Carrera DIGITAL 132 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 "AMR Bilstein, No.97", Silverstone 2013
Art. No. 30676

The successor to the Aston Martin DBR(S)9 (no stranger to Carrera ), which has been used in racing since 2006, entered the GT3 arena in 2012 with a V12 engine and 6-liter displacement, delivering around 600 hp and 700 Nm, as a competitor to the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Mercedes SLS. Of course, a slightly slimmed-down road version is also available for real fans.

This model in the familiar yellow and blue Bilstein design is the result of a technical cooperation between the vehicle manufacturer Aston-Martin and the suspension specialist Bilstein. Entries in the German VLN series, particularly with a focus on the 24-hour Nürburgring, were not bad for the V12 Vantage for a re-start. in 2013, they were able to achieve 10th place overall in the 24-hour race. This Carrera1:32 scale model has been driven in the British Blacpain Endurance Series, in which Aston Martin is committed to becoming a works team. New entries in the 24-hour races at Spa and the Nürburgring are planned.

Optics: Yellow and blue is easy to spot on the Carreratrack. The new Aston Martin looks good in the field of GT cars. I like the front view with the slit-eyed headlights and the huge rear spoiler. From the side view, the space between the tires and the wheel arch is still a little too big.

Technology: Actually all familiar components, even if the vehicle is new.
The front lights are white, bright enough and hardly shine inwards. The blue rear lights are red. The brake light in particular is easily recognizable. The tires have good grip. The tires are prototypically quite thin, grinding should be done with caution. Perhaps there will also be suitable Orthmänner or similar for the vehicle, the vehicle would have deserved it.

Processing: In the area of the paintwork there are small - and I mean small - imperfections and an annoying imperfection on the left C-pillar. All other components, such as decals and the technical parts, are flawless and cleanly mounted. What I would have liked to change is the antenna. If it were made of flexible material, you could leave it on during the race without hesitation, but the slightly backward-standing antenna is very vulnerable.

Driving behavior: The vehicle is a little heavy at 102 grams, but has a good ratio of wheelbase, length and width and can definitely compete in the GT series of Carrera . There is space in the chassis for tuning using weights. I find the handling with and without the magnet to be well-balanced, pleasant and lively.

Conclusion: Finally a 'new' manufacturer in the GT3 circus on the Carreratrack. I think there could be more variants to come, such as the Fischer Racing Team car. In 1:24, the vehicle would certainly cut a fine figure, but will it be any good? If you look at the starter lists ...., there are a few other manufacturers who have not yet done their laps in 1:32.

CoMod Jörg