Carrera DIGITAL 132 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

Carrera DIGITAL 132 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 "AMR Bilstein, No.97", Silverstone 2013
Item No. 30676

The successor to the Aston Martin DBR(S)9, which has been racing since 2006 (and is no stranger to Carrera), entered the GT3 arena in 2012 with a 6-liter V12 engine producing approximately 600 hp and 700 Nm of torque, competing with the Porsche 911, Audi R8, and Mercedes SLS. A slightly slimmed-down road-going version is also available for serious fans.

This model, featuring the familiar yellow and blue Bilstein livery, is the result of a technical collaboration between vehicle manufacturer Aston Martin and suspension specialist Bilstein. Outings in the German VLN series, particularly with a focus on the 24-hour Nürburgring, were not bad for the V12 Vantage for a re-start. In 2013, it even managed to secure a 10th place overall finish in the 24-hour race. This Carrera 1:32 model was driven in the British Blacpain Endurance Series, in which Aston Martin is working towards a factory team. New outings at the 24-hour races at Spa and the Nürburgring are planned.

Visuals: The yellow and blue colors are easy to spot on the Carrera track. The new Aston Martin performs well in the GT field. I like the front view with its slanted headlights and the huge rear spoiler. From the side, the space between the tires and the wheel arch is still a bit too large.

Technology: Actually, all familiar components, even if the vehicle on them is new.
The headlights are white, bright enough, and barely glare inward. The taillights, which appear blue, are red. The brake lights, in particular, are clearly visible. The tires have good grip. True to the original, the tires are quite thin; dragging should be done with caution. Perhaps there will be matching Orthmann tires or similar for this vehicle; the vehicle would deserve them.

Workmanship: There are some minor—and I mean minor—imperfections in the paintwork, as well as an annoying flaw on the left C-pillar. All other components, such as decals and technical parts, are flawless and cleanly mounted. What I would have liked to change is the antenna. If it were made of flexible material, it could be left in place during the race without any concerns, but the slightly rearward-facing antenna is very vulnerable.

Handling: The car is a bit heavy at 102 grams, but it has a good wheelbase-to-length-to-width ratio and can compete quite competitively in the Carrera GT series. There's room in the chassis for tuning with weights. I find the handling, both with and without the magnet, to be quite balanced, comfortable, and lively.

Conclusion: Finally, a 'new' manufacturer in the GT3 circus on the Carrera track. I think there could be other variants, such as the Fischer Racing Team's car. The car would certainly look good in 1:24 scale, but will it be a success? Looking at the entry lists... there are several other manufacturers who aren't yet racing in 1:32.

CoMod Jörg