Test report from CoMod JoergW on the Carrera Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)
You might almost think you're looking at a Morgan from the 1970s, but it's the newest member of the long-established family, which delighted the public at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The model was originally intended to be a one-off, but a slightly modified version is now being produced in a limited edition of 100. The final units are scheduled to be delivered for the company's 100th anniversary in 2009.
Optics:
Both vehicles are quite accurate to the real thing, with the proportions being maintained, even if the actual vehicle appears larger. The Aeromax appears significantly beefier and more compact than the Plus-8, but this doesn't detract from the positive overall impression. The metallic effect of the green version is a bit too pronounced for my taste. The highlight of both versions is definitely the lovingly crafted driver figures.
Technology:
The vehicles have a pleasantly low center of gravity. Combined with the new chassis, particularly the extended pivot range of the guide keel, good to excellent handling characteristics can be expected. The independent suspension allows for long-trailing front wheels, so no braking effect is to be expected. Unfortunately, this Morgan also lacks lights, something that digital enthusiasts will especially miss, as the refueling function is much easier to handle with lights.
Processing:
There's little to criticize here. The bonding of the two-piece rim can cause imbalances that are difficult to correct afterward.
Driving behavior:
The positive effects of the Aeromax, such as the low center of gravity and the improved rudder area, are clearly offset by the choice of tires. True to the original, the Aeromax has very thin "low-profile" tires. In conjunction with the rims, the full contact area is not always available, thus sufficient tire grip is not guaranteed, especially when driving without a magnet. The tires generally offer a normal level of grip; one could compare them to golf tires.
Conclusion:
The car certainly makes a nice change in the range and pairs very well with the Morgan Plus8 on the track. It won't be able to maintain much more than an homage to the company's anniversary with exotic status in the long run. This car should not be missing from the collection of collectors of aerodynamically shaped bodies.
CoMod JoergW
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Test report from CoMod Lotus on the Carrera Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)
The Brit with the Bavarian heart!
Retro style is in! The best examples are reinterpretations of well-known/popular classics like the MINI from Rover/BMW or the 500 from FIAT. But there are also car companies (albeit few) that don't need such a thing because they've been building the same car for 70 years and still don't look old-fashioned. The best-known example is probably the English car manufacturer Morgan, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. And this brand has, among other models, the Morgan 4/4 in its range, which has been produced in virtually unchanged form since 1935. So it was all the more surprising when a concept car was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005, which sparked storms of enthusiasm among the brand's fans. And since the average Morgan driver is rather conservative, that's saying something.
The Aeromax is based on the Morgan Aero 8, introduced in 2002. The Geneva concept car was built for a friend of the Morgan family, Prince Eric Ioan Sturdza, owner of Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. The overwhelming response to the car prompted Morgan to launch a limited series of 100 units.
Like its forebears, the Aeromax is built on a laminated ash wood frame, with a hand-crafted aluminum body. The car is a coupe with a fastback featuring a striking crease in the centerline, similar to the Bugatti Atalante. Ample storage space is found beneath the split rear window. The heart of the car is the 4.8-liter BMW V8 engine, producing 367 hp (at a curb weight of just 1150 kg).
Judging by these figures, CARRERA has faithfully reproduced the AEROMAX. The model weighs just 84 grams, including magnets, making it the lightest car in the EVOLUTION or DIGITAG 132 range. This makes the Morgan very fast and light-footed. The new chassis is a noticeable improvement: the independent front suspension allows the guide keel to be positioned between the front axle, and the guide keel itself is very smooth. Furthermore, the new chassis no longer feels as "blocky" as, for example, the Manta or GTi.
The body itself is available in British Racing Green or anthracite; I personally prefer the gray. The car also has a special gimmick: The driver smokes a pipe! The model for this is apparently no stranger in CARRERA circles.
Unfortunately, the car doesn't have any lights, but that's probably something you can live with. I'm more bothered by the missing dual exhaust. Although that probably wouldn't have survived the first crash, which is why it's not present on the model.
Conclusion:
A truly unusual car that CARRERA has brought to the track. But all the more interesting for it!
CoMod Lotus
(27293 and 30470/30471)
You might almost think you're looking at a Morgan from the 1970s, but it's the newest member of the long-established family, which delighted the public at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The model was originally intended to be a one-off, but a slightly modified version is now being produced in a limited edition of 100. The final units are scheduled to be delivered for the company's 100th anniversary in 2009.
Optics:
Both vehicles are quite accurate to the real thing, with the proportions being maintained, even if the actual vehicle appears larger. The Aeromax appears significantly beefier and more compact than the Plus-8, but this doesn't detract from the positive overall impression. The metallic effect of the green version is a bit too pronounced for my taste. The highlight of both versions is definitely the lovingly crafted driver figures.
Technology:
The vehicles have a pleasantly low center of gravity. Combined with the new chassis, particularly the extended pivot range of the guide keel, good to excellent handling characteristics can be expected. The independent suspension allows for long-trailing front wheels, so no braking effect is to be expected. Unfortunately, this Morgan also lacks lights, something that digital enthusiasts will especially miss, as the refueling function is much easier to handle with lights.
Processing:
There's little to criticize here. The bonding of the two-piece rim can cause imbalances that are difficult to correct afterward.
Driving behavior:
The positive effects of the Aeromax, such as the low center of gravity and the improved rudder area, are clearly offset by the choice of tires. True to the original, the Aeromax has very thin "low-profile" tires. In conjunction with the rims, the full contact area is not always available, thus sufficient tire grip is not guaranteed, especially when driving without a magnet. The tires generally offer a normal level of grip; one could compare them to golf tires.
Conclusion:
The car certainly makes a nice change in the range and pairs very well with the Morgan Plus8 on the track. It won't be able to maintain much more than an homage to the company's anniversary with exotic status in the long run. This car should not be missing from the collection of collectors of aerodynamically shaped bodies.
CoMod JoergW
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Test report from CoMod Lotus on the Carrera Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)
The Brit with the Bavarian heart!
Retro style is in! The best examples are reinterpretations of well-known/popular classics like the MINI from Rover/BMW or the 500 from FIAT. But there are also car companies (albeit few) that don't need such a thing because they've been building the same car for 70 years and still don't look old-fashioned. The best-known example is probably the English car manufacturer Morgan, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. And this brand has, among other models, the Morgan 4/4 in its range, which has been produced in virtually unchanged form since 1935. So it was all the more surprising when a concept car was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005, which sparked storms of enthusiasm among the brand's fans. And since the average Morgan driver is rather conservative, that's saying something.
The Aeromax is based on the Morgan Aero 8, introduced in 2002. The Geneva concept car was built for a friend of the Morgan family, Prince Eric Ioan Sturdza, owner of Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. The overwhelming response to the car prompted Morgan to launch a limited series of 100 units.
Like its forebears, the Aeromax is built on a laminated ash wood frame, with a hand-crafted aluminum body. The car is a coupe with a fastback featuring a striking crease in the centerline, similar to the Bugatti Atalante. Ample storage space is found beneath the split rear window. The heart of the car is the 4.8-liter BMW V8 engine, producing 367 hp (at a curb weight of just 1150 kg).
Judging by these figures, CARRERA has faithfully reproduced the AEROMAX. The model weighs just 84 grams, including magnets, making it the lightest car in the EVOLUTION or DIGITAG 132 range. This makes the Morgan very fast and light-footed. The new chassis is a noticeable improvement: the independent front suspension allows the guide keel to be positioned between the front axle, and the guide keel itself is very smooth. Furthermore, the new chassis no longer feels as "blocky" as, for example, the Manta or GTi.
The body itself is available in British Racing Green or anthracite; I personally prefer the gray. The car also has a special gimmick: The driver smokes a pipe! The model for this is apparently no stranger in CARRERA circles.
Unfortunately, the car doesn't have any lights, but that's probably something you can live with. I'm more bothered by the missing dual exhaust. Although that probably wouldn't have survived the first crash, which is why it's not present on the model.
Conclusion:
A truly unusual car that CARRERA has brought to the track. But all the more interesting for it!
CoMod Lotus
