Carrera Evo/D132 Golf GTi Tuner

Review by CoMod JoergW of Gothe lf GTi Tuner
(analog 27230/digital 30430)

1. Appearance
Generation Carrera meets Generation Golf!
Introduced in 1976, the Golf GTi, with its 110 hp, was the most powerful variant to date of the VW Golf I, which was launched in 1974 Goand ultimately left its mark on an entire generation and gave it its name. For many young people in the 1970s, the GTi was the dream sports car, but one that few could afford. Secondhand GTis and visually souped-up standardGo LFs were the norm and provided constant competition for the significantly cheaper Opel Manta, Asona, or Kadett C-Coupés. Carrerahas now found a good entry point into the 1970s theme with this model and, of course, the Opel Manta, which was released at the same time. Carrera-Kids from the '70s are now family men with hobby rooms, and before a model train set takes over the space, alternatives are needed. The detailed look is well executed, with special-effect paint, an extreme tuning kit on the rear shelf, and the little bunny. Go Back then in the U.S., " Go Rabbit" was the name for a bunny. Only the rear tires look a bit too aggressive, though that might be due to the handling. I consider the fairly large gap in the rear wheel well a minor flaw, which fortunately doesn’t affect the handling and will open up plenty of tuning potential.

2. Technology
The Go lf also features the new capability to service the rear axle without disassembling the entire chassis. To remove the chassis, unclip the rear panel with the exhaust covers; this allows access to the two rear screws securing the body. The steering angle of the guide fin is still good; losing traction in tight turns is, depending on driving style, more of an exception.

3. Build Quality
The Go lf makes a solid impression and shows no signs of poor workmanship. The plastic and construction can withstand the rough daily wear and tear on slot car tracks and aren’t easily damaged even by a trip into the grass. The interior is quite cramped, and when reattaching a removed body, you have to be careful not to pinch any cables.

4. Handling
At 100 g, the GTi is surprisingly heavy for such a small car, which clearly surprised me the first time I picked it up. What stood out to me were the tires—not so much the nice tread pattern as a completely new feel to the touch. The consistency of the tires promised grip, which was confirmed during extensive driving tests. The tires, which offer excellent grip, make the GTi significantly more controllable than comparable vehicles with different tires. The GTi excels in acceleration and cornering and is extremely stable. With two magnets, it is very beginner- and child-friendly and can be adapted to the driver’s increasing skill level by gradually removing the two magnets or spacers.

5. Miscellaneous
A bold and appropriate choice of vehicle overall; let’s see how it’s received and how it sells. Personally, I’d love to see a few more tuned cars from the ’70s… basically everything I wasn’t allowed to get as my first car ;-) As the ad said: Just say we drive Go lf. Sure, gladly.

CoMod JoergW
---------------------------------------------------------------------


Test report by CoMod Lotus on Go the lf GTi Tuner
(analog 27230/digital 30430)

Wörthersee in the slot...
In 1975, a car was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt that would become the epitome of an entire class of cars and make history: the VW Go lf GTI. Originally intended as a limited run of 5,000 units for motorsports, approximately 1.5 million units have been sold to date.

From the very beginning, the GTI was a favorite among tuners, ranging z.B . from professional firms likez.B . Öttinger to backyard garages and everyday DIY enthusiasts. The aftermarket industry supplied everything that made the car more beautiful, faster, or simply more eye-catching. And ever since it became a used car, the GTI has had just about every modification imaginable installed on it. The 1 Series GTI was a typical product of its time: low, wide, stiff, and packed with spoilers. :-)

At the annual VW scene meetup at Lake Wörthersee, you can still marvel today at all the things people have done to the 1 Series. And now, the most coveted object of our automotive youth is available as a slot car from Carrera. Specifically, in the classic tuner version with big rims, fat tires, and massive spoilers.

Let’s get started : Go Carrera. This Go lf also Go features the new chassis design from Carrerawith a removable axle unit for rear axle maintenance. Loosen one screw and the whole block comes out. The distance between the guide keel and the front axle is correct; the guide keel’s angle is okay, but could be a tad less steep.The chassis is very sturdy and, above all, straight (the body screws at the rear are located under the trim on the rear bumper, by the way). The body itself is, as Carrera usual, Carrera very robust. Removable mirrors are now standard, putting an end to the annoying search for them on the carpet.

The printing is very clean and precise, and the paint job is top-notch. Details likez.B. the GTI grille or the nitrous oxide tanks in the rear of the Gocar are very nicez.B. Go . I especially like the two-piece rims with chrome accents. Looks are one thing, performance is another.

To cut to the chase:: the little GTI lives up to its big role model. Thanks to the strong magnets, the car drives like it’s on rails. An absolutely kid-friendly car that the little ones will have a lot of fun with.Advanced drivers can test their limits by removing the center and rear magnets and the spacers, though the car generally remains controllable. It has excellent acceleration, and the visually appealing tires with their realistic V-profile offer outstanding grip. The 100-gram body isn’t the lightest for a car of this size, but it sits well in the slot; in terms of handling, there’s no difference between the digital and analog models—I’ve tested both.

Conclusion:: I think the Go LF is Gogreat and am already looking forward to more models. And, of course, to its direct competitor, the Manta. If Carrerathey were to release the wide Ford Capri RS or the Ford Escort BDA now, the disco troika of the ’80s would be perfect!
CoMod Lotus