Carrera Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax

Carrera Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax

You could almost think you were looking at a Morgan from the 70s...
Review by CoMod JoergW of Carrera the Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)

You might almost think you were looking at a Morgan from the 1970s, but it is the newest addition to the legendary 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 run of 100. The final units are scheduled to be delivered in 2009 to mark the company’s 100th anniversary.

Appearance:
Both vehicles correspond quite well to the real-life model; the proportions are accurate, even though the actual car appears to be larger. The Aeromax looks significantly more muscular and stockier than the Plus-8, though this does not 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 clearly the lovingly designed driver figures.

Technical specifications:
The vehicles have a pleasantly low center of gravity. Combined with the new chassis—and in particular the expanded swivel range of the keel—good to very good handling characteristics can be expected. The independent suspension allows for front wheels with long trail, so no braking effect is to be expected here. Unfortunately, this Morgan also lacks a light, which digital fans in particular will miss, as the refueling function is much easier to manage with a light.

Workmanship:
There is little to criticize here. Gluing the two-piece rim together can cause imbalances that are difficult to correct afterward.

Handling:
While the Aeromax offers positive features such as a low center of gravity and an improved keel area, the choice of tires clearly undermines these advantages. True to the real-world model, the Aeromax has very thin "low-profile tires." Combined with the rims, the tires do not always make full contact with the track surface; consequently, sufficient traction cannot be guaranteed, especially when driving without a magnet. In principle, the tires offer a normal level of grip; they could Gobe compared to standard Go tires.

Conclusion:
The vehicle is certainly a nice addition to the lineup and combines very well on the track with the Morgan Plus8. In the long run, however, it will not be able to maintain more than its status as a tribute to the company’s anniversary with exotic car appeal. This vehicle is a must-have for collectors of aerodynamically shaped bodies.


CoMod JoergW

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Test report by CoMod Lotus on Carrerathe Carrera Evo/D132 Morgan Aeromax
(27293 and 30470/30471)

The Brit with a Bavarian heart!
Retro style is in! The best examples are reinterpretations of well-known/popular classics like the MINI from Rover/BMW or the FIAT 500. But there are also car companies (albeit only a few) that don’t need to do this because they’ve been building the same car for 70 years and still don’t seem outdated. The best-known example is likely the British automaker Morgan, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. And this brand’s lineup includes, among others, the Morgan 4/4, which has been produced in virtually unchanged form since 1935. The surprise was all the greater when, in 2005, a concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show that sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the brand’s fans. And since the average Morgan driver tends to be rather conservative, that’s saying something.

The Aeromax is based on the Morgan Aero 8, which was introduced as recently as 2002. The Geneva concept was built for a friend of the Morgan family, Prince Eric Ioan Sturdza, the owner of Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. The overwhelming response to the car prompted Morgan to launch it in a limited series of 100 units.

Like its predecessors, the Aeromax is built on a laminated ash wood frame, and the body is made of aluminum and handcrafted. The car is a coupe with a fastback roofline that features a striking crease down the center similar to the Bugatti Atalante; there is ample storage space beneath the split rear window. At the heart of the car is BMW’s 4.8-liter V8 engine, which produces 367 hp (with a curb weight of just 1,150 kg).

Looking at these specs, it’s clear that CARRERA has created a highly accurate replica of the AEROMAX. In fact, the model weighs just 84 grams including magnets, making it the lightest car in EVOLUTION the EVOLUTION DIGITAG 132 lineup. As a result, the Morgan drives very nimbly and lightly. The new suspension is a noticeable improvement: the front independent suspension allows the steering keel to be positioned between the front axle, and the steering keel itself moves very smoothly. Furthermore, the new chassis no longer feels as "stiff" as, for example, on the Manta or the GTi.

The body itself is available in British racing green or anthracite; personally, I prefer the gray one. The car also has a special gimmick: the driver smokes a pipe! The real-life inspiration for this is, after all, no stranger in CARRERA circles.
Unfortunately, the car doesn't have any lights, but that's something you can live with; what bothers me more is the lack of a dual exhaust. Then again, it probably wouldn't have survived the first crash, which is why it's not included on the model either.

Bottom line:
CARRERA has really brought something out of the ordinary to the track. But that makes it all the more interesting!

CoMod Lotus