Review by CoMod Joerg of the / Carrera Evolution DIGITAL 132 McLaren-Mercedes Vodafone Race Car 2010
(27325/30518)
After Lewis Hamilton won the Drivers’ World Championship in 2008, the McLaren team was once again able to paint the number 1 on the nose of their new race car. The second driver’s seat on the team was filled by the Finn Heikki Kovalainen.
The 2009 season got off to a more than mixed start for McLaren. The new MP 24/4 did not deliver the performance and reliability that had been expected from its design. Over the course of the season, the team managed only 2 wins and a few top finishes from 4 pole positions in 17 races. Ultimately, however, that was only enough for 5th place. As if that weren’t enough, Ron Dennis and then Mercedes left the team in 2009. McLaren is now on its own again for the time being, but in terms of points, the 2010 season is going somewhat better than 2009. The brief slump seems to have been overcome.
Appearance:
The color scheme of this 1:32 scale model is flawlessly executed. The silver looks elegant rather than toy-like or tacky, and the red is a high-visibility color, just like the original. The variety of shapes in the front and rear wings is faithfully reproduced in detail. As a concession to its status as a toy, the rear axle assembly with its struts is clearly visible. Anyone who wants to see everything here—just as with the front assembly—detailed and finely crafted should be prepared to pay a significantly higher price, not only for the initial purchase but also, at the latest, after the first crash. After all, the vehicles’ stability has to be ensured somehow.
Inside the packaging, the front spoiler has been given effective protection during transport. A Lexan cap prevents the spoiler from falling off—it used to roll around inside the box and could damage itself and other parts in the process.
Technical Specifications:
The Formula 1 car has no lights. Unfortunately, it also lacks a brake light to signal the digitally required pit stops. The keel unit has the same turning radius as the older model. Although the front wheels are mounted on a solid axle, they are ultimately attached individually and rotate independently of one another. Each wheel consists of three parts: the outer cover, the actual wheel rim that holds the tire, and an inner part on which the rim rotates.
Workmanship:
On my test car, one of the two front wheels is harder to turn. Otherwise, the lettering in particular is very cleanly printed and clearly legible.
Handling:
The handling is typical of Formula 1: fast and relatively hectic. The cars are very narrow and therefore have their own unique characteristics. I wouldn't want to drive it without magnets, even though the slick tires provide enough grip. They're a great addition to the racetrack for fans and for the occasional drive.
CoMod Joerg* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Review by CoMod Lotus of theCarrera Evolution
/DIGITAL 132
McLaren-Mercedes Vodafone Race Car 2010
(27325/30518)
""Vodafone is the best title partner we’ve ever had"…
…so said McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh in October of this year, when the extension of the partnership between Vodafone and McLaren through 2013 was announced.
Since 2005, the telecommunications provider has been the title sponsor of the (still) Swabian-English racing team. Another reason is that Mercedes sold its 40% stake in McLaren back to McLaren at the end of this year's season. The reason is Mercedes’ entry into Brawn GP. However, McLaren will continue to be supplied with engines by Mercedes.
The Formula 1 model,Carrera
however, is still the car from the 2010 season. The car has a 2.4-liter V8 under the proverbial hood. The driver of car number 1 is Jenson Button, who won the World Championship with Brawn GP in 2009. He didn’t manage to do so this year—as is well known, Sebastian Vettel became World Champion. McLaren did, however, finish in second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
The 1:32 scale slot car fromCarrera stands out with its silver and neon-red paint job. It’s an absolute eye-catcher on the black tracks. The car handles very well on the track, but it punishes drivers who take the No. 1 turns too fast—this is where the slightly tighter turning angle of the front wing becomes noticeable. Otherwise, the car is virtually impossible to throw off the track.
CoMod Lotus
(27325/30518)
After Lewis Hamilton won the Drivers’ World Championship in 2008, the McLaren team was once again able to paint the number 1 on the nose of their new race car. The second driver’s seat on the team was filled by the Finn Heikki Kovalainen.
The 2009 season got off to a more than mixed start for McLaren. The new MP 24/4 did not deliver the performance and reliability that had been expected from its design. Over the course of the season, the team managed only 2 wins and a few top finishes from 4 pole positions in 17 races. Ultimately, however, that was only enough for 5th place. As if that weren’t enough, Ron Dennis and then Mercedes left the team in 2009. McLaren is now on its own again for the time being, but in terms of points, the 2010 season is going somewhat better than 2009. The brief slump seems to have been overcome.
Appearance:
The color scheme of this 1:32 scale model is flawlessly executed. The silver looks elegant rather than toy-like or tacky, and the red is a high-visibility color, just like the original. The variety of shapes in the front and rear wings is faithfully reproduced in detail. As a concession to its status as a toy, the rear axle assembly with its struts is clearly visible. Anyone who wants to see everything here—just as with the front assembly—detailed and finely crafted should be prepared to pay a significantly higher price, not only for the initial purchase but also, at the latest, after the first crash. After all, the vehicles’ stability has to be ensured somehow.
Inside the packaging, the front spoiler has been given effective protection during transport. A Lexan cap prevents the spoiler from falling off—it used to roll around inside the box and could damage itself and other parts in the process.
Technical Specifications:
The Formula 1 car has no lights. Unfortunately, it also lacks a brake light to signal the digitally required pit stops. The keel unit has the same turning radius as the older model. Although the front wheels are mounted on a solid axle, they are ultimately attached individually and rotate independently of one another. Each wheel consists of three parts: the outer cover, the actual wheel rim that holds the tire, and an inner part on which the rim rotates.
Workmanship:
On my test car, one of the two front wheels is harder to turn. Otherwise, the lettering in particular is very cleanly printed and clearly legible.
Handling:
The handling is typical of Formula 1: fast and relatively hectic. The cars are very narrow and therefore have their own unique characteristics. I wouldn't want to drive it without magnets, even though the slick tires provide enough grip. They're a great addition to the racetrack for fans and for the occasional drive.
CoMod Joerg* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Review by CoMod Lotus of the
(27325/30518)
""Vodafone is the best title partner we’ve ever had"…
…so said McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh in October of this year, when the extension of the partnership between Vodafone and McLaren through 2013 was announced.
Since 2005, the telecommunications provider has been the title sponsor of the (still) Swabian-English racing team. Another reason is that Mercedes sold its 40% stake in McLaren back to McLaren at the end of this year's season. The reason is Mercedes’ entry into Brawn GP. However, McLaren will continue to be supplied with engines by Mercedes.
The Formula 1 model,
The 1:32 scale slot car from
CoMod Lotus
