Vehicle reports

Test report on the Carrera DIGITAL 124 BMW M1 Procar "BASF No.80", 1980 by CoMod Jörg will follow shortly.

Item No. 20023821
In the range: 2015, 2016

Shop link: bit.ly/1NZJRjm

Club report on the Carrera DIGITAL 124 BMW M1 Procar "Regazzoni No.28", 1979 by CoMod Lotus!
Item No.: 20023820
Shopping link: http://bit.ly/1PgQkKN


The BMW M1 is a polarizing car: you either like the wedge shape or you don't. The M1 is one of the last designs in a long line of vehicles by the three "wedge designers" Giuseppe "Nuccio" Bertone, Giorgetto Giugiaro, and Marcello Gandini.

I know a few people who have a special connection to the car. CoMod Mike, for example, told us many years ago that when he was young, he often passed by the Karosserie Baur factory where the car was manufactured. He's been a fan ever since.

I've also been fascinated by the first real racing car from Munich-based M GmbH since my youth. I had an original factory poster of the BMW supercar hanging on the wall in my office for over 15 years; the 277-hp sports car is one of my absolute dream cars.
Five or six years ago, there was a production M1 on display at the Technorama in Ulm. The price back then was €75,000. Unfortunately, it wasn't in my price range, but it would have been a good buy. These days, you can't find an M1 for less than €150,000. The Procar versions, which are very rarely offered, start at €750,000.

Many CarreraClub members have been calling for the car for the 124 range, and we CoMods have also been suggesting the M1 for many years.

Our best argument was actually the reason that would represent the BMW M1's biggest drawback in reality: since the race cars originally planned for Group 4 could no longer be used due to rule changes shortly before their release, BMW launched the Procar series as a supporting program for Formula 1. Here, the five fastest Formula 1 drivers competed in factory BMW M1 cars against a maximum of 19 sports car and private drivers of this vehicle type. The M1 was thus its own racing series. With a correspondingly large number of designs, sponsors, etc. Essentially, it was every racetrack manufacturer's dream. ;-)

The joy was all the greater when the BMW M1 Procar was announced in the 2015 program.
So now I have the factory racing car with the number 28 in front of me. Driver: Clay Regazzoni, Ferrari Formula 1 driver and legendary teammate of Niki Lauda. Incidentally, he drove for Williams in 1979. BMW's factory livery is familiar: a white base color with horizontal stripes in light blue, dark blue, and red.

The proportions of the body are well captured, and the paintwork is true to the original. Even the driver involvement makes a very good impression, which is not easy with such a low body. When I first held the car in my hands, my first thought was, "It needs a long run; it's probably not challenged enough on its classic home track." I was all the more surprised by the way it handles! I knew that a car with such a low center of gravity and such a wide chassis would handle well in corners. But I hadn't thought that the speeding door wedge would pull away so well from the bottom, despite the long gear ratio. This could also be due to the weight of just 212 g. The rubber compound of the tires is very soft, which also contributes to the good handling.

Conclusion: a car that is really fun and is guaranteed to find its way onto the tracks of the club members!

Best regards,
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGTAL 124 Ferrari 575 GTC 'Carrera'
Item No. 20023815
In the range: 2015
Edition: 999 copies worldwide

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Infiniti Red Bull Racing 'Camo Bull Test Car 2015'
Item No. 20030729
In the range: 2015
Edition: 1,999 copies

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R "No.3"
Item No. 20023818
AVAILABLE: WEEK 48/50 2015

http://bit.ly/1lM9SNd

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R TBD
Item No. 20023819
AVAILABLE: January 2016

http://bit.ly/1PQv7d9

The legend lives on…
A review by CoMod JoergW

The Corvette C7R was introduced in 2017 as the successor to the well-known Corvette C6R, which had long been part of the Carrera lineup. A 5.5-liter V8 engine with direct injection is intended to shake up the GTE/GTLM class… but will it actually succeed?

The model's appearance is faithfully reproduced. The design-related clearance in the wheel arches is minimal and does not detract from the overall appearance. The greenish light from the front slit-eye headlights is rather dim, certainly only partially suitable for night racing. Thanks to the new, flat LEDs, without side shields, the light from the wheel arches penetrates the road more clearly. The chassis has sufficient space on both sides for trim weights. The interior is uncluttered, and the cables are neatly routed.

I find the weight distribution between the chassis (72 g) and body (30 g) to be very good, but the overall weight could be a few grams lower. The paintwork and finish are flawless… as you'd expect from Carrera. The front axle rotates smoothly and freely.

The tires offer sufficient grip, but due to their thinness, there's very little room for grinding. However, breaking the edges should still be possible without any problems.

The vehicle readily absorbs power and, with its magnetic drivetrain, has pleasant and speedy driving characteristics; this is where its relatively long wheelbase certainly comes in handy.
The performance is on par with other GT cars. The yellow racer will easily fit into the field, but whether it can compete at the front... that will largely depend on the driver.

Best regards,
Jörg

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 “Polizia”

Digital 132 Item No. 20030731
http://bit.ly/1N6iudE

The success story continues!

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 103 grams
Weight (body): 33 grams
Length including spoiler: 142 mm
Wheelbase: 82 mm
Track width (front axle): 58 mm
Track width (rear axle): 59 mm
Other: no driver assignment

Test report:
It took a long time until the first flashing-light vehicle finally became available in 1:32 scale in 2009. Since then, these vehicles have enjoyed great popularity, and subsequently, more vehicles with flashing lights on the roof have been released regularly. The first Porsche 911 Police was even reinstated in the lineup this year, and the newest member of this genre is the Lamborghini Huracan, sporting the original Italian police livery.

Optics:
The proportions, color scheme, and printing leave nothing to be desired; the car simply looks good from every perspective. As is typical for flashing-light vehicles, there's no driver's seat; instead, the windshield and side windows are opaque black. The rear window, however, is transparent, revealing a very attractive imitation engine.
The blue light unit on the roof has been given a much more (Italian) chic look than the rather bulky light units of previous flashing light vehicles.

Technology:
The chassis is identical to the previously presented green road version, with the exception of the special indicator decoder. A rigid front axle and a healthy weight of just over 100 grams guarantee good and safe roadholding.

Driving test:
The lack of driver weight has a positive impact on performance; the Lambo is exceptionally sharp and fast. Depending on the magnet configuration, the full range is possible, allowing the vehicle to be configured as either a highly grippy ground rocket or a docile drifter at the limits. The only unpleasant aspect is the soundscape; the bodywork roars quite audibly when driving.

Conclusion:
You don't have to be a prophet to predict a similar success for this vehicle as its predecessors. The prerequisites are there.

Best regards,
CoMod Carrera124

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4
http://bit.ly/1kYJ8bm

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 458 It
http://bit.ly/1MM7D6k

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 "Erebus Motorsports, No.1A"
Item No.: 20023812

The old master's vehicle

This version of the AMG SLS is the second D124 car based on a model from the "Erebus Motorsports" racing team. The original car was driven by none other than DTM record champion Bernd Schneider, which alone is sure to attract many fans and buyers.

The design stands out pleasantly; the combination of "black with purple stripes" is rather rare in racing. There's no danger of confusion with any of the other GT3 cars in the Digital 124 range. There are several details to discover in the driver action, where the larger scale really comes into its own.

There's nothing new to report on the technology; the vehicle has been in the program since 2013; I refer to the older test reports here.

<< I'll buy it right away! >>

Test report on the Formula 1 cars of the Carrera season!

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari F14 T "F.Alonso, No.14"
http://bit.ly/1HOo0Pu

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari F14 T "K.Räikkönen, No.7"
http://bit.ly/1N6fLAS

The F14T

Writing club reports on Formula 1 cars isn't easy. The report ultimately boils down to a list of bombastic engine and performance data. The research is usually boring—er, I mean, not very exciting, of course. ;-)

This time, however, I came across a report from AUTO MOTOR SPORT from the very beginning, which I'm simply posting in full paragraphs because it's just too good. So here's the original quote:
“Even before the presentation of the There was a lot of talk about the new Ferrari F14 T. The Italians let fans vote on the new name. More than a million votes were cast on the racing team's website. In the end, F14T narrowly beat F166 Turbo. However, the new name evokes some amusing associations. Some are reminded of the US fighter jet of the same name. Some see similarities in the F14T typeface to the parent company FIAT.
End of quote!

How can you top an introduction like that? You simply can't do it any better. There's not much to say about the car itself. The F14T is the Maranelli team's F1 car for the 2014 season. Due to the changes to the F1 regulations, the car is a completely new design. The Ferrari weighs just under 700 kg and has a 1.6-liter V6 with around 600 hp (at 15,000 rpm).
Impressive figures, plus two of the world's best drivers in Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen. But it still didn't amount to anything; Alonso's best race result was third place at the Chinese Grand Prix. Overall, he only managed fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.

The model makes a significantly better impression. The looks are appropriate, the model accurately replicates the characteristic basic shape of the Ferrari F14T, and the technology is also familiar. The low weight combined with the high-revving engine results in impressive acceleration and a top speed that's almost impossible to achieve on normal home tracks. Therefore, it seems sensible to reduce the maximum speed somewhat.
This means that the F14T can easily keep up with its direct CARRERA competitor, the Mercedes W105.

Exciting races are guaranteed on your home track. Have fun!

Carrera DIGITAL 132 VW Beetle "Group 5"

Item No.: 20030719
In the range: 2015

Order now in the club shop!

Beetle tuning…

What can one write about tuned Beetles that hasn't already been written about them in the last 70 years? Difficult... Let's take a different approach.

Pretty much everyone in my age group (40+) has had to deal with the knobby VW at some point, even if they didn't own one themselves.

Richard, a classmate of mine, had an orange 1303, which we almost set on fire at a class party. We were all drunk, so we put out the cable fire with beer (which didn't make the car any better, by the way).

25 years ago, there was a guy in my local bar who first drove a Beetle with a Coca-Cola livery; he even had Coke pay for the paint job. He drove the car for about two years, during which time he built his first "real" Beetle: 2.4-liter engine, lower, louder, Fuchs rims, Porsche parts, etc. etc. etc. That thing was the absolute bomb in our room back then. The guy was an electrical engineer, by the way, not a mechanic or anything. ;-) And that wasn't his last Beetle; as far as I know, he had several of those things and has been working on another one for some time. Somehow, it just doesn't let you go.

Today I know that he built and tuned a Type 4 engine back then. There's nothing you can't get for the Beetle. And that hasn't changed to this day: Beetle tuners still exist today, and there's still plenty of customers for the airboxer faction.

Now, most tuned Beetles are relatively tame in appearance. At best, they have wider fenders, are lower, and considerably louder. The only thing you can still drive on public roads without becoming a regular customer of those gentlemen in the green and silver cars (outside of Bavaria: blue and silver cars). Visually, there's definitely no comparison to the latest model from CARRERA: the RACE 4!

I'm sure the TÜV inspector would have some trouble registering the Porsche 935-style fender flares (after they revived it...). But the car isn't that unrealistic; in the '70s, some pretty awesome cars were on the racetracks.

The RACE 4's paint job is definitely contemporary; Chevy red was quite popular back then, and the VW logo fits, too. The color reminds me of the Matchbox Flying Bug, which looked similar. The Beetle's handling is familiar; the red racer may have a very short track, but its width makes it impossible to throw off course.

This thing is fun. Really fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun
Your Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW Z4 GT3, "Walkenhorst No. 36"

Item No. 20030713
In the range: 2015

<< Order now in our online shop >>

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M4 DTM 'M.Wittmann, No23' 2014 and 'J.Hand, No.04' 2014
Reviews by CoMod Carrera 124 and JoergW


Art. No. 20030738 and Art. No. 20030739
In the range: 2015

The success story continues: BMW M4 DTM “Joey Hand”

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 106 grams
Weight (body): 29 grams
Length including spoiler: 157 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm
Track width (front axle): 60 mm
Track width (rear axle): 60 mm

Test report:
The BMW M3 is a racing icon and known worldwide. But even icons are not immune to change. Since the end of 2013, BMW has been changing the nomenclature of its vehicle range: The sedans retained their traditional odd-numbered line designations, whereas coupes and convertibles were given even-numbered line designations. Thus, the BMW 3 Series Coupe became the BMW 4 Series, and accordingly the BMW M3 DTM transformed into the BMW M4 DTM. However, with real DTM vehicles, this only affects the outer shell. In the 2014 season, American Joey Hand drove the BMW M4 with the "Crowne Plaza" livery, a sponsorship he had taken over from retired brand colleague Andy Priaulx. However, this was to be his third and final DTM season, and with a very meager points haul, he said goodbye to BMW at the end of the season.

Optics:
Once again, the DTM cars have been very successfully implemented. The bodywork appears harmonious and faithfully proportioned throughout. The selected design once again poses no risk of visual confusion with previously released DTM cars, which wasn't always the case before 2012 (you can read a report by Jörg about Marco Wittmann's 2014 championship-winning car).

Technology:
Considering the impressive dimensions, the overall weight is perfectly acceptable. Otherwise, the chassis offers familiar features, from the decoder to the motor. The lighting is provided by SMD LEDs.

Driving test:
I was a bit disappointed here; the car was relatively sluggish. I quickly reprogrammed the speed setting, but there was no noticeable improvement. The BMW M4 can't keep up with the pace of the older DTM cars, even though they compete in the same weight class. Production variation or coincidence? The Wittmann car was a bit more agile, but overall also slower than the older DTM cars since 2012.

Conclusion:
Great looks, unfortunately coupled with somewhat disappointing performance.

*****************************************************************
BMW M4: the 2014 DTM champion is now also available in the 1:32 Carrera class.

With four wins, one second-place finish, and three fastest laps, Marco Wittmann secured the overall victory in the 2014 DTM by a clear margin of 156 to 106 points. BMW is dedicating a special model to Marco Wittmann's winning car for private use. Matching the starting number, however, only 23 units will be made... if they haven't already gone ;-)

The model vehicle looks absolutely true to the original. The grooves are tightly fitted to the wheel arches, perfectly conveying the extremely flat silhouette of the DMT BMWs. The decals and printing are very well executed and largely match the original. I personally particularly like the matte black surfaces along the longitudinal axis of the hood, roof, and rear.

On the model, the sidepods are mounted to the chassis below the wheel arches. There's a little, but certainly enough, space in the chassis for trim weights (the wiring may need to be rerouted slightly). The weight is somewhat high, distributed between the chassis (76 g) and the body (30 g).
The wheels/axles run freely and smoothly. The tires have sufficient grip, and regrinding is unnecessary—partly due to the relatively low rubber mass.

The headlights shine slightly outside the headlights; they're bright and realistic. The rear lights are clearly visible, and the brake lights are practically impossible to miss.
The magnets stick clearly, but the vehicle readily accepts power and accelerates well. Even with the full array of magnets, the vehicle is still fun to drive. With just the rear magnet, the vehicle can still be moved very safely and quickly.

Until then
joergW

Test report on the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Polizia from CoMod Carrera124

Item No.: 20030731
In the range: 2015

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 103 grams
Weight (body): 33 grams
Length including spoiler: 142 mm
Wheelbase: 82 mm
Track width (front axle): 58 mm
Track width (rear axle): 59 mm
Other: no driver assignment

Test report:
It took a long time until the first flashing-light vehicle finally became available in 1:32 scale in 2009. Since then, these vehicles have enjoyed great popularity, and subsequently, more vehicles with flashing lights on the roof have been released regularly. The first Porsche 911 Police was even reinstated in the lineup this year, and the newest member of this genre is the Lamborghini Huracan, sporting the original Italian police livery.

Optics:
The proportions, color scheme, and printing leave nothing to be desired; the car simply looks good from every perspective. As is typical for flashing-light vehicles, there's no driver's seat; instead, the windshield and side windows are opaque black. The rear window, however, is transparent, revealing a very attractive imitation engine.
The blue light unit on the roof has been given a much more (Italian) chic look than the rather bulky light units of previous flashing light vehicles.

Technology:
The chassis is identical to the previously presented green road version, with the exception of the special indicator decoder. A rigid front axle and a healthy weight of just over 100 grams guarantee good and safe roadholding.

Driving test:
The lack of driver weight has a positive impact on performance; the Lambo is exceptionally sharp and fast. Depending on the magnet configuration, the full range is possible, allowing the vehicle to be configured as either a highly grippy ground rocket or a docile drifter at the limits. The only unpleasant aspect is the soundscape; the bodywork roars quite audibly when driving.

Conclusion:
You don't have to be a prophet to predict a similar success for this vehicle as its predecessors. The prerequisites are there.


Online Shopping

Carrera DIGITAL Audi R8 LMS "C.Abt Racing, No.10"

Item No. 20023808
In the range: 2015

<< Shop online >>

Dear club members,
Today we are pleased to present you the first pictures of this year’s Carrera DIGITAL 124 Club model.

Silvan Renggli from Switzerland is responsible for the design and joins the ranks of previous winners of the Club Model Design Competition.

Unfortunately, we were unable to grant final production approval with the licensor until somewhat later than planned. Therefore, the sales launch date has been postponed.

We will be able to offer the 2015 Club model in the Carrera Club online shop starting mid-December 2015.

We strive to keep waiting times as short as possible.

Best regards,
your Carrera Club Team

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 917K Martini International "No.35", Watkins Glen 6h 1970

Item No. 20030737
In the range: 2015
Available from October 29, 2015

So the yellow-red Martini Porsche 917 “Kyalami 1970” in 1:32 scale is here.

Everything has already been said about the real model - even several times - so I am only writing about the existing model vehicle.

The first impression... Wow, that's small. It's always astonishing what a difference between a 1:24 and a 1:32 scale model makes when two vehicles are parked side by side. The new 1:32 model appears rather delicate and flatter overall than its counterpart in the 1:24 range. However, the proportions are well realized and appear very natural.

At 94 g, the vehicle isn't exactly lightweight, but the weight distribution of 68 g chassis to 26 g body is acceptable. The wide, treaded tires offer sufficient grip and don't sit too loosely on the rims. In my opinion, the tires should be slightly sanded when driving without magnets. This isn't necessary when using the magnets.

The printing and paintwork are flawless. A small bump is visible at the end of the rear fenders, which is caused by the screws underneath that attach the body to the chassis.

The vehicle, presumably due to its relatively flat design, uses the engine variant from the well-known Formula cars. The front axle features independent suspension, with the axle stub rotating freely and smoothly.

As with the 1:24 scale model, the rear and brake lights were omitted. The LED front lighting appears authentic; the slight glow through the wheel arches is noticeable but not distracting.

The performance with the magnet is good, but the vehicle practically sticks to the track. If I were to run the vehicle continuously, the rear magnet would come out. With complete demagnetization, the chassis offers very little space for trim weights.

I'm looking forward to the other small-scale Porsche models; they're definitely fun.

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ferrari 330P4 "No.03", Monza 1967
Item No.: 20023814

<< NOW available in the Carrera online shop >>

As the P in the vehicle name suggests, the original was a prototype. Only 3, or 4 (if you count the P3/P4 conversion), of this vehicle were built. Externally, the differences between the P3 and P4 are slight, but an engine concept derived from Formula 1 increased power to around 450 hp. In 1967, Scudderia Ferrari entered this car in the Sports Car World Championship. The 330P4's greatest success was Ferrari's historic triple victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing 1st and 2nd, as well as 1st and 2nd at the 1000km Monza race. Ferrari won the championship that year, ahead of the Porsche team.

After a long absence from the P4 models (the first Carrera models were released in analog form back in 2005), one of the two successful Monza cars from 1967 is now being released. It is the winning car, driven by Lorenzo Bandini and Chris Amon. A Ferrari 412P also competed in the same race; this was essentially the same car, but as a customer version, it had "only" 410 hp.

If a car racing enthusiast can call all eight Ferrari 330P4 models their own, they not only have a valuable collection—they command high prices when new or in very good condition—but also a very impressive field of entries. However, the color red clearly predominates, which is not surprising given Ferrari.

According to this video, only one original vehicle has survived to this day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awArTC8iQ3Q

The model itself is flawlessly manufactured. The paint and details are flawless. The sprung front axle is usually "de-sprung," which has a positive effect on handling. The rear tires don't offer much material to sand down, but the new version of the tires also offers significantly more grip than the first vehicles.

The P4 is a truly competitive model in the 1:24 Carrera historic racing car range. Long, wide, flat... It runs.

Until then
joergW

Carrera DIGTIAL 124 Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 Black Bull Racing, No.64, GT Open 2014
Item No: 20023811

<< NOW available in the Carrera ONLINE shop >>

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Formula E “Venturi Racing – Nick Heidfeld”
Item No.: 20030706
<< Carrera Online Shop >>

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 71 grams
Weight (body): 16 grams
Length including spoiler: 155 mm
Wheelbase: 97 mm
Track width (front axle): 54 mm
Track width (rear axle): 52 mm
Other: narrow center magnet, new digital decoder Art. No. 26744

Body/Appearance:
A racing series featuring all-electric Formula cars – it was only logical to bring these to the racetrack in a scaled-down version. For the third model, Nick Heidfeld's – now former – company car was chosen. This gained media attention because Nick, Heidfeld, and Nicolas Prost were involved in a spectacular crash at the opening race in Beijing in 2014. Heidfeld's car was thrown several meters into the air and into a safety fence, which he fortunately survived without any significant injuries.
Black bodies are always problematic because they're difficult to see on the equally black track. However, the red stripes and the flag pattern on the rear cover provide a focal point.
The other two Formula E models have silver rims; here they are black with a thin red rim. This gives the model a certain uniqueness compared to the other two.
Also worth mentioning are the recess for the gearbox in the rear and a side recess to the left below the driver, under which the LED of the digital decoder is located.
The front spoiler is attached as usual; otherwise, there are no mirrors or other small parts that could break off or get lost while driving. The rear spoiler extends almost the entire width of the vehicle at the bottom and is mounted relatively solidly.

Chassis/Technology:
With a total weight of just 71 grams, the model is extremely lightweight. It uses the narrow, longer engine familiar from many other Formula cars.
Due to the narrow body shape with the sidepods set far back, a new digital decoder (item no. 26744) is used here, which will also be available separately for retrofitting the analog Evolution models. The LED is mounted so that it lies outside the circuit board area.

Furthermore, the center magnet is significantly narrower than the normally sized rear magnet.

Driving behavior:
Due to its low weight and formula construction, the car is a true ground-breaking rocket, with the engine also contributing significantly. On smaller home tracks, the top speed is practically impossible to achieve. I therefore decided not to conduct a road test without magnets or with partial equipment, as handling would be a very special challenge in this case. With the top speed reduced by the BB/CU, the handling then moves into more controllable territory, but even here, it's a good idea to leave both magnets in the chassis.

Conclusion:
Formula cars aren't necessarily my favorites. Given the theme and the wide variety of designs offered by the Formula E racing series, it would have been negligent not to take advantage of this opportunity. The models offer a good compromise between visual finesse and robust construction. And if more designs follow in the future, they will also be more suitable for racing than the similarly constructed F1 cars, in the spirit of equal opportunity.

Best regards,
CoMod Chris
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Carrera DIGITAL 132 Formula E Audi Sport 'Lucas di Grassi, No.11'
Item No.: 20030705
<< Carrera Online Shop >>

The FIA ​​Formula E Championship has been running since September 13, 2014, and is contested exclusively on street circuits worldwide. Therefore, it was a big surprise for us in late autumn 2014 that the first Formula E cars would appear in the 2015 schedule. Carrera was actually just acting logically: Who else would launch electric cars than the largest provider of electric racetracks? ;-)

Electric cars have existed since the invention of the automobile. In the early years, it wasn't entirely clear which concept would prevail: gasoline was expensive, while electricity was more readily available. As we all know, the gasoline engine won, but even then, the main problem was the size and weight of the batteries. And while Mercedes introduced the neon-yellow SLS AMG GTS with four wheel hub motors two years ago, the idea isn't exactly new: The Lohner-Porsche at the 1900 World's Fair already had electric motors built into its spoked rims.

Now, the Lohner Porsche isn't quite comparable to today's Formula E racing cars. The electric Porsche from the turn of the century had a top speed of around 50 km/h and a range of 50 km with its 410 kg lead battery. The Formula E cars are a bit faster and can also go a bit further: top speed of 220 km/h and range of 200 km.

The teams in the 2014/15 Formula E season all compete with the same car, the Spark-Renault SRT 01E. The chassis and aerodynamics of the vehicles are specified, but work on the engine and batteries during the season is permitted. All teams use Michelin as their tire supplier, and the number of employees per team, cars per team, tire sets per race, etc., is limited. The goal: to ensure relative equality of opportunity for everyone to ensure exciting racing.

The Audi Sport Abt team is one of the first-generation teams. Its drivers are Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi. At the season's first race in Beijing, Grassi immediately landed on the top step of the podium, and the Allgäu-based team finished the season in third place.

Visually, the electric Audi is one of the most beautiful vehicles in the field, and the model is also wonderfully true to the original.
Best regards,
CoMod Lotus

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Carrera DIGITAL 132 Formula E Andretti Autosport 'M.Andretti, No.28'
Item No.: 2003070
<< Carrera Online Shop >>

200 kW and top speeds of 225 km/h are the figures Formula E is set to boast starting in its third season. Manufacturer and customer teams will compete in exciting races on various street circuits around the world.

During the pit stop, no charging is required; the driver jumps into a charged vehicle and off they go. A city race is planned for May 21, 2016, in Berlin… almost like a giant Carrera track ;-)

The three vehicles from different manufacturers that have been released so far—I assume that Carrera has planned for the long term and that more will follow—already represent an illustrious field. The models are lightweight and, in their handling, largely resemble the well-known Formula cars.

The vehicles are faithfully reproduced, except for the mirrors—which sometimes don't survive the first lap in Formula 1 races. There's a noticeable bulge in the rear that doesn't match the original, but the axle pinion has to go somewhere. The same goes for the small bump on the lower left center spoiler... This is where the diode for digital operation is located.

The slightly narrower rear, the shorter wheelbase and the narrower tire width as well as the center of gravity directly below the driver are the most significant differences to the Formula 1 cars.

Well, almost. Not only are the tires narrower than those of the F1, they also have a tread and seem to have less grip. Certainly not significant for magnet operation, but someone driving without magnets could be at a slight disadvantage. The rear wheels of the Formula E cars are significantly better protected, which makes rear-end contact with other drivers less dramatic.

Best regards,
CoMod joergW

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari F14 T "F.Alonso, No.14"
Item No. 20030734
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Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari F14 T "K.Räikkönen, No.7"
Item No. 20030735
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Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-Benz F1 W05 Hybrid "N.Rosberg, No.6"
Item No. 20030732
Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-Benz F1 W05 Hybrid "L.Hamilton, No.44"
Item No. 20030733

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Despite all the criticism…

The Daimler Group had to listen to a lot in 2012… declining sales figures in the automotive industry and, of course, within its own company… as well as the increasingly loud criticism of the group’s commitment to F1 motorsport while simultaneously pursuing austerity measures in vehicle development and reducing production!
How can one invest millions in motorsport at a time like this? The question became increasingly louder among the workforce and also the works council…

Above all, the lack of success in the F1 season did not exactly help the company's fortunes... and even multiple F1 world champion Michael Schumacher was unable to achieve any real success alongside Nico Rosberg...
Schumacher's contract was not renewed and a former world champion, Lewis Hamilton, was signed!
Mercedes got off to a much more promising start in 2013… but only managed three wins behind a dominant Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing! Second place in the overall standings was pretty much forgotten… even though the trend was upward!

But the 2014 model presented here turned the new season on its head... while the duo Hamilton and Rosberg shared the victories... Sebastian was lagging behind... and so Mercedes ended a safe 2014 season with the world championship title!

The Formula 1 World Champions are a recurring feature in Carrera's vehicle range... even though the limited space makes it very difficult to fit the technology into these delicate vehicles! So, some compromises have to be made, but these have been very well addressed. Even small wind deflectors and spoilers are present, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. I personally like the wonderful silver candy paint job of the Silver Arrows... a very sophisticated look that, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful paint jobs in the starting field. It only has to take a backseat to the popularity of the red paint job of a Maranello racing car... but they're "only" red... and they run a bit further back ;-)

Best regards,
CoMod Mike

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4
Item No. 20030730

Available from 3rd quarter

<< Product detail page >>

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Chevrolet Dekon Monza "No.14"

Item No. 20030724
<< to the product detail page >>

A surprising comeback

It's one of the biggest surprises this year: the return of the Chevy Dekon Monza. First released in 2008 in two versions as an Evolution model, the model soon disappeared from the range. The chassis is the first generation capable of digitizing, so the current edition as a digital model was easily possible.

Compared to the original, I find two minor differences: the shape of the underside of the rear spoiler, and the color of the headlight covers. However, I'm pleased that another version of this model was released at all, so I can live with these two things. The positive impression outweighs the negative; the model looks rich and beefy.

This also applies to weight and handling; the old generation of suspension with its externally removable magnets simply has shortcomings in this area. However, once you get used to it and develop a correspondingly proactive driving style, the Chevrolet can be maneuvered smoothly around the track.

Conclusion: Unfortunately only for the US range, but a great new product that will hopefully also be available in the club shop.

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Chevrolet Bel Air "No.16"
Item No. 20030723

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Heavy Metal

Is there a real-life model for this model? I don't know; my search hasn't yielded any results. But that doesn't matter, because the combination of pastel yellow, bright blue, and matte black commands attention, as do the whitewall tires. This thing looks like it came straight out of an old Disney movie. Taste is subjective, but this model suits my taste perfectly.

It's better to keep quiet about the handling... the model is narrow, tall, long, and heavy, demanding utmost concentration. It's still fun, though; you're in a world all its own, far removed from modern GTs and sports cars.

Conclusion: You have to like it, but that's exactly how I imagine the sensible reuse of an old form.

Carrera DIGITAL 132 AMG-Mercedes C-Coupe DTM "R.Wickens, No.10", 2013
Item number: 20030710

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It continues to be varied

Robert Wickens' company car from the 2013 DTM season is now the twelfth DTM model of the current coupe generation that Carrera has put out on the track. And while DTM models used to be a rather dull and monochrome affair, today's cars boast a wide variety of colors: an orange and white color combination has never been seen in the DTM range before, and the design for sponsor Stihl is quite impressive. With this model car, Robert Wickens achieved his best overall DTM finish to date, finishing the 2013 season in fifth place overall. Unfortunately, there was an error in the pit lettering on the model; as we all know, the name Robert doesn't begin with a W...hopefully, this will be corrected for the next production batch.

As always with design variants, there's nothing new to say about the technology. The model is still no lightweight, but it is wide and beefy. Among its peers, the Mercedes always has a good chance, and in general, all current DTM models are docile, stable, yet not slow vehicles. A must-buy for fans of the series.

Test report by CoMod Jörg on the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche Carrera 6 "No.42", 12h Sebring 1967
Item No. 20023813
In the range: 2015
Available in the Carrera online shop from: End of August!
Manufacturer's note: the Carrera car differs slightly from the original, as unfortunately we did not have all the detailed photos of the original available when we approved the printing instructions.

The Tiger Duck is here…
That's what you might think when you see the new Porsche 906, or rather the 906E, in 1:24 scale. When it was first announced, I was more than shocked. I thought it was impossible... but it works, and it actually looks pretty good in person.

The tiger-duck design somehow complements the sleek lines of the body, making it a completely different car in the racing field. The original was used in the 1967 12 Hours of Sebring, but was unable to finish the race due to engine failure.

By the way... the Chapparal 2D, Howmet TX, and Alfa Romeo T33, which are also competing in the same races... they have something visually appealing. I could definitely like them alongside the Dion as a counterpart to the 906 ;-)... we already have other cars from this race, like the GT40, the Stingray Corvette, and the e-Type.

In addition to the original design, the new Porsche 906 has tires that sit significantly closer in the wheel arches. It looks significantly more authentic than the older models. The front axle rotates freely, is straight, and damped by a copper spring. The Porsche essentially has the new chassis with the extended guide keel area, but it can't be mounted as easily on the older bodies; the bolting has been changed.

There are two fairly long screws in the rear. To remove them, the guide rail must be disengaged, as this is where the two front screws are located. Disassembling the chassis must be done very carefully, as the front section with the headlights is pushed onto the chassis from the front.

The chassis offers plenty of room for trim lead, so there's nothing stopping you from driving without magnets... if you want to.

The paintwork, clear coat, decals, etc. are perfect. The car has no defects so far. Unlike the other models in the 906 series, the rear window is clear, but the glass of the gullwing doors has a blue tinted area like the original. In the original photo, there is a white star on the left at the rear (where the white 42 is on the model), and below the A-pillar on the body there is a sticker with the drivers' names (John Cannon (CDN) / Ed Hugus (USA).) One photo (I don't have certain knowledge of the race) shows the paintwork/design of the model on the left side. Changes made over the course of use, slightly different on the right and left ???

In this film At https://youtu.be/ahFYzapUd4o, the Tigerente can be seen twice in the pit. Here, you can see another starting number at the back, top right, as well as the rear, which differs slightly from the model. I found another photo online. In a rather blurry photo, I think I can see another Tigerente in the same race with starting number 55; it has the correct lettering on the rear.

The tires have good grip, but they're sitting far too loosely on the rims. A long, tough race... I think gluing them will be mandatory, otherwise they'll eventually come off the rims.
All in all, nice to get a 906 again.

Best regards,
CoMod joergW

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 458 GT2 AF Corse
Item No.: 20030715 | http://bit.ly/1eazdvz

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche GT3 RSR 'Haribo Racing'
Item No.: 20023809 | http://bit.ly/1HE0MIo

The saying comes from Slottus, when, after submitting the review for the new 911 GT3 HARIBO, I suggested that we also release the black Mercedes SLS and the golden Corvette.

The 911 GT3 RSR has been part of the Digital124 program since 2009, but the car is still far from being outdated in terms of driving technology.
Of course, the newer cars have better suspension technology. However, since the 911 GT3 RSR was and still is, in my opinion, one of the best cars Carrera has ever produced, the car still cuts a fine figure on the track today. And over the past six years, a few visual treats have also been released, with the most beautiful versions (apart from the red SCUDERIA ITALIA from 2010) appearing this year: the GULF and the HARIBO.

For many years, the drivers led by team boss Hans Guido Riegel have been competing in various racing series as brand ambassadors for the Bonn-based confectionery manufacturer.

In the early days, they competed in Porsche 911s, and in 2012, they even fielded two gold-colored Corvette Z06s in the VLN. In 2013 and 2014, the drivers, led by veteran Udo Alzen, were unfortunately not as successful after their successful years from 2010 to 2012, partly due to bad luck. In both 2013 and 2014, the team withdrew their car from one VLN race at the Nürburgring due to a defective fuel system in the pits. "We would have naturally hoped for a better end to the season," summarizes driver Mike Stursberg. "But it doesn't make sense to complete extensive training and test runs to gain fractions of a second, only to then have to accept time losses in the order of minutes because the fuel system technology at the Nürburgring is unreliable."
Since 2015, the team has been using a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3.

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche 917K Martini International "No.35", Watkins Glen 6h 1970
(Art. No. 20023807) http://bit.ly/1TLwQQ1

'We know that a racing car should just be white.'
Who, according to legend, said that? Ferdinand Piech, the then head of the Porsche 917 project, after seeing the finished 917-43. Because it was colorful. Very colorful. And very psychedelic. How did the hippie come about?

Well, the '70s were a... special time. There's a lot I could write about it, but I'll spare you that. Above all, the '70s were colorful. In every respect: culture, art, music, etc. And cars. Never again were everyday cars as colorful as they were between '68 and '78.
But how did the hippie 917 come about?

Well, strictly speaking, there are two Hippies: the 917 Longtail (917-43) and the later 917 Shorttail (917-21).

Hans-Dieter Dechent brought the aperitif manufacturer Martini into motorsport in 1969. Dechent, heir to a considerable fortune (the family was the largest OPEL dealer in Saarland), was himself a successful racing driver in various GT models, including those from Alfa, Abarth, and Porsche, but after the MARTINI-ROSSO deal, he concentrated on his duties as team boss. In 1970, Ferdinand Piech offered him a Porsche 917 Longtail for the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. Dechent jumped at the chance and gave the Porsche to the newly minted Porsche designer Anatole Lapine, who painted it in a psychedelic purple and green color scheme. Reportedly, 3,000 cans of paint were used in the process; other sources say 1,500. In any case, the car was a real eye-catcher, and it also finished the 24-hour race in second place.
A few weeks later, the organizers of the Six Hours of Watkins Glen in New York wanted a similar hippie Porsche for their race. And they got it in the form of a 917K from the MARTINI Racing team. The car, with the FG number 021, finished 9th with drivers Gerard Larrousse and Gjis Van Lennep.

Which brings us to the new Carrera release: This 917-21 is the current item number 30807. The 917 has enjoyed tremendous popularity in the 124 scene since its release. I'll spare you any driving reports, etc., as the car drives just as well as any other 917, and the workmanship is of the renowned high standard.

Incidentally, "The Hippie Car" was repainted yellow and red shortly after the race in the USA at the request of sponsor SHELL. This car was already released last year as item number 23807.

Best regards,
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Hybrid 'VLN 2011'
(Item no. 20030714) http://bit.ly/1GuNYju

By now, everyone knows: The vehicle never existed in this form. The hybrid wasn't an RSR, and the RSR never existed as a hybrid version. Nevertheless, the hybrid design was frequently mentioned as a design request by club members in the forum. If necessary, even on the non-original RSR body. And it took a long time, but now it's here: the RSR Hybrid.

The unmistakable design with the orange, white, and silver stripes is a real feast for the eyes and suits the "classic car" perfectly. Classic car because the GT3 RSR is by far the only Digital 132 car that has been in the range since the beginning - autumn 2007 - and is still being produced with no technical changes. This means that the first-generation chassis is still used, characterized by the engine-gearbox unit that can be removed from below and the magnets screwed on from the outside. When operated in its fully magnetized standard condition, this hardly plays a role, as the GT3 RSR is still competitive. With partial magnetization, however, it has disadvantages compared to the current chassis design: the higher weight and the less than optimal guide keel design take their toll.

Nevertheless, the model represents a beautiful and meaningful addition to the range and will certainly find as many fans as all previously released design variants of the GT3 RSR.

Best regards,
CoMod Carrera124

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Shelby Cobra 289 “No. 11”
Item No. 20030717

While researching online, I came across a 2011 auction in England where an original Shelby American Racing Team car, a 1963 Cobra 289, was auctioned for $2 million. The owner had purchased the car 43 years earlier for $4,200…not a bad increase in value, I'd say.

The Shelby Cobra, the 289 version with a 4.7-liter V-8 engine, and the 427 version with a 7.1-liter engine, even won the World Sports Car Championship in 1965, but the simultaneous introduction of a speed limit on American highways caused sales to collapse, and production was discontinued in 1968.

I couldn't find a photo of the model's paintwork, but the paintwork and colors basically correspond to those of 1960s sports cars.
The paintwork is clean and crisply defined at the edges. The clear coat is even and flawless.

The front axle is not a continuous design. The independent suspension has no discernible disadvantages for me on this model; both axle sections run well.

The rear axle is straight and rotates smoothly in the pinions. The rims also show no imbalance. The tires sit neatly on the rims, but can be removed easily. Anyone planning to drive the Cobra in tough racing conditions should consider gluing the tires.

Without magnets, you should at least refinish the edges. Caution is advised here, as the tires don't really have much material to sand.
The Cobra is well-known for its fast and agile handling. However, the narrow track shouldn't be forgotten; the Cobra excels in races with similar vehicles.

Until then,
joergW

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche GT3 RSR "Gulf Racing No.86", Silverstone 4h 2014

Item No. 20023810
In the range: 2015

Now available in the Carrera online shop!

TEST REPORT FOLLOWS ASAP!

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 918 Spyder (Item No. 20030711)

... which in this case does not mean the starting number, but the variant: After the silver model from the anniversary pack, the two standard versions and the Idee & Spiel special model, the current design combination was pretty inevitable.

I'm still not happy with the body proportions; compared to the real vehicle, the model still looks too narrow and too tall. On the other hand, the paintwork and printing leave little to be desired. The shine is neither too strong nor too weak, and the rear engine cowling and other details are very well done. There were no surprises during the road test either.

Equipped with both chassis magnets, the Spyder confidently maneuvers its laps. However, cornering requires utmost concentration, as there is no limit. Without the rear magnet, the odd driving error is forgiven, but in this test vehicle, grip is still unusually high, even with just one magnet.

Best regards,
CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS "No.47", Nassau 1964
Item No. 20030718
In the range: 2015

Carrera Shopping Link: http://bit.ly/1Fs1Mym

Favorite car…

Do you know that feeling? There are sports cars or racing cars that are among your personal dream cars. I'm not talking about "everyday" sports cars, which theoretically anyone can afford at some point, if they just wait long enough until the cars are used, or reach classic or vintage age. Or if you simply earn enough. No GTis, GSIs, MSs, RSs, AMGs, etc. No, I'm talking about those... special... cars that you associate with something.

I know from Mike that for him it's the BMW M1, among other cars (and mine too, by the way). One of my all-time favorites is the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS.
Why? VIKING!!! VIKING??? VIKING!!!

I had a MÄRKLIN train set when I was young. Back then, model railway layouts primarily featured WIKING cars. HERPA was already around, but I preferred the "rougher" WIKING models. And when I was younger, WIKING had the blue 904 CARRERA GTS in its range under item no. 163. At some point, I also had the red, the cream-white, and the silver, along with many, many other HO cars. I've always been a collector...

The chances of getting one of only 100 cars built are close to zero, not to mention that the last 904 sold fetched a million. Last year, the engine of the prototype was sold by CARRERA, and that alone fetched €270,000.

Back then, if you showed the model car to someone without any car knowledge and asked about the model, 90% of the response would have been, "That's a Ferrari." In the 80s, no one could imagine a Porsche with those lines anymore.

You can imagine how happy I was when I got my hands on the new releases list in 2014 and saw the Porsche listed. Sure, I had one from UNIVERSAL at some point, but the boxes were always warped. But now? Finally for the DIGITAL132 and the EVOLUTION? The silver 30663, which was only available in the basic package, was great, the red 27444 from the EVO was better, and the sky blue 30682 with the starting number 51 was simply a dream. And then CrazyChris is the first to be added to the list of club reports.
I was … not amused….

But finally, here it is: In 2015, the little racer will be available in orange. Version: NASSAU 1964. So, for those interested in motorsports, here are a few facts:

Chassis No. 51. Purchased and driven by Dr. David Lane at the 11th International Bahamas Speed ​​Weeks in Nassau, it competed in several races this week, with varying degrees of success. The car itself on the track? Small and nasty. The little one weighs just 83 grams, has a very flat body, thus a low center of gravity, and a fairly wide track for its size. The thing handles like a dream. But if I'm honest: I hardly ever drive it. It sits here and there, it sits well.

With this in mind… best regards CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Shelby Cobra 289 hardtop Coupé '63, "No.03"

Item No.: 20030716
Assortment: 2015
Online shop: http://bit.ly/1doy6ZR

The 289 Shelby Cobra joined the 132 range in 2012. The first model was the hardtop coupe in the famous white with blue stripes. It was modeled on the #4 Cobra that raced at Le Mans in 1963. Since then, only the convertible versions have been included in the CARRERA range. The reason? There are only two original hardtop models.

This model is the second closed Cobra. With its green paint scheme, the car looks somewhat toy-like at first glance. However, the vehicle in this livery has a real-life model:
Just like the white and blue Shelby, the green No. 3 competed at Le Mans. In 1963, two racing teams competed there for the first time, each with one car. However, Carol Shelby realized that in international endurance races and on high-speed tracks, the outstanding power-to-weight ratio and the associated acceleration were far less important than full-throttle stability and high top speed. Even at the beginning of the 1960s, aerodynamically sophisticated coupes with low drag were considered the most powerful weapons in racing.

The two Mk II Cobras, despite their hardtops, were at a massive disadvantage compared to the fast Ferraris on the long Mulsanne Straight. The Cobra, driven by Bolton/Sanderson and entered by AC Cars, only finished 7th (behind 6 Ferraris), but finished third in the GT class and won the 4-5 liter class. The number 4 car, driven by Ed Hugus/Peter Jopp, retired.

The CARRERA model is based on this AC Motors Cobra with chassis number CSX2131. The exterior of the model differs only in minor details from the original. The biggest difference from the original is in the interior (or as we slot racers say: in the driver's compartment): The model is a left-hand drive, while the original No. 3 is one of the rare right-hand drive cars built in 1963 for the English market. In terms of handling, the car is well-known: very good acceleration and high speed on the straights, strong tire grip, and thus excellent directional stability. Its handling is no match for a modern DTM car, but among its peers, it is a beautiful and fast car to drive.

Best regards,
CoMod Lotus

PS: If you ever want to know what a LeMans Cobra sounds like in a race, here you go!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dst60YfGpSg

Test report by CoMod Lotus for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi A5 DTM “M.Rockenfeller, No.1,” 2014 (Art. No. 20030707)

In 2005, CARRERA introduced the first two DTM cars into its product range: the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. Since then, these cars have been among the most beautiful and popular vehicles in the range. This is due not only to their excellent handling but also to their diverse appearance. In terms of color, pretty much every color is represented these days; the last few years have brought us a great many colorful racers.

This year, four new DTM cars are in the lineup: two BMW M4s, a Mercedes C-Coupe, and the Audi A5 Coupe. This current report focuses on the Audi driven by Michael "Mike" Rockenfeller from the PHOENIX RACING team. The car from the 2014 season, bearing the number 1, is a visual feast for the eyes. This is due not only to the attractive shape of the base model, but also to the seamless blend of the yellow and green paint scheme. The main sponsor of the car is the SCHÄFFLER Group. Car fans have known who the mechanical engineering group and automotive supplier is since the takeover of CONTINENTAL AG in 2008. I'd just like to say a few words about the PHOENIX team: The racing team was founded in 1999 by Ernst Moser, Opel's former technical director. PHOENIX has been represented in the DTM since 2000, also with Opel for the first six years, and since 2006 with Audi. The team's greatest success in the DTM came in 2011, when Martin Tomcyk won the championship. This success was repeated in 2013 by the then 31-year-old Mike Rockenfeller, hence the starting number 1 of the 2014 car, with which he finished third in the 2014 season. The team also competes in the FIA ​​GT1, the ADAC Masters, the International GT Open, and the VLN.

For more information (and many beautiful pictures) please visit the homepage of the guys from Meuspath in the Nürburgring industrial park: www.phoenix-racing.de

The current A5 exhibits the handling typical of the DTM: thanks to its wide track, it sits very firmly on the track. The weight is slightly on the upper edge, yet the car still handles very well. High traction, even with the full magnet load, makes it almost impossible to skid, and the tires' good grip also contributes to the car's smooth cornering.

Conclusion: A successful addition to the already impressive range of touring cars. It's no wonder that there are now several dedicated DTM collectors.

Carrera DIGITAL 132 LaFerrari (white metallic)
(Art. No. 30712)

The white LaFerrari is the first new car to be delivered in 2015. Certainly not the one you've been eagerly awaiting, but that's doing the model a bit of an injustice. Road sports cars have been an integral part of the Carrera 1:32 scale range since the first university tracks in the 1960s, and this model continues that tradition.

The paintwork has a slight metallic or mother-of-pearl effect, making it particularly elegant. As with the other two older color variants, the black roof creates a particularly attractive contrast. The dummy engine and dashboard are also very well done, only the driver's head looks a bit fake. On the other hand, the rims and especially the brake discs are absolutely convincing.

Technically, there are no surprises; the car has a rigid front axle and the lighting is implemented using SMD LEDs. It's also well known that the little LaFerrari is no lightweight. I would describe the handling as "smooth" and "forgiving," the weight really does make an impact here. Nevertheless, the car isn't exactly traveling at a snail's pace; it's not a big problem finding a harmonious and therefore brisk pace.

Best regards,
CoMod Carrera124

Carrera DIGITAL 132 VW Beetle "Group 5" Race 1 and VW Beetle "Group 5" Race 2
(Art. No. 30702 and 30703)

Beetle goes racing...no, not Herbie or DuDu...more like a Beetle with the mumps - big cheeks at the front - and a rear end that looks a lot like a 935.
Even if there may not be a real-life model for the two Group 5 Beetles we're looking at, a Beetle with a V8 engine and a very similar look did race at the Donington Park race in 1977. Just type "Beetle" + "racing" into Google... there were some pretty bizarre ones.

Optics:
Both models look really good, and could have been driven like this in real life. The otherwise very sleek Beetle was visually widened at the front and rear and brought into line with the track.

The color combinations of the Röschlein and the Scarabäus already reflect the look of the 70s and can certainly be supplemented with further variants in green, yellow, white, orange, etc. ... this could create a very attractive field of riders over the next 1-2 years.

The driver's seat, roll bar, engine, and exhaust systems are all detailed. The small, original Beetle-style mirror certainly won't last very long in racing.

Technology:
The vehicles have independent front suspension, which allows the wheels to roll freely. The rear axles rotate well and are straight with centered rims. There's very little space in the chassis, so without magnets, it's certainly not going to be easy to trim them with weights.

Processing:
Everything is perfect. The paintwork is flawless. Decals are neatly applied and legible. All parts fit well, and there were no problems disassembling and reassembling.

Driving behavior:
The tires have good grip; the front ones could be considered gluing and sealing. Even though the cars are relatively tall, their width makes up for it; they handle well on the track. Slight rear-end sags are quickly brought under control. Nothing that spoils the fun.

Conclusion:
After CarForce and HotRods, finally something where Carrera can really let off steam... I hope they do.

Best regards,
CoMod Jörg