Thursday May 10, 2007

Exotic super cars may not be the favorite of all slot car enthusiasts, but apparently there are enough of you that Auto Art still produces them. These latest releases are not only directly in that category, but they produced them in both 1/32 and 1/24th scale. If you enjoy these types of models, or just looking for something different in your collection, then join me in a closer look of these beautiful Bugattis.

Bugatti is certainly a brand many recognize that has a long history of advanced design and quality. This model really brings these two attributes together to say the least to create a true super sports car. To learn more about this model visit the Bugatti website. They have an excellent video history that will tell you all you need to know.

The Auto Art versions are very impressive in their own right. Coming in special blue sleeves embossed with the Bugatti name my first impressions were very favorable. The overall fit and finish of both models is as nice and clean as you could ask for.

I like the color combinations of the model with plenty of chrome to compliment it. The 16 cylinder engine is well represented and for my eye is what I noticed first. Details like the screening in front and rear give the models even more scale appeal. As usual, the photos should tell you what you need to know.

Driver figures are in place along with passengers which I think is a nice touch although most of us would be happy with just the driver. The interiors on these cars should satisfy even the hungriest fans of fine detail and overall I think Auto Art has captured this super car well in both scales.

Wheels and tires are nicely done with the wheels being very attractive with visible rotor detail and a clean chrome finish. Tires are fairly round, but will need sanding to make them function the best the can. These tires are not designed to be the best in the performance department but the tread design increases the scale appeal. The tires did need some adjustment on the wheel in some areas to get them to sit correctly, but that is not a major issue, at least for me.

Looking at both of these models I have to think about what they are intended for. Each one is a very nicely detailed model and adds a yet another option to our ever expanding hobby. Yet, model seems to be the key word here and although they are designed to be raced these types of cars just do not appeal to many enthusiasts as they are not considered to be "race cars".

With that said, I have long been a person that does not always follow "the rules" so to speak. I am just as happy racing 2 or more of these cars than I am with other brands and types. Some clubs have strict rules that say the car you drive must have been a real race car driven at a certain time and race. Here, and many other places these days, this rule is non-existent. My young son and I have had hours of fun racing every muscle car Auto Art, Carrera and any other brand out there that makes them. In other words, we do not need a car with a number on the door to have fun slot racing.

If you are like me and enjoy a street car every now and then, the operation of these models should please you. Both models are full time 4 wheel drive and also come fully lighted. This is what really makes the fun of this model for us. We enjoy night racing a great deal, and these cars simply look fantastic screaming around our layout. It quickly becomes obvious that in this night environment the absence of numbers on the doors and roof do not bother us at all. Add 2 or 3 more on the track and just the sight of them should bring a smile to almost any enthusiast in our hobby.

The 1/32nd scale version has only one magnet and is placed in the mid-position. This is more than enough magnet for my tastes and allows the model a decent window for correction. Sliding this car through the turns is quite easily done and makes for some visually pleasing cornering action.

There are 4 screws that hold the body to the chassis and once removed you can see the 4 wheel drive system, motor and wiring for the lighting system. The quick disconnect is used here and I have always liked this design. The gearing on the drive train is a 10 tooth pinion that turns the 28 tooth crown gear both front and rear. The brass bushings have the same strap bracket design we found in the 1/24 Ford GT to help keep the bushings in place. However, they really do not help much as the bushings sit very tightly in the chassis and the brackets do not fit snugly over the bushings.

Lap times are not impressive, yet with this car I did not expect them to be. We had averages in 4.2 seconds which is just fine given this car will most likely be matched up with later releases to provide evenly matched racing.

Our larger 1/24th scale Bugatti is a monster on wheels! 3 screws hold the body to the chassis and after removing them we again see the 4 wheels drive system along with the electrical components for the lights.

2 bar magnets are here that provide more than enough downforce for most enthusiasts. In fact, these magnets really allow this beast to scream around the track and we posted lap time averages of 4.0 seconds. Yes, this larger car is faster than its smaller counterpart and virtually dead even with the latest Ford GT. This is one large scale car that should impress many with its control and handling abilities.

Both of these models offer yet more selection in our hobby which is always a good thing. Although they may not be labeled "real" race cars should not stop you from enjoying them. If you are just starting in our hobby and want to try something different, take a closer look at what Auto Art has to offer. You might find more than one pleasant surprise that will just make your home racing even more fun.

- Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks Go To SlotCarWorld For Providing These Models.