Test report from CoMod Carrera124 on the Carrera Evo / D132 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 '70
(27300 and 30482/30483)
Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 109 grams
Weight (complete vehicle without rear magnet): 107 grams
Weight (complete vehicle without magnets): 105 grams
Weight (body): 37 grams
Length including spoiler: 157 mm
Wheelbase: 90 mm
Track width (front axle): 55 mm
Track width (rear axle): 55 mm
Other: front with independent suspension
Overview of the color and country variants:
Three color variants are worth mentioning here: First, in the analogue Evolution range, there's a street version in golden brown metallic (item no. 27300). In the Digital 132 range, there's a blue street version (item no. 30483) and a visually pimped-up "Super Stocker" version in yellow (item no. 30482).
The model:
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-size family coupe—quite compact by American standards, but nevertheless a good 5 meters long. The more powerful models fell into the category of "muscle cars"—relatively inexpensive, powerful thunderbolts whose fascination remains undiminished to this day (although prices for original vehicles have risen significantly in the meantime).
The model:
Muscle cars have become something of a tradition at Carrera. Since the Ford Mustang and Corvette were first put on the racetrack in 2001, the company has systematically expanded this area in the years since. The bodywork leaves nothing to be desired: the characteristic shape of the original is very well captured, with plenty of chrome at the front and rear, as well as the obligatory decorative stripes. However, the front wheels sit a bit too low in the wheel arches for my taste. The wheel design itself is familiar and suits the Chevelle perfectly.
My personal favorite is the golden-brown metallic version, a typical 70s color, and a real visual change!
The technology:
As expected, we find a state-of-the-art chassis with internal magnets. The engine and transmission are familiar and therefore require no further description. Unfortunately, at the front, however, a continuous rigid axle was not used, but independent wheel suspension was once again installed. Opinions on this are divided. The guide keel is positioned almost exactly at the height of the front axle and is therefore practically invisible from the outside. For a rigid axle, the guide keel would have had to be moved significantly further forward, which would probably have impaired the overall visual impression. Furthermore, the car features lights at the front and rear. The interior of the body is painted black to ensure that nothing shines through the plastic.
Driving behavior:
The vehicle is relatively narrow and tall. Consequently, no miracles can be expected on the racetrack. In its standard condition—i.e., with both magnets—the limit is quite narrow. However, due to the relatively high weight, the roadholding is quite firm and the handling is free of unpleasant surprises, which is rather unusual for magnetized vehicles.
Removing the rear magneto changes the picture: the engine can rev much more freely. On straight sections, it moves along with mighty power. While the limit is greater in corners, the high center of gravity still requires a great deal of finesse. And if you read contemporary reviews of muscle cars, this handling seems to be very true to the original.
CoMod Carrera 124
(27300 and 30482/30483)
Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 109 grams
Weight (complete vehicle without rear magnet): 107 grams
Weight (complete vehicle without magnets): 105 grams
Weight (body): 37 grams
Length including spoiler: 157 mm
Wheelbase: 90 mm
Track width (front axle): 55 mm
Track width (rear axle): 55 mm
Other: front with independent suspension
Overview of the color and country variants:
Three color variants are worth mentioning here: First, in the analogue Evolution range, there's a street version in golden brown metallic (item no. 27300). In the Digital 132 range, there's a blue street version (item no. 30483) and a visually pimped-up "Super Stocker" version in yellow (item no. 30482).
The model:
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-size family coupe—quite compact by American standards, but nevertheless a good 5 meters long. The more powerful models fell into the category of "muscle cars"—relatively inexpensive, powerful thunderbolts whose fascination remains undiminished to this day (although prices for original vehicles have risen significantly in the meantime).
The model:
Muscle cars have become something of a tradition at Carrera. Since the Ford Mustang and Corvette were first put on the racetrack in 2001, the company has systematically expanded this area in the years since. The bodywork leaves nothing to be desired: the characteristic shape of the original is very well captured, with plenty of chrome at the front and rear, as well as the obligatory decorative stripes. However, the front wheels sit a bit too low in the wheel arches for my taste. The wheel design itself is familiar and suits the Chevelle perfectly.
My personal favorite is the golden-brown metallic version, a typical 70s color, and a real visual change!
The technology:
As expected, we find a state-of-the-art chassis with internal magnets. The engine and transmission are familiar and therefore require no further description. Unfortunately, at the front, however, a continuous rigid axle was not used, but independent wheel suspension was once again installed. Opinions on this are divided. The guide keel is positioned almost exactly at the height of the front axle and is therefore practically invisible from the outside. For a rigid axle, the guide keel would have had to be moved significantly further forward, which would probably have impaired the overall visual impression. Furthermore, the car features lights at the front and rear. The interior of the body is painted black to ensure that nothing shines through the plastic.
Driving behavior:
The vehicle is relatively narrow and tall. Consequently, no miracles can be expected on the racetrack. In its standard condition—i.e., with both magnets—the limit is quite narrow. However, due to the relatively high weight, the roadholding is quite firm and the handling is free of unpleasant surprises, which is rather unusual for magnetized vehicles.
Removing the rear magneto changes the picture: the engine can rev much more freely. On straight sections, it moves along with mighty power. While the limit is greater in corners, the high center of gravity still requires a great deal of finesse. And if you read contemporary reviews of muscle cars, this handling seems to be very true to the original.
CoMod Carrera 124
