Vehicle reports

Carrera Digital 124 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 'Ram Racing - Dubai 24h 2015'



Item No.: 23864

Carrera Digital 132 Audi RS5 DTM 'Audi Sport Team Rosberg - Jamie Green'


Item No.: 30837

The British long-running hit

Jamie Green is now a DTM veteran. He has been competing in the series since 2005, initially for Mercedes. Starting in the 2013 season, he switched to Audi, and since 2014, the trademark of his company car has been its striking orange design, with the tool manufacturer "Hoffmann Group" as the main sponsor. The paintwork is a pleasant satin finish, ensuring the model is sure to attract attention on the racetrack. It stands out clearly from the three other Audi models, as well as from the three Mercedes models. Overall, Carrera has delivered a large field of DTM models in recent weeks, all of which are impressive in terms of driving performance and are equally capable opponents.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Chevrolet Corvette C7R


Item No.: 30845

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-Benz F1 W08 'Lewis Hamilton'


Item No.: 30840

The two Formula 1 Mercedes W08s with the article numbers 30840 (Lewis Hamilton) and 30841 (Valtteri Bottas) are the two world championship cars of the 2017 season.
With these cars, Mercedes-Benz won the Constructors' World Championship for the fourth time in a row after a thrilling season, and Lewis Hamilton secured his fourth Drivers' title. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes' new signing from Finland, finished third in the Drivers' Championship behind Sebastian Vettel in Ferrari. He will remain with the Swabians for the 2018 season, as will his teammate Hamilton.
The two Mercedes have repeatedly proven that the best vehicles currently come from Germany.

As in previous years, the W08 features a silver-cyan livery, silver in reference to the old Mercedes Silver Arrows, and cyan for main sponsor PETRONAS. The car featured the newly developed Mercedes-AMG F1 M08 EQ Power, the fourth development stage of the hybrid engine first used in 2014. The engine produces over 700 hp (no team has disclosed exact figures), weighs 733 kg, and has a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque.

Let’s get to the slot racers:
The handling is typical of small-scale Formula 1: fast and relatively hectic. The cars are very narrow, which gives them their own driving characteristics. I wouldn't want to drive them without magnets, even though the smooth tires offer sufficient grip. They're a real asset to the racetrack: something for a quick spin, and of course, for the numerous Formula 1 fans.


Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera Digital 124 Audi RS5 DTM 'Audi Sport Team Rosberg - Rene Rast'


Item No.: 23847

The second large-scale DTM model

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 243 grams
Weight (body): 67 grams
Length including spoiler: 213 mm
Wheelbase: 115 mm
Track width (front axle): 80 mm
Track width (rear axle): 80 mm

Model description:
As can be seen from the part numbers, the full-scale Audi RS5 DTM was likely decided upon at the same time as the Mercedes C63 DTM, which was released in 2017. However, the design selection was dispensed with. The choice fell on Rene Rast's championship-winning car, and the classic car in the "Red Bull" livery, driven by Mattias Ekström, was chosen. And instead of a lot of words, just let Mike's pictures sink in.
From a technical perspective, there's relatively little to report; the chassis looks uncannily similar to that of the Mercedes C63 DTM. Compared to the latter, the Audi weighs 3 grams more and is also a fraction longer. However, both factors play a minor role in practice.

Driving test:
For this, I remove all the magnets as usual; after a short break-in period, the original tires provide sufficient grip even for this type of operation. The handling is practically identical to the Mercedes C63 DTM – the length matters. Hectic load changes or sudden departures are completely foreign to the model, and the lap times also correspond on average to what the Mercedes achieves on the track. All in all, the conditions are ideal for a balanced competition.

CoMod Chris

Carrera Digital 124 Audi RS5 DTM 'Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline - Mattias Ekström'


Item No.: 23846

The second large-scale DTM model

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 243 grams
Weight (body): 67 grams
Length including spoiler: 213 mm
Wheelbase: 115 mm
Track width (front axle): 80 mm
Track width (rear axle): 80 mm

Model description:
As can be seen from the part numbers, the full-scale Audi RS5 DTM was likely decided upon at the same time as the Mercedes C63 DTM, which was released in 2017. However, the design selection was dispensed with. The choice fell on Rene Rast's championship-winning car, and the classic car in the "Red Bull" livery, driven by Mattias Ekström, was chosen. And instead of a lot of words, just let Mike's pictures sink in.
From a technical perspective, there's relatively little to report; the chassis looks uncannily similar to that of the Mercedes C63 DTM. Compared to the latter, the Audi weighs 3 grams more and is also a fraction longer. However, both factors play a minor role in practice.

Driving test:
For this, I remove all the magnets as usual; after a short break-in period, the original tires provide sufficient grip even for this type of operation. The handling is practically identical to the Mercedes C63 DTM – the length matters. Hectic load changes or sudden departures are completely foreign to the model, and the lap times also correspond on average to what the Mercedes achieves on the track. All in all, the conditions are ideal for a balanced competition.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 ' Imperiale Racing Team'


Item No.: 30864

The Imperiale Racing Team was founded by Autocarrozzeria Imperiale srl, a long-standing sponsor and technical partner in the racing world. Autocarrozzeria Imperiale was founded as a sole proprietorship in 1980 with headquarters at Via Imperiale No. 15 in San Felice sul Panaro (MO). Its name was changed to a limited liability company (GmbH) in 1990. The company specializes in paint technology, which is reflected in the fact that it is authorized to perform paint jobs for "Automobili Lamborghini" according to their standards.
Led by team principal Ivano Pignatti, the Autocarozzeria Imperiale Racing Team has been successfully participating in the International GT Open and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europa for several years.
The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is an international racing series. Drivers compete in identical Lamborghini Cup cars based on the Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2, replacing the older Gallardo version.
The main sponsor of the entire racing series up to and including 2018 was the watch manufacturer BLANCPAIN; from 2018 onwards, the new main sponsor is Roger Dubuis, also a luxury watch manufacturer.
Incidentally, starting with the 2018 season, the Italians have launched a new race car, the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. Compared to the previous model, Lamborghini's aerodynamics have been significantly improved in collaboration with Dallara, intended to increase the vehicle's aerodynamic performance and handling stability. Prices for the new Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO range from €235,000 in Europe and $295,000 in the US. All prices are subject to tax. It's not cheap, then...


Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM 'Mercedes-AMG DTM Team HWA - Robert Wickens'


Item No.: 30858

Carrera Digital 132 Audi RS5 DTM 'Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline - Mattias Ekström'


Item No.: 30860

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 107 grams
Weight (body): 33 grams
Length including spoiler: 158 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm
Track width (front axle): 60 mm
Track width (rear axle): 60 mm

Real vehicle and design selection:
At the end of the 2017 season, Mattias Ekström left the DTM, but returned for a one-off guest appearance in the 2018 season. His last car is now a 1:32 scale slot car on the racetrack. The blue Red Bull livery is well-known and now considered a classic.

Model:
The dimensions and measurements correspond exactly to the newly delivered AMG C63 DTM models, so that there is a very good comparability between the two vehicle types.
This also means that the sidepods are finally no longer attached separately to the chassis, but are instead conventionally mounted to the body. Tuners and hobbyists will be pleased, as this makes conversion work noticeably easier.
The paintwork and printing are flawless, and if you don't like the "Carrera" lettering on the tires, you can simply turn them around.

Driving test:
The handling is virtually identical to the AMG C63 DTM. The model runs very quietly and smoothly, and even in low-magnet operation, there are no jerky load changes.

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi RS5 DTM 'Audi Sport Team Phoenix'


Item No.: 30836

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 107 grams
Weight (body): 33 grams
Length including spoiler: 158 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm
Track width (front axle): 60 mm
Track width (rear axle): 60 mm

Model:
This car is a unique design, unusually featuring no fewer than four design variants in its first year. The striking yellow and green design of sponsor Schaeffler stands out, and likely presented some challenges for the printing and painting technology. What at first glance appears to be washed-out colored stripes, upon closer inspection, reveals itself as finely printed lettering in varying shades of color. Overall, a very attractive car that all DTM fans will surely have on their wish list.

Driving test:
The handling of the new DTM models from Audi and Mercedes is virtually identical. They feel very solid and composed on the track, and without any further modifications, they can be easily maneuvered around the track, even without the rear magnet.

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ferrari 458 GT3 ' Momo NGT'


Item No.: 23865

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport 'Time Twist II'



Item No.: 23866


Limited Edition 2018
Edition 999 pieces

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo 'Würth-Zakspeed-Team'


Item No.: 23858


Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 230 grams
Weight (body): 70 grams
Length including spoiler: 210 mm
Wheelbase: 106 mm
Track width (front axle): 75.5 mm
Track width (rear axle): 81 mm

Chassis:
There's relatively little to report here. As is typical for large-scale models, the engine is a Sidewinder, and the lighting is provided by SMD LEDs. Also part of the chassis is the massive rear diffuser, which is partially painted.
If you are bothered by the (prototypical) not quite centered position of the front axle in the wheel arches, you can use a small round file to file out the screw holes in the front axle holder and thus move the front axle slightly backwards.

Body:
This has been discussed a lot in the form section… for some, the windshield is too small, while others are bothered by the "Decent Decade" logo. The driver's seat is also a bit spartan. Despite these details, the overall impression is still satisfactory; it's undoubtedly a successful downsizing of the Zaspeed Capri Turbo.

Driving test:
For this, I completely remove the magnets as usual, which makes the car generally quite easy to maneuver. However, the relatively high weight (for comparison: the BMW M1 Procar weighs only about 200 grams) is noticeable here. The grip of the original tires is sufficient, provided the track is sufficiently clean and you allow the tires some break-in time.

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am 1977


Item No.: 30865

If the car looks familiar, there's a reason: Back in 2009, CARRERA had the Pontiac Trans Am 77 in black in its range, sporting the livery from the movie "Smokey and the Bandit." Burt Reynolds stars as the trucker Bandit, who is tasked with smuggling 400 cases of COORS beer from Texas to Georgia.
The current Pontiac has the classic black paint job, but it's no coincidence that it's reminiscent of the movie car: Our driver, of course, wears a Stetson like Bandit! The license plate is also a homage to the film: EASTBND Georgia probably stands for Eastbound Georgia, a stretch of Interstate 20 that Bandit drove on his "hunt." For visitors to the USA and film fans: you can retrace the route here. I quote from the roadtrippers website: "You only have 28 hours to fetch 400 cases of Coors Beer in Texarkana and get it back to Atlanta while stopping at all the important filming locations used in Smokey & the Bandit." https://roadtrippers.com/trips/14631577

The Firebird has been truly beautifully executed. The obligatory firebird on the hood is, of course, present, and the paintwork and lettering are clean and flawless.

The Pontiac rides smoothly and firmly on the track. The engine is lively and responds well to the throttle, and the soft rubber compound of the tires practically grips the surface.
For fans of American cars, the Firebird is certainly a must-have, and not just because of its looks and good driving characteristics!

Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo 'D&W Zakspeed Team'



Item No.: 23859


D&W Auto Sport Accessories ... I can still vividly remember the colorful D&W catalogs from the 80s. Not only hot models in bikinis, but also tons of tuning accessories for the keen drivers of Golfs, Kadetts, Mantas, and the like.

The variant now presented by Carrera in 1:24 scale (black base color, with blue stripes and white applications or lettering) was originally driven by Klaus Niedzwiedz in the 1982 DRM in Group 5.

The 1:24 scale model appears to be very well executed. While researching images online, I discovered that many original images are squashed or stretched, and do not accurately represent the proportions.

The paintwork, lettering and decals are clean and clearly defined.
The body is made from a single piece. The rear diffusers are part of the chassis. At approximately 229 grams (digital kitchen scale without calibration), the vehicle is no lightweight. The body weighs 67 grams, and the chassis with screws weighs 162 grams. Since many people run the larger scale without magnets and remove a few small parts, some weight can be reduced, but it still remains a heavyweight on the track... and not just visually.

The front axle, with its small wheels, spins freely and, even without any further treatment, continues to run for a considerable amount of time. The rear axle has relatively little play in the transmission. However, acceleration is still good and can compete with other vehicles in this weight class. Overall, the vehicle has quite controllable handling characteristics; length is definitely important, although the rear end does tend to take a different path at times.

The non-treaded tires are very soft (in the heat they practically stuck to the bottom of the box) and offer excellent grip. With magnets, the car rides like it's on rails; without them, it can be moved safely and quickly around the track. The Capris, like its natural rival, the BMW M1—and perhaps a Porsche again in the future?—need quite a bit of space on the track. There should be some exciting races with paint transfer; I'm looking forward to my first real race with the two Group 5 cars.

A small addendum: regarding the discussion about the interchangeable hood... after disassembling it, I couldn't really tell that it was glued in and could possibly be replaced, and it didn't fly off either... but the hood has the number 127879 embossed on the inside... whatever that may mean.


Until then
joergW

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari SF70H 'Sebastian Vettel', 'Kimi Raikkonnen'



Item No.: 30842, 30843

The Ferrari SF70H is the Formula 1 racing car of Scuderia Ferrari from the 2017 season.
The drivers were Sebastian Vettel (Art. No. 30842) and Kimi Räikkönen (Art. No. 30843). The model was named "SF70H" to mark Scuderia Ferrari's 70th anniversary, with the H standing for hybrid. The SF70H was Ferrari's most successful car in the hybrid engine era (2014–present), with five wins (all by Sebastian Vettel) and finished second in the Constructors' Championship with 522 points. S. Vettel also finished runner-up in the World Championship, while Kimi Räikkönen finished fourth in the standings.

The technical data of the SF70H

Motor
Displacement: 1600 cc
Max. speed: 15,000
Charging: Single Turbo
Max. gasoline flow rate: 100 kg/h max
Tank capacity: 105 kg
Arrangement: V6 90°
Cylinders: 6
Bore: 80 mm
Stroke: 53 mm
Valves: 4/cylinder
Petrol injection: 500 bar – direct

ERS System
Max. energy storage/lap: 4 MJ
MGU-K Power: 120 kW
MGU-K Max. speed: 50,000 rpm.
MGU-H Max. speed: 125,000 rpmTechnical data

chassis
Construction: Carbon fiber and honeycomb composite structure

Gearbox
Servo-assisted hydraulic locking differential
Sequential and electronically controlled semi-automatic transmission
Eight forward gears, one reverse gear

Brakes
Brembo: Internally ventilated carbon disc brakes (front and rear), electronically controlled rear brake (brake-by-wire)

suspension
Pushrod front suspension
Tension rod rear suspension

Weight (including fluids and driver): 728 kg
OZ wheels (front and rear): 13”

Incidentally, the SF70H was the last F1 Ferrari to be supported by the Spanish major bank SANTANDER, Ferrari's long-time sponsor since 2010. After eight successful years as a partner of Scuderia Ferrari, Santander ended its cooperation with the Maranello-based racing team at the end of the 2017 Formula 1 season. The sponsorship agreement with the entire Formula 1 series also expired at the end of 2017. Santander also moved to Italy in 2010 with Fernando Alonso's move to Ferrari; previously, the Spaniards supported the McLaren team.

Let’s take a look at the model:
The suspension is familiar; the chassis and individual modules are identical; only the outer contours and, where applicable, the wheelbase have been adapted to the respective body shapes. As a result, the cars all handle very similarly, thankfully. The two Ferraris are no exception: they accelerate well, corner well, and are pleasantly quiet. With the full magnet system, the car handles like it's on rails, as expected. No limits, no drifts: you either take the corner perfectly or you fly off.

Will the Ferraris fare well against the Red Bull RB13 and the McLaren W08 on their home tracks? It's up to you! ;-)

Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Red Bull Racing TAG Heuer RB13 'Max Verstappen'



Item No.: 30818


... gives you wings, well, not necessarily in the 2017 season, from which the model originates, but otherwise, this relatively young racing team already has an impressive success story. While Red Bull has been a Formula 1 sponsor since 1995, they only took the step to becoming their own racing team in 2005. In 2019, this team—one could even call it a kit racing team—plans to switch engine manufacturer from Renault (TAG Heuer) to Honda, as has already happened with sister team Toro Rosso.

Both 1:32 models are faithfully reproduced. I personally particularly like the matte finish of the blue paint; it's something different. There's nothing wrong with the workmanship and printing; the quality has reached a truly high level.

In terms of performance, Carrera's Formula 1 cars are actually on par, with the usual fairly narrow margins of variation. The two "Red Bulls" are no exception. So, once again, the deciding factor for the podium is primarily the driver... and that's a good thing.

CoMod JoergW

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Disney Cars 3 'Lightning McQueen Fabulous'



Item No.: 30859

Blue Lightning!

There's not much to say about Lightning McQueen from the Pixar film Cars. The car has been available in 132-piece scale since 2011, and the Go!!! cars have been around for even longer. I'll simply refer you to my reports from the past few years.
Anyone looking for a fun car that can even keep up with the DTM is well served by the Cars movie cars. Their robustness, especially in children's hands, is another advantage that shouldn't be underestimated.
This year's blue McQueen is just a variation of the red one, which picks up on the final minutes of the film: McQueen and Cruz return to Radiator Springs: Cruz wears the number 51, Lightning has a blue paint job as a color-coordinated homage to his Cars mentor Doc Hudson, aka the "Fabulous Hudson Hornet."

Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 488 GT3 'AF Corse'


Item No.: 30848

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 488 GT3 'Rinaldi Racing'


Item No.: 30847

CAR 333

This is the name of the Ferrari 488 GT3 of the RINALDI RACING team from the BLANCPAIN GT series:
https://www.blancpain-gt-series.com/team/370/rinaldi-racing
https://www.rinaldi-racing.de/


We know the beautiful green Ferrari as a CARRERA model with item number 30847. Carrera has thus excellently recreated a successful racing car in 1:32 scale.

The Rinaldi Racing Team has become an integral part of the BLANCPAIN GT Series. In 2016 and 2017, the team from Mendig in Rhineland-Palatinate fielded two Ferrari 488 GT3s, and the same again in 2018. The aforementioned car is number 333, while the other car bears the number 488. You can find the drivers in the link above.
The Blancpain GT Series racing season comprises a total of ten race weekends: five in the Blancpain Endurance Series and five in the Blancpain Sprint Series. The race events are spread across Europe's most beautiful tracks.
The highlight is the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (FR), which Michele Rinaldi's team finished in 2018 with a class victory in the PRO-AM classification and third place in the amateur classification, thus once again putting the competition in their place.

If you want to see the races of the BLANCPAIN series:
Eurosport broadcasts all sprint races live or as replays.
https://www.eurosport.de/


On the Tuesday following the race, 23 minutes of highlights will follow. Some endurance races will be broadcast live. The following Tuesday, 45 minutes of highlights will follow. The races will also be available live on Motorsport TV.
https://motorsport.tv/

Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-AMG GT3 ' AKKA ASP'


Item No.: 30846

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 365 P2 Maranello Concessionaires Ltd


Item No.: 30834

Another classic, albeit in the "small" 1:32 scale, but certainly pleasing. The close relationship to the famous Ferrari 330 and Ferrari Dino is quite obvious. For me, the Ferraris from the mid-1960s are style icons that still appeal 50 years later.

The model was already released in 2016 in the Evolution and Digital 132 series, so its rather difficult handling, especially without a magnet, is already familiar. The model's workmanship is flawless; even the smallest details have been neatly and lovingly crafted.

The Ferrari 365 P2 is a further development of the Ferrari 250 LM with a 4.4-liter V12 engine. This model competed for the Maranello Concessionaires team with drivers Jo Bonnier and David Piper. However, the car retired on lap nine due to ignition problems. The greatest success of a Ferrari 365 P2 was the victory at the 12 Hours of Monza in 1965.

After a facelift in 1966, the Ferrari 365 P2 was replaced the following year by the further development of the Ferrari 330/412 series.

CoMod JoergW

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ford GT Race Car 'Chip Ganassi Racing - Daytona Test 2016'


Item No.: 23862

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ford GT Race Car


Item No.: 30857

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM 'Mercedes-AMG DTM Team HWA - Gary Paffett'


Item No.: 30838

Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 107 grams
Weight (body): 33 grams
Length including spoiler: 158 mm
Wheelbase: 86 mm
Track width (front axle): 60 mm
Track width (rear axle): 60 mm

Real vehicle and design selection:
The shock was great when Mercedes announced that it would be withdrawing from the DTM at the end of the 2018 season. This marked the end of no less than a 30-year era. And even though the real DTM cars only share the design of their outer shell with their series-production counterparts, they enjoy lasting popularity among racing fans and slot racers. Reason enough for Carrera to invest in a new model again this year. The real base model was first used in the 2016 season, so that despite changing details (e.g. the aerodynamic flaps), there are enough design variants available for the coming years. The cars of Paul Die Resta (same design as the Digital 124 model 23852) and of Gary Paffett will kick off the series.

Model:
The chassis uses only well-known and proven components. Compared to previous 1:32 scale DTM models, however, there is one innovation: the sidepods are finally no longer attached separately to the chassis, but are instead conventionally mounted to the body. Tuners and hobbyists will appreciate this, as it makes modifications noticeably easier.
In terms of design, paintwork and printing, nothing is left to be desired; even the painted edges of the rims have been considered.

Driving test:
In terms of handling, there are hardly any differences compared to previous 1:32 scale DTM models. The cars ride firmly and smoothly on the track without being slow, and fans of magnetless operation will also find a very good starting point here. Thus, nothing stands in the way of the continuation of the DTM success story in this scale.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche 917 K Gulf - Watkins Glen test 1970


Item No.: 23857

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Audi R8 LMS ' Mark Griffith'


Item No.: 23861

In front of me is the latest vehicle in Digital 124 scale: the Audi R8 LMS Markt Griffith with starting number 19.

And so we have another car that, while it has a somewhat cumbersome name, will definitely never be known by anyone, neither now nor in the future. Some cars simply lose their nicknames, usually due to a sponsor or other distinctive features. This, of course, is foremost among them: the Lolo. One of the last 132-scale cars was the American NASCAR car from Bass Pro, a department store chain. The Audi R8 has also lost its arm, thanks to its advertising slogan on the roof: HOGS!!!

The question is, of course, who or what is HOGS?
Google is of course a help here: it's an Australian steakhouse restaurant chain. It doesn't seem to be that small; it's probably enough to sponsor the Australian GT Series and financially support the Griffith Corporation race car. Mark Griffith is a two-time champion of the Australian GT Sports Class, a title he won both times in his Ginetta G50 GT4. Griffith had originally planned to drive a GT3-spec Ferrari 430 race car in the Challenge class, but he changed his mind after having the opportunity to test an Audi R8 LMS. This led to the signing of the contract for Mark Griffith and Daniel Gaunt to drive the No. 19 Griffith Corporation Motorsport Audi R8 LMS in the GT Trophy class of the Australian GT Championship.

The Audi itself is a familiar face, and its performance still impresses today. The car's looks stand out from comparable Audis (especially from the factory team's, which in my opinion are incredibly boring). The reason: the black and orange color scheme, especially the bull's heads on the sides, front, and rear of the R8.

CoMod Alex

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR ' IMSA Performance Matmut'


Item No.: 23863

Who or what is MATMUT? It's a French insurance company that has long been a sponsor of motor racing.

IMSA Performance Matmut is a French racing team founded by Raymond Narac. The team is based in Saint-Jean-du-Cardonnay, Upper Normandy. IMSA stands for Innovation Mécanique Service Automobile.

Success is inevitable with this financially strong partner, and the Porsche 911 GT claimed class victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2013. The colors of the French tricolor, blue, white, and red, also adorn the cars of sponsor Matmut, making the car easily recognizable both on the real track and on the Carrera track. The 2013 Le Mans car is almost identical to the present 1:24 Carrera model (except for a few special sponsors and starting numbers), but the present model version is likely the car used by Patrick Pilet and Wolf Henzler in the 2011 European Le Mans Series races at Imola and Silverstone.

The Porsche 911 has long been known as a 1:24 model and is just as frequently represented on the podium as the real thing. It's quite light, agile, and fast... what more could you want?

CoMod JoergW

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M6 GT3 'Team Falken'


Item No.: 30844

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 917 K 'Porsche Salzburg No. 23'


Item No.: 30833

The road to the first Le Mans victory

The year was 1970. This year was one of the most significant years in Porsche's motorsport history. In 1970, Porsche won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.
The winning vehicle is here in front of me as a current model in 1:32 scale:
The famous red Porsche 917K with the white stripes. The legendary livery of Porsche Team Salzburg. Drivers: Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood.
(The car is now in the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen)

Le Mans: The road there was long.
In the 1960s, Ford and Ferrari dominated the legendary race. The development effort undertaken by both factories presented a financial challenge for Porsche. The reason was the minimum production run of 50 vehicles that had to be produced for Le Mans homologation. Porsche only entered the competition in 1969, when the minimum production run was reduced to 25 units. Since developing a production racing car was very expensive, reducing the production run reduced the financial risk for Porsche of being stuck with a large number of vehicles should the sporting success fail to materialize. Development manager Ferdinand Piech later called the car "the riskiest car of his life."
The technical specifications, engine power, horsepower, frame, and so on—excellent information about all of this can be found online. The Wikipedia entry on the Porsche 917 and its history is highly recommended.
Since I don't want to repeat the whole thing (or paraphrase it, as von Guttenberg would say...), here are some lesser-known facts about the 917 and Porsche's Le Mans involvement:

For example, as early as 1969, Porsche rented an IBM 360/40 computer to calculate a so-called "computer lap time" using relevant data (curve radii, track length, gradient, gear ratios, and so on). The IBM System 360 was one of the most successful mainframe computers of its time.

All of the Porsche racing department's experience in lightweight construction over the past few years was consistently implemented in the 917K. The carbon fiber body was only 1.2 mm thick and reinforced with tubing, which is why the entire chassis was constructed from aluminum tubing. Later, even magnesium tubular frames were used.
Incidentally, Piëch had the welds of the tubular space frame tested by installing a valve at the rear of the tubular space frame, injecting 4 bar of air, and checking at the end of the test drives whether the pressure had dropped.

The 600 hp V12 engine featured Nikasil liners for the first time in motorsport. The connecting rods were made of titanium, also a first in racing engine construction. And while one might expect problems to arise with such a completely new design using some untested materials, one of the greatest advantages of the Porsche 917 was the renowned durability of its engines.

One of the drivers, Hans Hermann, ended his racing career after the Le Mans race. The reason: he had promised his wife that he would retire from racing after a Le Mans victory.

By the way, if anyone is interested in driving a Porsche 917 on the road, there is a possibility:
The only Porsche 917 with official road registration (chassis number 917 – 037) is owned by Monegasque Claudia Roddaro, who occasionally drives the car in Monaco.
The likelihood that the young collector will part with his Porsche is slim, but you never know. However, you should bring an eight-figure sum with you. Steve McQueen's GULF-917 was auctioned for $14 million in 2017. But it's not road legal...

CoMod Alex

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 'Police'


Item No.: 30854

Police on my back...
as the punk band "The Clash" once roared. Glancing in the rearview mirror is quite something when the red and blue flashing lights of a Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 clearly and unmistakably demand you stop. It's hard to escape this all-wheel-drive patrol car with over 600 hp, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just under 3 seconds, and a top speed of over 320 km/h.
The Carrera model's design is inspired by American patrol cars, and it would certainly make a very contemporary blues car. Hence the #911 on the rear and on the mirror housings... a reference to the police emergency number in the USA. This, as well as the few other lettering, is clean and crisp.
Even though I personally would have preferred a cool cop with sunglasses instead of the black windows that conceal the technology for the flashing lights on the roof, I can certainly understand and accept this type of execution.
In terms of technology and handling, the Huracán is already familiar, even in the Italian police version, so nothing new here. I haven't found any flaws in this model.

CoMod Joerg

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Ferrari 512 S Berlinetta 'Scuderia Filipinetti'


Item No.: 23856

After four years, the fourth model of the Ferrari 512S Berlinetta is finally released: the only rival in the Carrera range for the Porsche 917 K.
Unfortunately, there's not much to say about the design. It's red, like almost every one of the 25 512s produced.
The Ferrari represents the version delivered to the Swiss racing team Scuderia Filippinetti in 1970. The racing team was founded in the 1960s by the then Swiss Ferrari general importer Georges Filippinetti. The team was well-known for its successes in the 1960s. Wikipedia states that it was the first racing team financed entirely through sponsorship. The most famous drivers were Jo Siffert, Phil Hill, and Jim Clark.
After the death of its founder in 1973, the racing team was closed.
This car, number 3, was used in the 1970 Brands Hatch 1000 km. Drivers were Herbert Müller from Switzerland and Mike Parkes from England, who finished 13th in this car.
At 200g, the Ferrari's weight is exactly the same as its rival, the Porsche 917K. The tires, although treaded, offer sufficient grip. The wide rear end and low profile guarantee fast and safe driving; you'll only be able to deliberately throw the car out of the slot. The transmission runs very smoothly and responds directly to the throttle. For those who like to tinker: there's plenty of room in the chassis for tuning. The paintwork is nothing to complain about, and the printing is clean and flawless.


CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo 'Sachs Sporting No. 52'


Item No.: 30831

... the “Maurerporsche” in the final power stage.

The Ford Capri, in its 1400cc turbo racing version, was fielded by the Zakspeed team under its founder, Erick Zakowsky, in races of the German Racing Championship (DRM). After Ford, with its successful Capri RS2600 and RS3000 racing models, found itself under pressure from the competition from BMW with its CSL3.0/3.5 models, the Ford Capri Cosworth was once again able to reap laurels. After that, the Ford Capri's racing career quieted down. In 1978, the Zakowsky company, based near the Nürburgring, tapped into the turbo kit. With the "small" 1400cc turbo, which also served as the inspiration for the model, the car again achieved occasional victories against the now dominant Porsche 935. Only with Klaus Ludwig's return from Porsche to Ford and the use of the 1800 cc turbo engine did the team manage to win the DRM championship in 1981, after narrowly missing the previous year. After that, the turbo era slowly came to an end due to technical problems and regulation changes.
The model, already familiar from last year, is a successful execution in the Sachs livery presented here, which stands out well from previous models and is therefore easily recognizable on the track during racing. A simple yet attractive design.
The build quality is flawless. Decals and paintwork are clean and crisp.
The independent front suspension increases road noise. The Capri requires full concentration from the driver; it's not an easy vehicle to drive... if you read contemporary reports, this was also the case with the real Turbos of that era. But the model is still fun to drive.


CoMod joergW

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M4 DTM 'BMW Team RBM - Maxime Martin'


Item No.: 30835

Belgian driver Maxime Martin was part of the BMW driver lineup in the DTM from 2014 to 2017. He had already made a name for himself through his versatility: FIA WEC, ADAC GT Masters, ALMS, and Blancpain Endurance Series, to name just the most prestigious series he competed in. While he achieved some success in the DTM, with three wins and ten podium finishes, he was unable to challenge for the championship.
The look of his race car hasn't changed much in the four years; its distinguishing feature has always been its white and blue color scheme, along with the logo of sponsor Samsung. This simple yet striking color scheme made him easy to identify in the field. And the same is true of the 1:32 miniature on the racetrack. Over the years, 23 different DTM cars have been collected for Digital 132 since 2013 – that doesn't leave many attractive gaps. This model now closes another one before the new models for Audi and Mercedes are due out this fall.
Regarding handling, I must—or rather, can—say the same as for all other 1:32 scale DTM cars: at 107 grams, the BMW weighs a lot, but on the other hand, the car isn't exactly small. This weight gives the model good roadholding without making it seem sluggish. It moves forward with equal speed and control, without any unexpected surprises.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 1970 'Super Stocker 2'


Item No.: 30849

After a long time, Carrera has once again added a model of the Chevrolet Chevelle to its range.
The basis for this version is the Chevelle coupe, which was produced from 1968 to 1972. The coupe version is considered a muscle car in the USA due to its engine; the version produced by Carrera features the 7.4-liter engine, known in the USA as the 454cu.
The car was released in 2009, when the first version of the Super Stocker was also available in bright yellow.
The new Super Stocker is a familiar design. We already know the paint scheme from the first Pontiac GTO; the black paint job with the flames on the front could almost be considered a classic for a muscle car.
The handling leaves a mixed impression: Due to the car's relatively narrow and high build, no great miracles can be expected even from a production car. However, the Super Stocker has a wider rear axle with larger tires, which means it handles the track better than its production counterpart. The cars are fun to drive, but you should use comparable vehicles as opponents; they hardly stand a chance against a pure racing car. However, this is also part of the appeal of the American cars.

Best regards
CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 935/78 'DRM Norisring 1981'


Item No.: 30855


This model isn't a new release in the true sense of the word. The Porsche 935-78 "Moby Dick" debuted in the Evolution range 12 years ago. At a time when the digital system was still called "Pro-X" and both systems were strictly separated in terms of technology and content. Based on the analog chassis with the sliding magnet, a total of four design variants were released, including this striking dark red version from the 1981 Norisring race in 2007. The Club model then appeared in 2010, surprisingly featuring a newly designed, digitally capable chassis. Along with this new chassis, two more new designs appeared in the Digital 132 range the following year, 2011. Since the positions of the screw pins in the bodywork remained unchanged, the older versions could, in principle, be easily digitized by simply placing the body of a 2006 or 2007 Evolution model on a digital chassis from the 2011 innovations. However, the models required for this are no longer readily available, so this new edition seems sensible. And of course, it's a historically accurate rival vehicle for the Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo.
With a total weight of 98 grams, it moves along very quickly. However, the relatively short wheelbase requires a sensitive thumb in tight corners, as the model is prone to sudden descents. The shielding of the front lights is very well done; no stray light escapes from the sides or downwards. Overall, a successful reissue—and a model that I personally would also like to see in a larger 1:24 scale.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M1 Procar 'Sauber Racing'


Item No.: 30830

Now also on a small scale
Both designs are already familiar from the Digital 124 range, and both are typical of the 1980s. The white spiral on a red background was used as the brand logo for blank audio tapes, compact discs, and video cassettes from the BASF corporation until the 1990s, and was thus found in many households. In 1997, BASF's data storage division was sold to EMTEC, where the logo is still used today, albeit in a modernized form.
Our colleague Lotus has already written everything about the "Pooh Jeans" company in his Digital 124 report. This design is relatively well-known among modelers, as the Italian company ESCI released a 1:24 static model kit with exactly this decal set in the 1980s. The number produced must have been considerable, as this kit is still regularly offered on the used market today.
The road test yielded a pleasant surprise: while my first two Digital 132 versions of this vehicle type were relatively loud, droning machines, the driving noise this time is significantly more pleasant. When operated without a rear magnet, a harmonious grip/drift ratio is achieved. Including last year's Idee & Spiel special model, there are now a total of five different designs, making pure Procar racing possible on a small scale.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M1 Procar 'BASF'


Item No.: 30829

Now also on a small scale
Both designs are already familiar from the Digital 124 range, and both are typical of the 1980s. The white spiral on a red background was used as the brand logo for blank audio tapes, compact discs, and video cassettes from the BASF corporation until the 1990s, and was thus found in many households. In 1997, BASF's data storage division was sold to EMTEC, where the logo is still used today, albeit in a modernized form.
Our colleague Lotus has already written everything about the "Pooh Jeans" company in his Digital 124 report. This design is relatively well-known among modelers, as the Italian company ESCI released a 1:24 static model kit with exactly this decal set in the 1980s. The number produced must have been considerable, as this kit is still regularly offered on the used market today.
The road test yielded a pleasant surprise: while my first two Digital 132 versions of this vehicle type were relatively loud, droning machines, the driving noise this time is significantly more pleasant. When operated without a rear magnet, a harmonious grip/drift ratio is achieved. Including last year's Idee & Spiel special model, there are now a total of five different designs, making pure Procar racing possible on a small scale.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M4 DTM 'BMW Team RMG - Augusto Farfus'


Item No.: 30856


Brazilian Augusto Farfus has been part of the BMW driver lineup since 2007, even before the DTM entry in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship. His name was soon "Bavarianized," and he affectionately called "Gustl" within the team (a friend of mine was a race mechanic in the Schnitzer team during the WTCC days). Unlike his colleague Andy Priaulx, he adapted well to the transition from the WTCC to the DTM, achieving second place overall in the 2013 season. Although he only achieved a few good results afterward, he is nonetheless one of the well-known and established drivers in the DTM paddock.
Initially, he drove a blue-and-green car sponsored by Castrol (Digital 132 item no. 30673); now, his company car sports a red and white "Shell" design. A good choice, as there's no danger of visual confusion in the now extensive Carrera DTM range.
As is well known, the DTM models are not lightweight, but they are wide and flat. This ensures good and safe roadholding in all conceivable magnet configurations, and this model is no exception. DTM fans know what to expect, but everyone else shouldn't be disappointed by the handling either.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo 'Pentosin - Jürgen Hamelmann'


Item No.: 30832

Immediately after its debut in 1978, the Zakspeed Capri was the car to beat in the DRM (German Racing Championship). Due to some teething issues and unfortunate internal team decisions, it took until 1981 for Klaus Ludwig to finally clinch the first (and only) title. That same season, Jürgen Hamelmann piloted one of the other Capris. As a relative newcomer, he achieved five third and four fourth places, finishing the season in the middle of the field in sixth place overall. However, the car was one of the most colorful and eye-catching in the field, making it ideal for slot car production.
The independent front suspension is noticeable in terms of handling, with a relatively loud noise level. With the full magnet load, there's no limit to the handling, making the vehicle difficult to drive. Without the rear magnet, controllability improves significantly, but the model requires a sensitive thumb in tight corners.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Chevrolet Dekon Monza


Item No.: 30850

The second comeback

After a completely unexpected new design variant of this model appeared in 2015, this model is now the fourth version. The original vehicle is completely unknown in this country, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. The chosen design is a compromise, as it doesn't perfectly match the body shape of the model. The original vehicle had a significantly lower—but wider—rear spoiler.
Furthermore, it is one of the very few vehicle types still equipped with the old suspension generation from 2007 and 2008. The advantage of this older design is that the magnets can be adjusted or removed without having to open the vehicle. Disadvantages are the overall somewhat overloaded design and the limited angle of rotation of the guide keel.
In driving conditions, the model benefits from the relatively thick tires, which offer a surprising amount of grip while also effectively dampening road noise. With a weight of approximately 103 grams – depending on the selected magnet configuration – the handling isn't particularly lively, but it's still harmonious. Similar to the larger NASCARs, it's all about finding a steady rhythm and using momentum as effectively as possible. Tracks built exclusively with a single-radius turn aren't necessarily the small Chevrolet's strong suit; it can better demonstrate its potential on courses with larger turn radii.

CoMod Chris

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR 'Lechner Racing - Carrera Race Taxi'


Item No.: 30828

Freshly delivered, the 1:32 scale Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Lechner Racing can be found on dealer shelves (and, of course, in the Club Shop).
The Lechner, as it's now simply called, is one of the few vehicles available in all three scales. The 132 is available in unlimited quantities, unlike the 124, which is limited to 1,000 units.

What makes the Lechner special is its paint job; Carrera uses the car as an exclusive advertising vehicle. Last year, we co-hosts had the opportunity to take a test lap around the Salzburgring in the original, full-scale Porsche.
In 2017, Carrera hosted our annual technical meeting in the hallowed halls of Lechner Racing near Salzburg. You can probably imagine how surprised we were when we were driven from the meeting point to the racing workshop in Thalgau. After a few hours of work, we headed out to the Salzburgring in the afternoon, where CARRERA Managing Director Andreas Stadlbauer personally drove us around the ring in the new 911. What impressed me most about the RSR wasn't the acceleration or the takeoff behavior (which you might expect), but rather the truly intense lateral acceleration in the corners and the truly brutal brakes of the race car. This car will literally take the fillings out of your teeth.
If you would like to learn more about the racing team, we recommend visiting their homepage:
http://www.lechnerracing.com/
As a model, the Lechner is based on the well-known 911, which has been part of the product line for a relatively long time. The car's handling is well-known; even ten years after its introduction, the car can still keep up with its modern counterparts. It's no coincidence that it's one of the best and still most popular vehicles in the lineup.


CoMod Lotus

Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M1 Procar 'Nürburgring 1000km 1980'


Item No.: 23854

Carrera DIGITAL 124 BMW M1 Procar 'Procar 1979 - District Telephone Book Team Winkelhock'


Item No.: 23855

In keeping with Easter, Carrera 2 is putting “colorful eggs” in our baskets in 1:24 scale.
A county telephone directory... younger careerists rest assured, such a thing exists. A non-digital reference book based on the alphabet, operated only by manually turning pages ;-) These days, it's mostly found in post offices, but it used to be next to every home telephone and in the yellow phone booths.
The vehicle is painted in yellow, the distinctive color of the then state-owned company Deutsche Post, and is highly recognizable on the track. It stands out clearly from previous M1 variants and, thanks to its easy distinguishability, can easily be driven in races with other M1s. This model is likely the same as the one Manfred Winkelhock drove to third place at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. The No. 81 also competed in the Italian GP, ​​but retired there, and in the race in Zeltweg, Austria, where he finished fifth.
The No. 81 with the local telephone directory can also be seen at the race at the Hockenheimring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYQkFHwHGQw (starting at 0:11... but watch the whole thing)
The team boss, Manfred Winkelhock, crashed in a Porsche 962 at a race in Toronto, Canada, in 1985.

CoMod JoergW

Carrera DIGITAL 124 BMW M1 Procar 'Nürburgring 1000km 1980'


Item No.: 23854


Nürburgring... just 60 km from my desk and the epitome of German motor racing. This BMW M1 wasn't used in the Procar series, but instead competed in the 1000km race at the Nürburgring. Nelson Piquet and Hans-Joachim Stuck drove this car to class victory and third place overall in the 1000km race on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in 1980. Due to its layout, with its many spectacular corners and its length of more than 20 km, the Nürburgring quickly earned the nickname "Green Hell" among racing drivers. The curves and track sections are reflected in the design of the M1. After Nikki Lauda's horrific crash with his Ferrari 312T in 1976, it became increasingly difficult to secure attractive races at the Nürburgring. The official reason given was the long and difficult emergency routes. However, the needs of advertisers and television viewers must not be ignored; they want to see "their" car more often, which smaller circuits naturally allow for. When the crisis escalated in 1980, with government subsidies in particular at stake, the "Yes to the Nürburgring" initiative was founded.
In 2005, 2008 and 2012, BMWs with a similar livery and the message “Yes to the Nürburgring” competed in races on the Nordschleife, such as the VLN 24-hour race.
The original vehicle, restored by BMW, is owned by a Japanese collector, and the 1:24 model is on the local slot track... what more could you want?

The BMW M1 Procar Series ran as part of the Formula 1 events program in 1979 and 1980. It covered approximately one-third of the F1 race distance, held on Saturdays after F1 practice. The motto "all drivers in the same cars" was intended to give drivers the chance to test their skills, regardless of the material. Many Formula 1 drivers also participated in the Procar races at the same time, a practice that is hardly feasible today due to marketing and safety considerations. The season winner received the road-going version of the M1 as a prize.

CoMod JoergW

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR 'Lechner Racing'


Item No.: 23853

I wonder what the '50' is all about?

Carrera has extensively sponsored the Porsche GT3 used by the Lechner Racing Team as a race taxi at the Salzburgring. The fact that this vehicle has now been released as a 1:24 scale model for the local racetrack will surely delight many fans.

The model will be released as a 'Special Edition' in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.

Further information on Carrera Race Taxi.


martinm

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM 'Gary Paffett, No.02'

Item No.: 23844

> to the test report

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R 'AAI Motorsports, No.57'


Item No.: 23836

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM 'Paul Di Resta, No.03'

Item No.: 23845

> to the test report

Carrera DIGITAL 124 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM 'Maximilian Götz, No. 84'

Item No.: 23850


Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 240 grams
Weight (body): 68 grams
Length including spoiler: 210 mm
Wheelbase: 115 mm
Track width (front axle): 80 mm
Track width (rear axle): 81 mm

The vehicle:
The desire for 1:24 scale DTM cars has existed almost as long as the desire for the BMW M1 and other classic cars. This year, the desire was fulfilled, and for the first time since 2014, the new model arrived in time for the New Year. In addition to the models based on the original cars of Gary Paffett (#2) and Paul die Resta (#3), there will also be a model reproducing Maximilian Götz's car (#84) from the 2016 season.

The model (chassis):
Fundamentally, there's nothing new here; the chassis is designed in the same way as all other large-scale cars of recent years. The front spoiler and rear diffuser are integrated into the chassis, but not the side skirts (as seen on the 1:32 scale DTM cars).

The model (body):
Neither the proportions nor the details leave anything to be desired, and the printing certainly doesn't. The driver's helmet and upper body are also finely crafted; otherwise, the driver's insert is mostly a black plate with a silver roll bar; perhaps a few more details could have been added. But this is criticism at a high level overall.

Driving test:
The driving test was conducted entirely without magnets. Despite its heavy weight, the model handles quite nimbly and lightly, no comparison to the cumbersome Ford GT race car. However, due to the vehicle's enormous width, it does get quite tight on the 40-year-old Carrera track.
The tires offer sufficient grip as long as they're clean, but they tend to pick up dust and other dirt quickly. Nevertheless, the car is a lot of fun to drive and handles well around the track.

CoMod Chris