placings, including four pole positions. Ultimately, however, that was only enough for fifth place. As if that weren't enough, in 2009, first Ron Dennis and then Mercedes left the team. McLaren is now on its own for the time being, but the 2010 season is going somewhat better than 2009 in terms of points. The slight dip seems to have been overcome.
Optics:
This 1:32 model is flawlessly executed in terms of color. The silver looks classy and not kitschy, the red is a bright color, just like the original. The variety of shapes in the front and rear wings is reproduced in detail. As a concession to a toy, the rear axle unit with its struts is clearly visible. Anyone who wants to see everything detailed and well-crafted here, as with the front unit, should be prepared to pay a significantly higher price, not only when purchasing the model for the first time, but certainly after the first crash. After all, the stability of the vehicles has to be ensured somehow.
The front spoiler is protected during transport by a Lexan cap, which prevents it from falling off, which would otherwise roll around in the box and damage itself and other parts.
Technology:
The Formula 1 car has no lights. Unfortunately, there's also no brake light to warn you about the necessary refueling stops. The keel unit has the old turning radius. Although the front wheels are attached to a single axle, they are ultimately individually mounted and rotate independently of each other. Each rim consists of three parts: the outer cover, the actual rim that supports the tire, and an inner part on which the rim rotates.
Processing:
On my test vehicle, one of the two front wheels is harder to turn. Otherwise, the lettering, in particular, is very clean and legible.
Driving behavior:
The handling is typical of Formula 1: fast and relatively hectic. The cars are very narrow, which gives them their own peculiarities. I wouldn't want to drive them without magnets, even though the smooth tires offer sufficient grip. They're a great addition to the racetrack for fans and for those who just want to take a break.
CoMod Joerg* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Test report by CoMod Lotus on the Carrera Evolution/DIGITAL 132 McLaren-Mercedes Vodafone Race Car 2010
(27325/30518)
"Vodafone is the best title partner we've ever had"…
…that was the comment made by McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh in October of this year when the extension of the partnership between Vodafone and McLaren until 2013 was announced.
The telecommunications provider has been the main sponsor of the (still) Swabian-English racing team since 2005. This is due to Mercedes selling its 40% stake in McLaren back to McLaren after the end of this season. This was due to the Stuttgart-based company's entry into Brawn GP. However, McLaren continues to be supplied with engines by Mercedes.
The Carrera Formula 1 model, however, still represents the car of the 2010 season. The car features the 2.4-liter V8 under the proverbial hood. The driver of the number 1 car is Jenson Button, who won the 2009 World Championship with Brawn GP. He didn't make it this year, as Sebastian Vettel became world champion. McLaren, however, still finished second in the Constructors' Championship.
The 1:32 Carrera slot car impresses with its silver and neon red paint scheme. It's an absolute eye-catcher on the black tracks. The car handles very well, but it penalizes corners approached too quickly, due to the slightly tighter turning angle of the guide keel. Otherwise, the car is virtually impossible to throw out of the slot.
CoMod Lotus
(27325/30518)
After Lewis Hamilton won the Drivers' World Championship in 2008, the McLaren team was once again able to paint the starting number 1 on the nose of its new racing car. The team's second driver was Heikki Kovalainen.
The 2009 season got off to a more than mixed start for McLaren. The new MP 24/4 failed to deliver the performance and reliability expected from its design. In 17 races, the team achieved only two wins and a few placings, including four pole positions. Ultimately, however, that was only enough for fifth place. As if that weren't enough, in 2009, first Ron Dennis and then Mercedes left the team. McLaren is now on its own for the time being, but the 2010 season is going somewhat better than 2009 in terms of points. The slight dip seems to have been overcome.
Optics:
This 1:32 model is flawlessly executed in terms of color. The silver looks classy and not kitschy, the red is a bright color, just like the original. The variety of shapes in the front and rear wings is reproduced in detail. As a concession to a toy, the rear axle unit with its struts is clearly visible. Anyone who wants to see everything detailed and well-crafted here, as with the front unit, should be prepared to pay a significantly higher price, not only when purchasing the model for the first time, but certainly after the first crash. After all, the stability of the vehicles has to be ensured somehow.
The front spoiler is protected during transport by a Lexan cap, which prevents it from falling off, which would otherwise roll around in the box and damage itself and other parts.
Technology:
The Formula 1 car has no lights. Unfortunately, there's also no brake light to warn you about the necessary refueling stops. The keel unit has the old turning radius. Although the front wheels are attached to a single axle, they are ultimately individually mounted and rotate independently of each other. Each rim consists of three parts: the outer cover, the actual rim that supports the tire, and an inner part on which the rim rotates.
Processing:
On my test vehicle, one of the two front wheels is harder to turn. Otherwise, the lettering, in particular, is very clean and legible.
Driving behavior:
The handling is typical of Formula 1: fast and relatively hectic. The cars are very narrow, which gives them their own peculiarities. I wouldn't want to drive them without magnets, even though the smooth tires offer sufficient grip. They're a great addition to the racetrack for fans and for those who just want to take a break.
CoMod Joerg* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Test report by CoMod Lotus on the Carrera Evolution/DIGITAL 132 McLaren-Mercedes Vodafone Race Car 2010
(27325/30518)
"Vodafone is the best title partner we've ever had"…
…that was the comment made by McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh in October of this year when the extension of the partnership between Vodafone and McLaren until 2013 was announced.
The telecommunications provider has been the main sponsor of the (still) Swabian-English racing team since 2005. This is due to Mercedes selling its 40% stake in McLaren back to McLaren after the end of this season. This was due to the Stuttgart-based company's entry into Brawn GP. However, McLaren continues to be supplied with engines by Mercedes.
The Carrera Formula 1 model, however, still represents the car of the 2010 season. The car features the 2.4-liter V8 under the proverbial hood. The driver of the number 1 car is Jenson Button, who won the 2009 World Championship with Brawn GP. He didn't make it this year, as Sebastian Vettel became world champion. McLaren, however, still finished second in the Constructors' Championship.
The 1:32 Carrera slot car impresses with its silver and neon red paint scheme. It's an absolute eye-catcher on the black tracks. The car handles very well, but it penalizes corners approached too quickly, due to the slightly tighter turning angle of the guide keel. Otherwise, the car is virtually impossible to throw out of the slot.
CoMod Lotus
