Vehicle reports

Review by CoMod Alex aka Lotus of the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Audi R8 LMS "Carrera Safety Car" (Art. No. 23799)

Well, a lot of Carrera Club members will start to chuckle at the title of this review, some more, some less. ;-)
We CoMods are used to CARRERA vehicles evoking emotions – sometimes very different ones. Our job is, among other things, to manage these emotions in the clubbers when some of them get too carried away.

What makes the whole thing difficult is when you agree 100% with the clubbers' opinion, but you're not allowed to get upset yourself.
The Audi R8 Safety Car was a long-held dream of the 124-series. So, the joy was all the greater when the car appeared in the 2014 new releases list. We first saw a sample of the Safety Car in December 2013 in Salzburg. Back then, it still had black windows, as originally planned for production. This led to heated discussions with design, engineering, and marketing at the CARRERA showroom in Puch (as one CoMod put it: "That's absolutely unacceptable!").

When the first pictures of the vehicle were shown at the Toy Fair, the club members' reaction was predictable: A storm of outrage erupted! 1:24 scale with black windows? No driver involvement? It looks like a toy. These and similar comments were among the more harmless remarks the organizers had to listen to at the fair.
After endless discussions, which the decision-makers ultimately took to heart, it was decided to produce the vehicle with clear glass windows, true to the original. Technically, this meant that various cable feeds for the turn signal attachment in the roof would be significantly more complex, although certain concessions would naturally have to be made. Ultimately, the will of the club members prevailed. It may sound a bit pathetic, but it's true.

So, a few more words about the vehicle:
I'll only say a few words about the design, as this has also sparked some discussion within the club. I'll just say this: Some things are simply not feasible under licensing law, unfortunately. Personally, I like it; the design is "contemporary." And in the LMS starting field, the car is a pleasant change, just because of the flashing lights. :D

The handling of the R8 itself is well known; the base LMS racer is rightfully one of the most popular and best-running cars in the 124-series. The Audi boasts excellent acceleration and flawless cornering. It's no coincidence that the car is also frequently used in club racing series.

While Team Phoenix's spider R8 was a visual feast for the eyes, the Safety Car is a technical masterpiece. I hope you enjoy the car!

Best regards,
CoMod Alex

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS "No.51" (Item No. 30682/27459)

Technical data:

Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 83 grams
Weight (body): 21 grams
Length including spoiler: 130 mm
Wheelbase: 72 mm
Track width (front axle): 47 mm
Track width (rear axle): 47 mm
Other: Independent front suspension


Overview of the color variants:
Following the red and silver versions from the two anniversary basic packages, the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS is now also available as a single vehicle, in a classic, understated sky blue color scheme.

Technology:
The vehicle's petite dimensions result in a correspondingly small and densely packed chassis. The front axle is independent, and the familiar E200 engine serves as the powerplant. Conventional LEDs are used for the lighting, although I would have preferred flat SMD LEDs for the headlights, at least. At just 83 grams, the vehicle is a lightweight.

Care must be taken when removing the body from the chassis. The front body screws are shorter than the rear ones, a feature also found in some classic Unimogs from the 1960s. If you mix up the screws during assembly, there's a risk of accidentally puncturing the body.

Optics:
There's hardly anything left to be desired here; the little Porsche cuts a fine figure from every perspective. The truly beautifully designed headlights and taillights are worth highlighting. The well-designed rims also contribute to the good visual impression. The delicate exhaust pipe is prone to breakage. The sponsor logo is contemporary and understated.

Driving test:
Due to its comparatively low weight, the car takes off like a rocket, so its performance is initially more comparable to a modern Formula 1 car than a classic vintage car. Despite the narrow track, there's no noticeable tendency to roll over; the two chassis magnets keep the Porsche 904 securely on track. Fast lap times can be achieved, but this requires a high level of concentration and good reflexes.

Without the rear magnet, you gain a bit more usable range – as always – but a sensitive thumb is still required. Regardless of the magnet configuration chosen, it's a good idea, at least with the digital model, to reduce the maximum speed slightly via the BB/CU to achieve more harmonious handling.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche GT3 RSR "Manthey Racing, No. 18", 24h Nürburgring 2011 (Item No. 23794)

...here it is at last, the Porsche GT3 RSR “Manthey Racing, 24-h-Nürburgring 2011”!

The 1:32 version has been on the market for a long time, so many VLN fans were waiting under
Carrera's fans are looking forward to the Manthey Porsche in the exclusive 1:24 scale. The selected model competed in the 24-hour race in 2011. Last year, things hadn't gone quite as well for the winning Manthey team... hence the starting number 18.
But in 2011, after 24 tough hours of racing, there was another victory. ... just by the way
mentioned, the third place was taken by the Audi R8 LMS, also published by Carrera, in the
yellow-blue Bilstein dress.

The handling is well-known ... I like the 911 Porsche, especially when the tires are cleanly ground and the edges are beveled. The Porsche also runs very well on Orthmann tires, if you want it to. Personally, I prefer more drifting and stick with the Carrera tires. I almost always drive the 1:24 scale cars without magnets; due to the relatively high overall weight, the use of trim lead is rarely necessary. Just get out of the pit, grind the tires, remove the magnets... ready for fun.

Now to the optics:
The paint is top-notch. I haven't seen the car in person, but the colors and decals are very consistent compared to the original photos. The driver's seat, interior, and hardware are flawless—as has become standard these days with Carrera. The front tires spin for a long time and track smoothly. The rear and front axles are well centered and have little play, just right.
If I were a model builder, I would give the vehicle a subtle dirt look,
just like after a long-distance race ;-)

… oh yes … next I want the Haribo Porsche ;-)

Best regards,
CoMod Jörg

The pictures of the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Team Black Falcon - 24h Dubai 2012 (Art. No. 23790) by CoMod Mike...

The Star of Dubai

The Abu Dhabi by Black Falcon team, with drivers Khaled Al Qubaisi, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Sean Edwards, and Thomas Jäger, won the seventh running of the Dubai 24 Hours, convincingly defeating strong opposition. With a new distance record of 628 laps (3,385 km), Black Falcon also achieved the first 24-hour victory for the Mercedes SLS AMG GT 3, just one year after its 24-hour debut in the Dubai desert. (Source: motorsport-xl)

The second color variant of the SLS Black Falcon has now been tested. We already know this variant from the 132 range.

Here, too, the look seems absolutely consistent when compared to online images. Personally, I like the BIG No. 3 from Dubai a lot better.
The SLS looks great on the track, and not just when stationary. The many colorful details, such as the hood vents and the front flaps, which are white at the top and black at the bottom, are quite remarkable. The rest of the livery was also flawlessly applied to the body, as expected.

The SLS features the latest, most sophisticated technology, which we are already familiar with, so there is nothing new to report here.

The rear magnet was also removed from the Star of Dubai for the test laps, and the SLS also impresses with balanced, tidy, and pleasant handling.

However, you get the feeling it's considerably more agile, which is confirmed when you look at the race lap times. Unfortunately, the fat car's excess weight is noticeable here, too.

Conclusion - the second beautiful variant of the SLS that brings variety to the GT starting field.
CoMod long


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The test report by CoMod long on the new Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 HEICO Motorsport (Art. No.: 23791) can be found HERE !

Here are the pictures and the test report of the new Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro No.1, 2012 (Art. No. 30637) by CoMod Mike & Jörg

The R18 e-tron quattro is a hybrid variant of the R18 ultra, based on the R18 ultra, with approximately 470 kW. Audi achieved a one-two-three victory at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the first two places being taken by the two competing Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars. This was the first time a hybrid vehicle had won this race, and it repeated this success the following year. Were it not for 2009, when a Peugeot 98 HDi topped the podium... well, since 2000, the Volkswagen family has achieved 12 overall victories... after all, the Audi was once called Bentley ;-)

Optics:
The printing and painting are flawless. The decals/prints are
Clean and crisp execution. The black rear section shines a bit too brightly for my taste. The otherwise problematic silver looks very authentic this time, not toy-like.

The execution is very detailed, all sponsor stickers etc. are true to the original
The roof antennas are somewhat sturdier than the original, but thinner ones would mean a greater risk of breakage.

Technology:
The vehicle mainly offers the well-known and now completely problem-free
Components (good grip tires, straight axles, etc.), but there is something new.
The front and rear lighting is made of SMD LEDs in a flat, square design
The light is much brighter, the brake is clearly visible … for modern
Vehicles 1a.

Because of the small engine, the chassis still offers enough space for a little lead... or something less harmful ;-)

Mileage:
Wide, flat, long = good. That's how you can describe the R18. Thanks to the
The high-revving engine and the good grip tires make driving quite easy.
A very successful continuation of the LeMans series… even if it requires some adjustments to let the vehicles of the different Carrera evolutionary stages compete against each other.

Best regards,
JörgW

Here are the first pictures of the new Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro No.1, 2012 (Art. No. 30637) by CoMod Mike...

Short report by CoMod Carrera124 on the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Shelby Cobra 289, Limited Edition “Yello” (Art. No. 30655)
The musicians of Yello are veterans in the music business. Founded in the late 1970s, the duo achieved their biggest hit in 1988: "The Race." The song reached very high chart positions and has since become a real catchy tune and evergreen. You can find out where the song was used on TV on Wikipedia. My personal memory goes back to 2002, when the song was played at the finale of the Challenge Tour, creating the perfect atmosphere.

Let's turn to the car itself: the Shelby Cobra has been in the range since 2012, and its gray color scheme is rather understated. Eye-catchers are the voluminous sound system on the trunk lid and the band's figures in the cockpit. While Boris Blank grips the steering wheel, Dieter Meier stands in the seat, fittingly holding a wrench instead of a microphone. All of this increases the weight and center of gravity, and flat overpasses and underpasses should be approached with caution. This car isn't a race car in the true sense of the word, but that was to be expected.

The package is rounded off by the enclosed CD in a cardboard slipcase, which is located under the box and is held securely in place by the outer carton.

We're currently preparing an exclusive treat for the limited edition Carrera DIGITAL 132 Special Edition Yello. We'll reveal the secret before the launch in early December!

You can find more information about the band at yello.com!

Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution La Ferrari (Art. No. 30665/27446 & 30681/27458)

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 107 grams
Weight (body): 33 grams
Length including spoiler: 149 mm
Wheelbase: 83 mm
Track width (front axle): 61 mm
Track width (rear axle): 61 mm
Other: continuous front axle

About the vehicle:
With a slight delay, the final new car of 2013 is rolling onto the test track: the LaFerrari in its classic red livery. Anyone who already owns the Porsche 918 Spyder from one of the anniversary packs will now receive a thematically appropriate rival car. Because, like the Porsche, the Ferrari is also available with a hybrid drive in the prototype.

Technology or chassis:
This one showcases the now classic Carrera design, with an E200 engine mounted as an inline skate. There's enough space at the front for a full-length front axle. SMD components are used for the front lighting, while classic LEDs with their familiar black shields are used for the rear lighting. The truly well-crafted rims and, in particular, the detailed brake discs and calipers are worth mentioning. The weight, at 73 grams, is a bit too high for my taste.

Optics or body:
Naturally, a red road-going Ferrari has very little printing, but the black roof section extending over the engine creates an attractive contrast. The rearview mirrors, which extend far outwards, are prone to breakage; as is typical with Carrera, an additional pair is included as spare parts. The driver's role is both positive and negative: the cockpit and dummy engine are multicolored and very attractively designed, but the somewhat artificial-looking driver figure spoils the otherwise good overall impression.

Driving test:
As is often the case, there's little to say about the handling with the full magnet system: the magnets pull the model firmly toward the track, so it's bound to be a fierce action right from the start. There's no limit in the corners; it's a case of "head or tail" here. However, once you've found your rhythm, you can achieve quite fast lap times without flying off. Without the rear magnet, lap times drop, but the car is significantly easier to control in corners. However, the tire grip does reach its limits in this configuration. Without any magnets at all, the Ferrari just slides around helplessly. Anyone who prefers this mode will at least have to invest in different tires.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 "Black Falcon, No.3", 24h Dubai 2012
Item No.: 23790
Preliminary availability: October 2013

Review of CoMod Lotus Carrera DIGITAL 132 Bill Thomas Cheetah "Aluminium Car" & "No. 11", 1964 (Art. Nos. 30648 & 30649)

Another one in chrome?

YES! Although, actually NO. Because they were never chrome-plated, but aluminum-coated. But in the CARRERA community, they've been called CHROM-XXX ever since the very first car (you can substitute the vehicle name for XXX). And there have been quite a few chrome-plated cars in recent years: It started with the legendary chrome Porsche (911 GT1 98), which was actually only intended as a test to see if something like that could be produced in series. It was then produced in small numbers in 1998 and then given away all over the world. But that would be a story in itself. It continued with the 132 300 SLR in 2001 and the two 124 streamlined racers, the AUTO UNION Type C and the MERCEDES W125. In 2003, the 132 Aston Martin Vanquish arrived as a production car, along with the very rare Bentley EXP 8, which, like the 911 GT1, never went on sale, but was given away to deserving dealers or could be won as a prize in the Carrera racing competitions. The 2004 DTM C-Class doesn't count among the classic CHROMs for me, as the car competed regularly in the DTM. The same applies to the DTM successors from 2006 and 2007.

But in 2006, four more special treats were released: For the press event to launch the following vehicles, Mercedes-Benz commissioned four vehicles: the CL Coupe, the E-Class, the SL, and the GL SUV. Each vehicle came in its own box with tracks; all four boxes together formed a complete racetrack.

Then it was over for a while, and it wasn't until 2013 that there was some more news in terms of shiny cars: exclusively for the 50th anniversary, a Porsche 911 was released in the middle of the year as a chrome model for the CARRERA Club, and the gold-plated 911 was given away all over the world at the toy fair.

And now, of course, there is the Bill Thomas Cheetah as an “aluminum car.”
Now, you might think the designers were out of ideas, especially since we've had a break from chrome cars for a few years. Far from it!!!!!!!!!!!

The vehicle really did exist. The Cheetah's body is, as is well known, made of fiberglass. However, the first two prototypes of the Cheetah were given aluminum bodies. One car was apparently sold to Chevrolet for research purposes, while the other, according to Bill Thomas, was owned by Sonny & Cher (for the youngsters in the forum: They were a singing couple in the '60s. Back in the days when music still came out of analog devices or boxes, and there were only records or tapes). Rumors speak of a third aluminum body. There are now a few replicas, but none of the original vehicles are said to exist anymore.

On the following page you will find some good pictures of the Alu-Cheetah and a short historical overview: www.gatsbyonline.com

There's not much to say about the model itself: My test vehicle was excellently executed (the "chrome plating" doesn't forgive even the slightest bit of junk), only the tire sidewalls, thanks to the fancy name, somewhat spoil the overall look. Thanks to its very wide tires and wide track, the Gepard sits like a board on the track and is difficult to throw off course. A great opponent for the Cobra, which, in my opinion, can't even come close to the Cheetah in terms of looks.

Have fun with the car!!!

Test report by CoMod JörgW for the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Audi R8 LMS "Phoenix Racing Racetaxi" (Art. No. 23781) & "Team Phoenix, No.1A, Winner 12h Bathurst 2012 (Art. No. 23782)

The Audi R8 LMS was built by quattro GmbH with the help of Abt Sportsline according to the GT3 Group regulations and went on sale to private racing teams in 2009. Around 300,000 - 350,000 euros were to be paid for a race-ready vehicle. The current model is technically a racing car, but will be used in the Red Bull design on the race track of the same name in Austria (formerly A1- or Österreichring in Spielberg) as a racing taxi and promotional vehicle.

Optics:
Despite the lack of racing insignia, the Red Bull design alone somehow makes the vehicle a race car; you can imagine the three starting numbers... or just add them yourself.

Technology:
Actually, all familiar components. The front light is sufficiently bright, but on the dark vehicle, the lack of shielding toward the inside of the tires is noticeable. The guide keel rotates smoothly, the axles are flawless, and the tires have good grip.

Processing:
There are no defects in the paintwork, decals, assembly, or axle runout. The transmissions on the new vehicles are all relatively tight, and while they're working perfectly, I think they could run a bit quieter. But that's just complaining at a high level for a finished model.

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 worry.

Driving behavior:
This is already known from the other model variants. The car is a bit heavy, but has a good wheelbase, length, and width ratio and can certainly compete competitively in the Carrera GT series. There's room in the chassis for tuning with weights, but I've driven the Audis so far—by my standards—quickly and safely, even though nothing has been done to them other than removing the magnets.

Conclusion:
The vehicle is an option to further expand the GT series and bring variety to the track.

See you later,
Jörg
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Test report by CoMod long for the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Audi R8 LMS 1A Bathurst 2012 (23782)

Phoenix Racing won the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hours. The Audi R8 LMS, driven by Christopher Mies, Darryl O'Young, and Christer Jöns, crossed the finish line first in Australia after 12 hours of racing. Following the Audi was another German car, a Mercedes-Benz SLS. Ferrari finished third.

The test model in the aforementioned design is visually impressive right away: colors, prints, truly everything is top-notch. Of course, the Bathurst also features the many details of its brothers, which deserve to be mentioned again here: roof antenna, tow hooks, a great interior, delicate mirrors and rear spoiler mounts, air intakes front and rear, and the beefy wheels sit beautifully in your wheel arches; they'll fill out the space beautifully.

The Audi has the latest and most sophisticated technology, which we are already familiar with, so there is nothing new to report here.

For the first test laps, the rear magnet was removed again. The R8 impresses with its solid and comfortable handling, but even this R8 variant clearly shows its weight. On the test track, the new soft tires offer excellent grip.

My conclusion: another great colorway that belongs on the track.

CoMod long

Carrera DIGTAL 124 Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Daytona 24h "No.28", 1970 & "Ecurie Francorchamps No.23", Spa 1000km 1970

The 1000 km race in Spa-Francorchamp/Belgium on May 17, 1970, once again went to the all-powerful Porsche 917 in the Group 5 class, even though the Ferraris were able to put up a strong fight, at least for a while.

The Gulf team's victorious Porsche 917 finished the race at an average speed of 240 km/h. The overall fast race even equaled the 1968 Formula 1 track record. Ferrari fielded both the red factory cars, driven by Jackie Ickx, John Surtees, and Nino Vaccarella, and a yellow car from the Belgian team Scuderia Francorchamp, driven by Derek Bell.

In this interesting clip At www.youtube.com you can see this car at 1:22 min… but it was still able to finish the race in 8th place.

Optics:
Since it's been a while since I've seen a Ferrari 512S in person, the Carrera model initially seemed a bit short. No problem... I looked up the specs online (length: 4360 mm, width: 2000 mm, wheelbase: 2400 mm). Ruler out = rough measurement x 10 x 24 = pretty much the same. How appearances and memory can be deceiving ;-)

The paintwork looks very realistic and, thanks to the color scheme, is naturally very visible on the track. A little patina makes the car even more authentic. The scale wheels can be positioned a little closer in the wheelhouses at the front and rear. The feeler-like rearview mirrors, while true to the original, are fortunately easily removable for racing.

The dummy engine with two exhaust stubs is sufficiently detailed and is unfortunately located in a vulnerable spot, so that used 512Ss could soon be identified by the missing exhaust stubs.

Technology:
The front and rear axles are free of any noticeable misalignment and run quietly. A drop of oil before starting the car can't hurt, though. The wide tires offer decent grip and only require a quick corner break.

The 512S, true to the original, features a third headlight built into the front of the car, which is also illuminated in the model. Due to the rear-set headlights, the amount of light is subjectively roughly the same as that of a Ferrari 330 P4. However, the relationship between these two cars can be seen in more than just the lighting. At the rear, the 512S has a double headlight, which also transmits light through the rear ventilation ducts... highly visible and ideal for endurance races with dark periods... if you can't see the brake lights, you should replace them ;-)

Processing:
There are no defects in the workmanship; the printing is clean and crisp. The moving parts are as they should be, and the assembly is also flawless. One of the light-conductor connectors, mounted on a separate part of the circuit board, is slightly crooked and not entirely secure. Despite the vehicle's size, the interior seems to be quite cramped.

Driving behavior:
In terms of its design, the Ferrari 512S is most comparable to the Ferrari 330 P4. It has a wheelbase approximately 3-4 mm longer than the Porsche 917, tires of the same width, and a rear axle width approximately 3-4 mm wider. With a magnet, it drives pretty foolproof, as expected... it's almost impossible to lift the new vehicles off the track anymore... without magnets, I think it's more like a 330P4... I'm curious to see what other users have to say about their first real-life racing experiences.

Conclusion:
I'm happy about the continuation of the classic racing car series with Carrera124 Digital vehicles from the late 60s/early 70s and hope for a continuation next year with the Lola T70 MK3B or Chevron B16... and after that we'll see what else would fit.

Until then,
joergW

Review by CoMod long on the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 HEICO Motorsport (Art. No.: 23791)

Over 45 SLS AMG GT3s worldwide at the start

This year, a total of over 45 SLS AMG GT3s will compete in more than 15 racing series on four continents – a record-breaking achievement. The Motorsport Press reported in March 2012.

Before the toy fair in February 2013, it had been hoped for some time that the
Mercedes SLS AMG may finally make it into the GT ranks.

A few days ago, the eagerly awaited test model in HEICO Motorsport design finally arrived.

The silver and dark blue look is fresh and finally brings some variety to the color scheme on the track, as one might be starting to tire of chrome and matte black. The HEICO Motorsport decals have been flawlessly applied to the body, as expected.

And once again, the car has been perfectly captured; the proportions seem very harmonious, beefy but not overly so—a true race car beauty for me. Of course, the SLS boasts beautiful details, a great interior, delicate mirrors and rear spoiler mounts, air intakes, flaps, and very nice rims with clearly visible brake calipers. However, the tire lettering is missing, which makes the tires look a bit bare.

For my personal taste, the SLS is too long-legged; the beefy wheels could fill the wheel arches better.

The SLS features the latest, most sophisticated technology, which we're already familiar with from Porsche, Audi, and the like, so there's nothing new to report here.

The rear magnet was removed for the first test laps, and the SLS impresses with balanced, smooth, and comfortable handling. The new tires, which offer the best grip on the track, improve handling. Anyone who thinks SLS stands for super-lightweight sprinter will be disappointed; this big car is once again significantly overweight! With a body weight of 71g, I find it significantly too heavy for the GT class. The Porsche concept (55g) still seems to be an unintentional hit.

My conclusion: Despite its minor flaws, it's an absolute asset to the GT field! I won't let it go; I like it so much.

CoMod long

The pictures of the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Team Black Falcon - 24h Dubai 2012 (Art. No. 23790) can be found HERE !

Review by CoMod Carrera124 of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi A5 DTM "M. Ekström, No.3" and "T. Scheider, No.4" (Art. No. 30657 & 30658)

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 109 grams
Weight (body): 30 grams
Length including spoiler: 157 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm
Track width (front axle): 61 mm
Track width (rear axle): 61 mm

Model vehicle:
With the Audi A5 DTM, the 2012 DTM starting field at Carrera is complete. Like BMW and Mercedes, Audi also competed with a new car, the A5 DTM. And although Eduardo Mortara secured two victories for Audi during the season, the title battle was exclusively between Mercedes and BMW. Audi largely relied on its proven drivers.

The models:
The dark blue Red Bull design of Mattias Ekström's company car has become a classic in the Carrera range: the Audi A4 DTM cars from 2004 and 2008 were already produced in this look. The current model features a subtle glitter effect, and the printing also leaves nothing to be desired.

The model, based on Timo Scheider's prototype, features an attractive white and yellow two-tone paint scheme, ensuring the cars are easily distinguishable on the racetrack.

The dimensions and proportions of the models are within the range of what is already known from the other two vehicles, BMW and Mercedes. In terms of weight, the Audi and BMW are almost identical, with only the Mercedes having a slightly weaker hand in this regard.

Driving test:
Honestly, I find it quite difficult to write anything different here than I did for the previously released DTM cars, BMW and Mercedes. All three car types are too similar in terms of their conception and design. The Audi exhibits almost identical handling to the BMW M3 DTM, only the Mercedes falls slightly short due to its heavier weight. Overall, I would consider all three car types to be equivalent; differences in handling are due more to the usual production tolerances of motors and magnets, and less to do with the vehicle construction.

Conclusion:
The two Audi A5 DTM cars are visually and technically just as good as the other two DTM cars. In terms of weight, all six cars still have room for improvement, especially the two Mercedes. Nevertheless, a balanced and attractive DTM starting field can now be assembled. I hope to see more design variants in the lineup for 2014.

Review by CoMod long on the Carrera Digital 132 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Team Falken, No. 17, 2009 (30642)

The 132 fan community had to wait a little longer for it: now it is here, the Porsche GT3RSR Falken.

The little brother, in the Falken livery, is also quite successful! Okay, there are a few minor differences from the DIGITAL 124 version: missing advertising sponsor stickers and a different hood and flaps! They aren't exactly identical vehicles, but I think they can be ignored.

Otherwise, the Porsche impresses with its excellent driving characteristics, as has already been the case with its decorative elements. Since this is a variant, there is nothing new to report from a technical point of view. I still consider this chassis concept with the removable manganese to be one of the best.

Test report by CoMod Carrera124 & Lotus for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 AMG Mercedes SLS GT3 Black Falcon No. 3 (Art. No. 30640)

Let pictures speak!
www.black-falcon.de

This is the official trailer from the team for their victory at the 24 Hours of Dubai.
Writing a report about the BLACK FALCON team gets boring at some point.
Okay, it won't.

Because if I'm honest, I'd rather write a report about a winning car that looks great than about a lame car that looks great but ended up somewhere in 538th place.

And the SLS looks fantastic. You have to give it to the guys from Meuspath; they put a lot of effort into the looks of their cars. So far, every one of their cars has been a real eye-catcher, both in the original and on the racetrack.

For me, that's also one of the biggest advantages of the previous small-scale SLS: Real racing cars with which you can put a reasonable starting field on the track. And if you want, you can even get a safety car. ;-)

There's nothing wrong with the overall appearance (apart from the issue with the side pipes and the missing second flap); the printing is very cleanly executed. There's no smudges in the paint, no smeared colors, and the gaps are clean and precise. I recommend removing the exterior mirrors while driving. Otherwise, they'll come off on their own after a few laps, as they stick out far. Acceleration is good, as is typical of this model, and top speed is also good.
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It is not for nothing that the Mercedes Gullwing is currently one of the most popular vehicles in the Carrera 132 range!

Let pictures speak!
www.black-falcon.de

This is the official trailer from the team for their victory at the 24 Hours of Dubai.
Writing a report about the BLACK FALCON team will someday
boring.

Okay, it won't. Because if I'm honest, I'd rather write a report about a winning car that looks great than about a lame car that looks great.
looks but landed somewhere around 538th place.

And the SLS looks great. You have to give it to the guys from Meuspath, they
make an effort when it comes to the appearance of their vehicles. So far, every vehicle
They are an eye-catcher in the original and on the racetrack.

For me, this is also one of the biggest advantages of the previous SLS in the small
Scale: Real racing cars, with which you can set a reasonable starting field on the
And if you want, you can even get a safety car
in addition. ;-)

The overall appearance (apart from the problem of the side pipes and the missing
2.Flaps) are not exposed. The printing is very clean. No lint
in the paint, no smeared colors, the gaps are clean and fit perfectly.
I recommend removing the outside mirrors before driving. Otherwise, after a few
The race laps are automatically completed because they protrude far out. The acceleration is like
the model is well known, top speed as well.

It is not for nothing that the Mercedes gullwing is currently one of the most popular
Vehicles in the Carrera 132 range!

Best regards,
your Lotus

Test report by CoMod Carrera124 on the Carrera DIGITAL 132 AMG Mercedes C-Coupe DTM "J. Green, No. 5" and "D. Coulthard, No. 19" (Art. Nos. 30659 & 30660)

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 113 or 117 grams
Weight (body): 29 or 31 grams
Length including spoiler: 155 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm Track width (front axle): 61 mm
Track width (rear axle): 61 mm

Model vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz ultimately emerged as the second-place finisher in the 2012 DTM season. For a long time, it looked as if Gary Paffett could clinch the title for the brand with the three-pointed star, but he was overtaken by BMW driver Bruno Spengler in the final race of the season. Carrera opted for the versions of David Coulthard and Jamie Green. Both are visually striking, but neither driver had anything to do with the title. Another thing the two drivers have in common is that they are no longer racing for Mercedes this season. While crowd favorite David Coulthard has ended his active career, Jamie Green has moved to rival Audi in Ingolstadt.

The models:
The dimensions of both models are virtually identical to the BMW M3 DTM, which is no surprise given the very strict regulations. There are differences in weight – while the BMW M3 DTM was already relatively heavy, the Mercedes adds a few grams more. It's worth noting that the yellow version is slightly lighter than the chrome version. Therefore, those seeking the best possible performance should opt for the Coulthard car. The Mercedes is also structurally very similar to the previously released BMW, so I won't go into that further here.

Driving test:
This is where the excess weight becomes noticeable; compared to the BMW, the Mercedes feels a bit sluggish. The desired setup can be adjusted using the suspension magnets: with the full array of magnets, it's relatively fast, but with virtually no cornering limits. Without the rear magnet, the cornering limits increase, but the Mercedes is still a bit slower than the BMW.

Conclusion:
Visually, this car is very well-made and at least on par with the BMW M3 DTM. However, its performance doesn't quite live up to its looks; the Mercedes is simply a bit too heavy for that.

Here are a few preview pictures of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche GT3 RSR "Team Falken, No. 17", 2009. (Art. No. 30642)

The review from our dear CoMods will follow asap ;-)

Review by CoMod Carrera124 for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M3 DTM "M. Tomczyk, No.1" and "B. Spengler, No.7" (Art. Nos. 30661 & 30662)

A strong comeback

Technical data:

Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 108 grams
Weight (body): 28 grams
Length including spoiler: 156 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm
Track width (front axle): 61 mm
Track width (rear axle): 61 mm


Model vehicle:
As early as 2010, it was announced that BMW was planning to return to the DTM for the 2012 season after a 20-year absence. This made 2011 a transitional season, in which the 2008 and 2009 cars were used for the last time, and Audi and Mercedes also competed head-to-head for the last time. Martin Tomcyk became champion – as surprisingly as he did comfortably – driving a "last year's car" from 2008, no less. One of his main rivals was Bruno Spengler, who once again drove a strong season but missed the title at the crucial moment.

When BMW founded its new DTM teams, it primarily relied on drivers from its own ranks, including both established names and young talent. However, it didn't want to rely entirely on this, so it signed two top drivers from Audi and Mercedes, Martin Tomcyk and Bruno Spengler. The former took the starting number 1, which soon appeared on his classic BMW M3 – white with red and turquoise stripes. Bruno Spengler's race car is the visual opposite; aside from the obligatory M stripes, it is almost entirely matte black. The DTM racers share only the name and the company logo with the production cars; they are genuine sports prototypes based on a carbon fiber monocoque.

The BMW M3 DTM was a fast and competitive car from the start, with Bruno Spengler securing a win in the very second race at the Lausitzring. He remained unfazed by his equipment and nerves throughout the rest of the season, celebrating the championship title at the end of the season and, in doing so, also shaking off his reputation as a perpetual second (or third) finisher.

The models:
The Carrera BMW M3 DTM is flat, wide, and above all: long. No wonder, given that the original car measures a whopping 5 meters. I can't detect any visual flaws; the model makes a good, true-to-scale impression from every perspective. The slightly excessive overall weight deserves criticism, although the body itself, at 28 grams, remains within limits. The front lighting isn't particularly bright, but considerable effort has been made to prevent stray light from the wheel arches – and this has been successful. The side skirts, as with older DTM cars, are attached to the chassis rather than the body. Apart from that, the chassis design holds no surprises; everything conforms to the standard established in 2009.

Driving test:
With the standard magnets, the M3 literally rides like it's on rails, but combined with the heavy weight, the magnets slow the car's forward momentum somewhat. This changes as soon as the rear magnet is removed, and the handling becomes more pleasant because the car feels more "free." In corners, you gain an acceptable limit, and overall, the old adage "length matters" proves true.
Without any magnets, the grip of the stock tires reaches its limits. In my opinion, additional weight isn't necessary, but for reasonable handling, you should sand the tires a bit or switch to tires from well-known third-party suppliers. Overall, the car offers good conditions for this type of operation.

Conclusion:
A real stunner, visually appealing and with good performance. While the M3 DTM isn't a definite time-buster, the weight is simply a bit too high for that. On the plus side, it does have a relatively smooth and harmonious handling, which is certainly not a bad foundation over a longer race distance.

Review by CoMod martinmm on the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ford GT40 "No.8", 1966
(Art. No. 23779)


The sixth Ford GT 40 MKII, based on a real-life model, is again a vehicle from the 1966 Le Mans race. However, the car of the Alan Mann Racing team, driven by John Whitmore and Frank Gardner, retired early due to clutch problems.

The yellow paintwork is very refreshing compared to the rather muted colors of the GT40s released so far. Without any sponsor stickers, it's almost reminiscent of a road car with a starting number—compared to the mobile advertising columns of more recent times. The attractive shape stands out very well. The Carrera model is equipped with the chassis of the external magnets. The tires have the current soft compound that all new cars are equipped with. The build quality of the test car is impeccable. Even the "problem area" at the rear is flawlessly finished.

We'll be curious to see if another version of this beautifully designed racing classic follows. Perhaps the fourth-place finisher with starting number 6?

Carrera Evolution Porsche 904 Carrera GTS
Item No.: 30663

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 918 Spyder
Item No.: 30664


Both vehicles are available exclusively in the now available Carrera DIGITAL 132 set "Time Race" (Art. No. 30168).

<< to the product >>

Test report by CoMod Lotus for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 "Young Driver, No. 007"3 (Art. No. 30666)

The GT3 starting field is getting bigger!

While the 132cc scale in the FIA ​​GT3 racing series was already well populated with the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes SLS AMG, another vehicle will be taking to the starting line this year: the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.

Aston Martin has previously used the well-known DBR9s as its base cars in the GT3 series (we all know these cars from the larger-scale series). In 2012, the new Vantage cars were fielded for the first time. The Vantage is the most "compact" car in the British manufacturer's lineup, and for the GT3 series, it was equipped with the Gaydon-based company's most powerful engine, a 6-liter V12 with around 600 hp.

This CARRERA vehicle is based on the 2012 model of the Fischer Racing motorsport team. The Paderborn-based company fields the car in the Grand Tourismo series. Operating under the name YOUNG DRIVER AMR since 2010, Fischer has been an official ASTON MARTIN Racing partner team since 2013. For more information, please visit the link to YOUNG DRIVER: www.youngdriver-amr.com. And the Fischer Racing homepage: www.fischer-racingteam.de

Let's move on to the model itself. The car is really well crafted. The printing is flawless; it couldn't be better at the moment. The engine runs very smoothly, and the axles run true to form. Everyone will form their own opinion about the color scheme; I like it quite a bit, even though baby blue isn't usually my color.

Handling: The car is very stable on the track. I'm driving with the Magnet on a classic home track with a lot of K1. The Aston can be maneuvered cleanly and quickly around the tight corners without immediately flying out of the slot. But honestly, I didn't expect anything less from this chassis. In terms of acceleration and balanced handling, it's in no way inferior to an SLS or a 911, which is sure to make for exciting duels in the future.


I'm looking forward to more color variations of the vehicle!

Here you can find a selection of preview images of the new Carrera products!


Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ford GT40 "No.8", 1966
(Art. No.: 23779)

Review by CoMod JörgW on the new Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution Green GT H2 (Art. No. 30667/27448)

Oops... why did I choose this particular model when it came to the club reports!? This thing looks like a Dutch version of a matte-black Batmobile with a streamlined F1 design... and it's supposed to be a GT? Okay, grit your teeth and get on with it ;-)

First, as usual, do some internet research; you want to know what you're dealing with.
The Green GT H2 is a vehicle with a completely newly developed and emission-free, approximately 540-hp fuel cell and electric drive system... and was supposed to be used in the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, this didn't happen because the car didn't deliver the expected performance in the endurance test. Who says that racing doesn't do anything for the environment! When such a concept will become available in an affordable form... and the endurance aspect remains to be seen... but it will happen.

Optics:
The matte black look with orange elements is understated and authentic. The starting number 56, by the way, refers to pit number 56 at Le Mans, which is always reserved for cars with unusual concepts starting out of competition. With its very low profile and long wheelbase, the car has a very aggressive appearance.

Technology:
The front axle is split and rotates freely. The technical highlight of this car only becomes apparent when you put it on the track... the flat headlights are really bright. Considerably brighter than other 1:32 models, so I unscrewed them and took a look. A completely different light board is installed at the front than usual. It's two-piece and has flat, square light elements. New standard? I don't know, but I think we'll hear something about it. Unfortunately, the GT doesn't have lights installed at the rear, but there isn't really much room for one.

Processing:
Everything is okay so far, no problems or sloppiness can be detected.

Driving behavior:
The Green GT is very fast, easy-going, and relatively quiet. It runs smoothly and very quietly. Other candidates are significantly louder. The tires have good grip, and the long wheelbase prevents problems from arising quickly. In the test, it ran on 14.4-14.8 volts and magnetos, which is probably what most people drive at home.

For those who prefer magnetless driving, the chassis offers very little space for custom-cut lead sheets from a roofing supply store. Wheel weights are very tight, and they're not recommended here. The hydrogen tanks simply take up tuning space.

Even though it will be a rather controversial vehicle in my opinion, it is fun...but where it should be used in races (in the GT class or perhaps better in the Formula vehicles) is up to each individual to decide.

Until then
joergW

Review by CoMod Lotus of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Shelby Cobra 289 "No.21" (Art. No. 30651)

The (Shelby) Cobra is probably one of the most recognizable vehicles.

Almost everyone knows someone who has owned or has owned a Cobra. My friend Pierre had one, the junior manager of our Ford dealership has one, and so on. Of course, in most cases, it's not a real Cobra, but one of the countless real or fake replicas that have been in production for over 40 years.

Interestingly, the majority of Cobras I've seen over the years have one thing in common: They're metallic blue, and a large portion of them have white racing stripes.

Why that is? I have no idea. Probably because the killer machine looks simply awesome in this paint job. Or could you imagine a Cobra with a GULF, WARSTEINER, JÄGERMEISTER, MARTINI, or RED BULL livery? Exactly.

Then I can just stick PRIL flowers and “NO THANKS TO NUCLEAR POWER” stickers on my car.

But where does this preference for the blue and white paint come from?
Possibly from the original vehicle for the latest Cobra model from CARRERA:
The legendary Cobra CSX 2345 from 1964/65. In 1965, Shelby factory driver Bob Bondurant won the Rossfeld Hill Climb in Berchtesgaden in the "Grand Touring Vehicles over 2000cc" class. Relatively unknown in Germany, Bondurant is a racing legend in the USA. From 1953 to 1965, he was virtually unbeatable in both open and closed Ford Cobras.

Back then, CSX 2345 won virtually everything in its class under various Shelby factory drivers: Brands Hatch, Targa Florio, Spa, Nürburgring, Tourist Trophy, and more. The car is now owned by Steve Volk and is on display at the Shelby Museum in Chaparral Court. It has not been restored to this day and remains in its original condition from 1965, when it was returned to the USA after the Rossfeld race, then sold, and immediately mothballed.

Here is a link to the museum, just browse the “Collection”:
shelbyamericancollection.org

Comparing the pictures of the original with the Carrera model, you'll notice a few small differences in the body: the front air intake under the large nose, the slightly smaller air vents on the side. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided due to production reasons, as it isn't possible to create a separate mold for each car. And the original Cobras all differ in various details. Otherwise, the model is no different from the original! The Cobra's handling is well-known: thanks to its low center of gravity and weight, the car corners very well, but it tends to judder in the corners due to the tires' very high grip. Grinding the tires helps, but on the straights, the car fully exploits its high speed.

Overall, for me the most beautiful Cobra after the UNI-Repro!

Test report from CoMod Carrera124 on the Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution Alfa Romeo GTA Silhouette Race 3 (Art. No. 30651/27431)

The Alfa Romeo GTA Silhouette is now competing in its third design variant. This version is appropriately called "Race 3" and features the Italian national colors of green, white, and red. The large "OKP" lettering catches the eye; this is a major specialist supplier that offers spare parts for classic Alfas and other classic cars from Italy. While the theme is certainly a natural fit, I still find the lettering visually inappropriate.

The gaps on the separate front part of the body feel somewhat smaller than on the test vehicles from 2012, and the rims are still very well done.

There are no surprises during the road test. As is my usual practice, the car starts without the rear magnet, leaving the center magnet in the car. This results in good acceleration and a moderately wide acceleration limit, which forgives the occasional driving error. Overdoing it in the corner still risks a spin or even a crash.

Conclusion: Even if I don't entirely like the look of this variant, the little Alfa is still an exceptional addition to the vehicle range.

Review by CoMod Lotus of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Shelby Cobra 289 "No.21" (Art. No. 30651)

The (Shelby) Cobra is probably one of the most recognizable vehicles.

Almost everyone knows someone who has owned or has owned a Cobra. My friend Pierre had one, the junior manager of our Ford dealership has one, and so on. Of course, in most cases, it's not a real Cobra, but one of the countless real or fake replicas that have been in production for over 40 years.

Interestingly, the majority of Cobras I've seen over the years have one thing in common: They're metallic blue, and a large portion of them have white racing stripes.

Why that is? I have no idea. Probably because the killer machine looks simply awesome in this paint job. Or could you imagine a Cobra with a GULF, WARSTEINER, JÄGERMEISTER, MARTINI, or RED BULL livery? Exactly.

Then I can just stick PRIL flowers and “NO THANKS TO NUCLEAR POWER” stickers on my car.

But where does this preference for the blue and white paint come from?
Possibly from the original vehicle for the latest Cobra model from CARRERA:
The legendary Cobra CSX 2345 from 1964/65. In 1965, Shelby factory driver Bob Bondurant won the Rossfeld Hill Climb in Berchtesgaden in the "Grand Touring Vehicles over 2000cc" class. Relatively unknown in Germany, Bondurant is a racing legend in the USA. From 1953 to 1965, he was virtually unbeatable in both open and closed Ford Cobras.

Back then, CSX 2345 won virtually everything in its class under various Shelby factory drivers: Brands Hatch, Targa Florio, Spa, Nürburgring, Tourist Trophy, and more. The car is now owned by Steve Volk and is on display at the Shelby Museum in Chaparral Court. It has not been restored to this day and remains in its original condition from 1965, when it was returned to the USA after the Rossfeld race, then sold, and immediately mothballed.

Here is a link to the museum, just browse the “Collection”:
shelbyamericancollection.org

Comparing the pictures of the original with the Carrera model, you'll notice a few small differences in the body: the front air intake under the large nose, the slightly smaller air vents on the side. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided due to production reasons, as it isn't possible to create a separate mold for each car. And the original Cobras all differ in various details. Otherwise, the model is no different from the original! The Cobra's handling is well-known: thanks to its low center of gravity and weight, the car corners very well, but it tends to judder in the corners due to the tires' very high grip. Grinding the tires helps, but on the straights, the car fully exploits its high speed.

Overall, for me the most beautiful Cobra after the UNI-Repro!

Test report by CoMod Lotus for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 "Black Falcon, No.3", 24h Dubai 2012 (Art. No. 30640)

Let pictures speak!
www.black-falcon.de

This is the official trailer from the team for their victory at the 24 Hours of Dubai.
Writing a report about the BLACK FALCON team will be
boring.

Okay, it won't. Because if I'm honest, I'd rather write a report about a winning car that looks great than about a lame carrot that looks great.
looks but landed somewhere around 538th place.

And the SLS looks great. You have to give it to the guys from Meuspath, they
make an effort when it comes to the appearance of their vehicles. So far, every vehicle
They are an eye-catcher in the original and on the racetrack.

For me, this is also one of the biggest advantages of the previous SLS in the small
Scale: Real racing cars, with which you can set a reasonable starting field on the
And if you want, you can even get a safety car
in addition. ;-)

The overall appearance (apart from the problem of the side pipes and the missing
2.Flaps) are not exposed. The printing is very clean. No lint
in the paint, no smeared colors, the gaps are clean and fit perfectly.
I recommend removing the outside mirrors before driving. Otherwise, after a few
The race laps are automatically completed because they protrude far out. The acceleration is like
the model is well known, top speed as well.

It is not for nothing that the Mercedes gullwing is currently one of the most popular
Vehicles in the Carrera 132 range!

Best regards,
your Lotus

Carrera Evolution Porsche 904 Carrera GTS
Item No.: 27444

Carrera Evolution Porsche 918 Spyder
Item No.: 27445


Both vehicles are available exclusively in the now available Carrera Evolution set "Celebracers" (Art. No. 25197).

<< to the product >>

Test report by CoMod long for the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Aston Martin DBR9 Team Modena No. 59 (23785)

The female PM was asked the same question again at the Gaisbergrennen 2012:
Why are there no other Aston Martin DBR9 variants?
Unfortunately, the answer was sobering: there was a change of ownership and it was not yet possible to say how this would affect the existing license. However, they promised to really look into this issue. At this point, THANK YOU!

One should, he said, make suggestions for decor; they certainly couldn't hurt. This was promptly done, and of course, the Mondena was one of the clear favorites among the suggestions in terms of decor and color(s).

There's nothing really new to report about the No. 59, which also competed in the 1000 km race at Silverstone in 2008. But the Modena variant is such a beautiful car, with so many details in the paintwork—the color printing in gloss and matte, the painted rims, and the printed brake calipers—that it just elicits a wow! For me personally, the DBR9 is and remains one of the most beautiful GT supercars.

We are already used to the revised technology from the 23747 Aston Martin Racing Green, but it is also worth mentioning the new tire compound, which once again significantly improves the driving characteristics.

Personally, I just hope that there will be more color variants of the DBR9.

Carrera Evolution Porsche 904 Carrera GTS
Item No.: 27444

Carrera Evolution Porsche 918 Spyder
Item No.: 27445


Both vehicles are available exclusively in the now available Carrera Evolution set "Celebracers" (Art. No. 25197).

<< to the product >>

Review by CoMod Lotus of the Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche 917K "Gespipa Racing Team, No. 54", 1000km Nürburgring 1970 (Art. No. 23780)

He didn’t clean anything…

At the 1970 Nürburgring 1000 km race, the GESIPA Porsche with starting number 54 retired on lap 9 with wheel bearing failure. Drivers Jürgen Neuhaus and Helmut Kelleners probably had a slightly different vision, having finished ninth in practice with a time of 8.17 and driven the only 917 in the field (the other 917 belonged to the AAW team and was withdrawn from the starting field after the fatal accident of Finnish driver Hans Laine).

1970 was the year of the great battle between Ferrari and Porsche. The previous year, the 908/3 dominated, with Ferrari's unreliable 312Ps not standing a chance. And there was no way to beat the 917 anyway. That was supposed to change with the Ferrari 512S. As I said: It was supposed to! It didn't work out. While the 512 delivered thrilling battles with the Porsches, it was too heavy and usually inferior.
The 1:24 scale Porsche 917s caused quite a stir when they were released last year, and the first cars sold out pretty quickly. So, naturally, there were high hopes that a color version would be released this year as well.
Following the already visually appealing GAISBERGRENNEN special model, only the car of the well-known GESIPA Racing Team follows. The team is owned by Dr. Biermann, and the name GESIPA is an abbreviation for "GESellschaft für Internationale PAtentverwertung mbH," the company's original purpose. However, this quickly changed, as the company filed patents for break-stem hollow rivet connections, a blind rivet pliers, and blind rivet processing tools, which are still being manufactured today. Hence the BLINDNIETE lettering on the sides of the vehicle; it has nothing to do with the drivers. ;-)

GESIPA produces worldwide, and business is so good that Dr. Biermann acquires a motorsport team in 1969. The first races are contested in the 908. The vehicles are painted in the GESIPA company colors. In 1970, the 917-007, including spare parts, is purchased for 150,000 DM. Dr. Biermann receives the number 007 of the 65 917s ever built (all versions). The car is subsequently used in the Interseries.
I have this very beautiful 917 in front of me. What I like most about the 917 series so far is the colorful starting field. Not the black, silver, and white uniformity that often prevails these days with some series or car manufacturers. The Porsche starting field is simply beautifully colorful and creates a truly interesting scene on the racetrack.

Based on comparisons with the (few) original photos, the paintwork is true to the original and well executed; there was nothing wrong with the quality of the paintwork on my car. I don't need to say much about the handling; the wide track makes the car very stable, and it's only really likely to be thrown off course by serious driving errors. The axles run smoothly, the front lights are OK, and there are no rear lights this time either.

So, that's it in a nutshell for the 917, I hope there will be another car released next year.

One more thing: Porsche actually won the 1970 Nürburgring race. Specifically, the SALZBURG team, with drivers Vic Elford and Kurt Ahrens, drove a 908/3.
Jürgen Neuhaus ( www.rennfahrer-juergen-neuhaus.de) was not left out either, as he won the entire Interserie in 1970 in his GESIPA 917!

Best regards,
your Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 "Black Falcon, No.3", 24h Dubai 2012
Item No.: 23790
Preliminary availability: October 2013

Here you can find a selection of preview images of the new Carrera products!


Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ford GT40 "No.8", 1966
(Art. No.: 23779)

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Bill Thomas Cheetah No.63, No.5"
Item No.: 23783
Preliminary availability: June 2013

Test report by CoMod JoergW for the Carrera DIGITAL DIGITAL 124 Ferrari GTO 'No.77', Roßfeldrennen 1963 (Art.No. 23784)

Yes, it’s true…

There will be a red GTO again in 2013! Ferraris are mostly red and
Honestly, I like them best this way, too. So now, in addition to the other colors, we have the choice—if we already have them or they're still available in stores—between three red GTOs.

The new model found its inspiration at the Rossfeld race in 1963. I had to
I did some Googling, as I hadn't heard of it until then. It was a hill climb similar to the Gaisberg Race, and the 1963 race was the first round of the European Hill Climb Championship and even counted as a World Championship race for GT cars. Today, the route is a toll-paying panoramic road in the German Alps, which I might want to include in my vacation plans sometime.

Here I found a 8mm film documentary of the race:
Alpine Mountain Prize at Roßfeld 1963 (Hillclimb)

The new model can be seen briefly at approximately 7 minutes 50 seconds. The film is worth watching for fans
historic races definitely. Lots of information about the race with classic
Charm of 60s amateur films.

But now to the Carrera model:
The handling is familiar... but in short: a safe drifter with a high fun factor, not a time-killer; that's more reserved for wider, lower-slung cars. The tires and suspension are well-suited to the car, and the axles are perfectly centered. The tire edges could be sanded, as with virtually any car.

The paint is top-notch, decals and hardware are flawless. The front tires spin for a long time (although a drop of oil could reduce the friction noise a bit).

All in all, a successful model for lovers of classic GT vehicles.

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M3 DTM "B.Spengler, No.7"
Item No.: 30662
Preliminary availability: Fall 2013

Carrera DIGITAL 132 AMG-Mercedes C-Coupe DTM "J.Green, No.5"
Item No.: 30659
Preliminary availability: Fall 2013

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche GT3 RSR "Team Falken, No.17", 2009
Item No.: 30642
Preliminary availability: July 2013

!! ATTENTION: new image data !!
The model was produced in 1:32 scale, similar to the 2010 model in 1:24 scale.

Test report by CoMod Lotus on the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi R8 "Police"
(Art.No. 30644)

The Essen Motor Show has been a destination for car and motorsport fans for many years. And for many years, the VDAT ( Association of Automobile Tuners) advertised safe tuning at the trade fair.

Every year, the VDAT (German Automobile Association) Tune it! Safe! working group presents a campaign vehicle in police livery to introduce car enthusiasts to the reputable and, above all, safe method of vehicle tuning. Also participating in the working group are tire manufacturer Hankook and the Federal Ministry of Transport.

In 2011, a very special car was unveiled: an Abt Audi R8 GTR.
The 525 hp Audi R8 5.2 FSI forms the basis for the new show car, although it has been extensively modified: The police livery isn't a paint job, but a Foliatec wrap, and there's also a Hella traffic light system on the roof. The ten-cylinder naturally aspirated engine has been boosted by 95 hp to 620 hp. A maximum torque of 550 Newton meters catapults the Abt R8 GTR to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds. However, its top speed is limited to 325 km/h, making it the fastest police car of its kind. The Audi is decelerated by a ceramic brake system, and the car sits on particularly lightweight 19-inch rims with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tires, measuring 235/35 at the front and 305/30 at the rear.

Inside, the Audi resembles a race car: stainless steel roll bars, Recaro racing seats with a four-point harness system, and a carbon fiber sports steering wheel. The interior is also equipped with an Alcantara and leather combination, a black headliner, black carpets, and a black dashboard. There's little room for suspects inside, but it's the undisputed king of the highway. The guys at COBRA 11 can only dream of something like that...

So that would be the model for the new item number 30644. The CARRERA police car is based on the "normal" production R8, which was released in 2008. The Audi was one of the first cars with the revised chassis, and it's still competitive today; it was THE opponent for the Porsche 911 from the very beginning.

The paintwork is cleanly executed and as close to the original as possible, since the ABT R8 naturally differs somewhat from the slot car in terms of bodywork. The Digital R8 I tested has front and rear lights (the light on the front lights shines slightly out of the wheel arch), as well as the light bar on the roof. The interior was sacrificed for the electronics, which actually has a positive effect on the car's handling, as the overall weight is lower than that of the production car.

Overall, a very successful concept; the car is a lot of fun on the track and doesn't have to hide from more modern opponents!

Best regards,
your Lotus

Review by CoMod Lotus of the Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution Ferrari 458 Italia GT2 "AF Corse, No.71", 2012 (Art. No. 30639/27426)

The FIA ​​World Endurance Championship...

...is a racing series for Le Mans Prototypes and Grand Touring cars, which replaced the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in 2012. The ILMC was first held in 2010, but only existed for two years.

In the GT2/GTE class, both a manufacturer's and a team's champion were determined. Ferrari won the Manufacturers' Cup in 2011 (and also in 2010), while the Italian racing team AF Corse secured the team and driver's championships that same year. More information can be found at: www.afcorse.it

Founded in 2002 by former racing driver Amato Ferrari (who, incidentally, is not related or related by marriage to the legendary car manufacturer from Maranello), the team enjoyed considerable success early on in the FIA ​​GT Championship with its Maserati MC12s. Further victories were achieved in subsequent years with Ferrari 430 GTs, and in 2005 and 2006, the Piacenza-based team became champions of the FIA ​​GT Championship. In 2007, MOTOROLA became the team's main sponsor—not a bad decision for the advertising partner, as AF won nine out of ten races that season and secured the championship again this time. The success was repeated in 2009, with the team's fourth consecutive title, having also won the drivers' championships from 2006 to 2008.

In 2011, the racing team fielded the Ferrari 458 in the GT2 class for the first time. After switching to the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship in 2012, the team competed with the 458 in both the GT2/GTE and GT3 classes. Their biggest victory was the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Let's move on to the Carrera model: The GT2 with the number 71 is finished in classic Ferrari red and adorned with racing stripes in the Italian national colors. Overall, a very harmonious and attractive look. The build quality of the model leaves nothing to be desired! Only the lighting shines through slightly this time, albeit a little less than on the yellow JMW. The performance of the AF Corse is well known. The car tracks very well thanks to its wide tires, but has its well-known tight throttle limits! So don't take the corners too sharply ;-)

Let's hope that more 458s will be added to the range in the coming years. The Ferrari is exactly what I want for a race track: a genuine racing car!

CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132/Ferrari 458 Italia "Safety Car"
Item No.: 30646
Preliminary availability: June 2013

Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution Shelby Cobra 289 "No.21"
Item No.: 30651 / 27434
Preliminary availability: July 2013

Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution BMW M3 DTM "M.Tomczyk, No.1"
Item No.: 30661 / 27442
Preliminary availability: August 2013

Review by CoMod Lotus of the Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution Bill Thomas Cheetah 'Aluminium Car' (Art.No. 30648/27432)

Another one in chrome?

YES! Although, actually, NO, because they were never chrome-plated, but rather aluminum-coated. However, in the Carrera community, they've been called CHROM-XXX ever since the very first car (you can substitute the respective car name for XXX). And there have been a few chrome-plated cars in recent years:

It all started with the legendary chrome Porsche (911 GT1 98), which was actually only intended as a test to see if something like that could be produced in series. It was then produced in small numbers in 1998 and then given away all over the world. But that would be a story in itself. It continued with the 132 300 SLR in 2001 and the two 124 streamlined racers, the AUTO UNION Type C and the MERCEDES W125. In 2003, the 132 Aston Martin Vanquish arrived as a production car, along with the very rare Bentley EXP 8, which, like the 911 GT1, never went on sale, but was given away to deserving dealers or could be won as a prize in Carrera racing competitions. The 2004 DTM C-Class isn't one of the classic CHROMs for me, as the car regularly competed in the DTM. The same applies to the DTM successors from 2006 and 2007.

But in 2006, four more treats were released: For the press event to launch the following vehicles, Mercedes-Benz commissioned four vehicles specifically: the CL Coupe, the E-Class, the SL, and the GL SUV. Each vehicle came in its own box with tracks; all four boxes together formed a complete racetrack. Then it was all over for a while, and it wasn't until 2013 that there were some more news regarding high-gloss cars: Exclusively for the 50th anniversary, a Porsche 911 was released in the middle of the year as a chrome model for the Carrera Club; the gold-plated 911 was given away all over the world at the Toy Fair.

And now, of course, there's the Bill Thomas Cheetah as an "aluminum car." Now, you might think the designers weren't thinking about anything, especially since we've had a break from chrome cars for a few years. Far from it!!!!!!!!!!!

The vehicle really did exist. The Cheetah's body is, as is well known, made of fiberglass. However, the first two prototypes of the Cheetah were given aluminum bodies. One was apparently sold to Chevrolet for research purposes, while the other, according to Bill Thomas, was owned by Sonny & Cher (for the youngsters in the forum: They were a singing couple in the '60s. Back in the days when music still came from analog devices or boxes, and there were only records or tapes). Rumors speak of a third aluminum body. There are now a few replicas, but none of the original vehicles are said to exist. On the following page, you'll find some good pictures, including the aluminum Cheetah, and a brief history: www.gatsbyonline.com

There's not much to say about the model itself : My test vehicle was excellently executed (the "chrome plating" doesn't forgive even the slightest bit of junk), only the tire sidewalls, thanks to the fancy name, somewhat spoil the overall look. Thanks to its very wide tires and wide track, the Gepard sits like a board on the track and is difficult to throw off course. A great opponent for the Cobra, which, in my opinion, can't even come close to the Cheetah in terms of looks.

Have fun with the car!!!
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Gaisberg race 2013
Porsche 917K
Item No.: 23787
Preliminary availability: June 2013 (Clubshop only!!)

Carrera DIGITAL 132/Evolution GreenGT H2
Item No.: 30667 / 27448
Preliminary availability: October 2013

In the new test reports section, you will now find the first pictures of our shape and design variants!

Best regards,
the Carrera Club Team

We'll try to provide sample blanks and grayscale images from time to time, but unfortunately, it won't always be possible! However, we will present many great detailed shots and other images in advance and hope you enjoy them!

Pictures by Dave Kennedy - Carrera of America - for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Dodge Charger 500, No.22, 1969 (Item No. 30604)

Have fun watching the pics of those amazing cars!

Best regards,
Dave

Pictures by Dave Kennedy - Carrera of America - of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Plymouth Superbird "No. 8", 1971 (Art. No. 30605)

Have fun watching the pics of those amazing cars!

Best regards,
Dave