Tuesday July 13, 2004

Scalextric Porsche Boxster

This latest effort from Scalextric might not seem very appealing to some, but before you dismiss it completely I think you owe yourself a closer look. I say this as I was the same way and was not very excited either, but as usual it has shown itself to be more than expected.

Let us get right to the point: This is NOT a model designed for the fine scale enthusiast. Overall body shape and scale detail is still close enough for most racers, but it isn't going to win any scale or detail awards. I have already heard and read comments about this model in the scale department but for me they don't really mean that much as the purpose of this model is not to impress us with all the advanced detail. To nitpick this model for scale detail is simply pointless, it isn't a Lister Storm or a Fly Saleen, but it also doesn't have the price tag those models do either.

And here is where this low-cost model really shines. There are no small parts or intricate detail to be broken during hard racing. Even the windshield wipers are molded into the windshield. What little rear view mirrors there are will stand up to some very heavy abuse along with the solid one piece body. The headlight and taillight lenses are also nothing more than Tampo stampings which means no small parts to break off during in case of hard crashes and again, although some may not like this, but I found it fit this model perfectly.

This car is made this way on purpose and Scalextric has done a good job at it. Both this model and the new Audi TT coupe are featured in the new X1 Road Rivals set and for good reason. This set is designed to introduce crashes and these models are made to withstand that abuse. At a recent race meet at the Derby City Speedway, we had many newcomers and veterans driving this car and all of them could care less how it was painted or what details were missing. When they asked how much it was and we informed them that it was only $24.95 just made them even happier. Even those that didn't care for the graphics Scalextric has applied commented on easy they would be to re-paint.

All the wheels and tires were very round and true and needed very little sanding in the rear to get them just right. These tires are of a soft enough compound that silicones are not really needed to improve the handling on plastic tracks. Some enthusiasts swear that all cars do need silicones, but such is not the case in my opinion. Why add another $4-$5.00 to the cost of this model when it doesn't need it to be fun? If you start throwing money at it then the low cost benefit of it starts to diminish. I did try to match up several different tires for it, but came up with nothing as these wheels seem just slightly taller than have a wider center rib than the closest match I could find in the Opel and Porsche 911. I do admit that I didn't search very long for a match, so I am sure someone out there will find one soon enough.

4 screws mount the body to the chassis cleanly and were easily removed. Inside we see the standard Mabuchi motor equipped with a 9 tooth pinion sitting in the inline position turning the 27 tooth crown gear. The chassis is better than you might think as you can adjust the bar magnet to the front position in case you want as little less magnetic downforce. Up front we see the new guide system is employed and although the shallow guide blade is still with us, it still functions as intended.

Simplicity is in force with this model as it should be with performance right out of the box being smooth and very fast. Hundreds of laps were ran on our test car and some very hard crashes resulted from time to time. Nothing would stop this model it seems and driver after driver had a chance to see what this model could deliver. On our Dixon Hill Speedway, this model posted lap time averages of 3.5 seconds which makes it one of the fastest our of the box models we have tested. Given the fact it has no interior and weighs right around 2.5 ounces helps keep it the road rocket that it is.

In the end, regardless of any scale issues that fine scale enthusiasts dislike, I feel this slot car is a winner. It offers a great low-cost way for beginners to enjoy the hobby and also can become fantastic club cars for advanced enthusiasts to enjoy. Instead of newcomers at your track starting with high dollar models, let them try this car on for size. They will have plenty of fun and you won't cringe every time they de-slot. As much as I love the fine scale detail of some of our models available today, this car serves it purpose and should find a welcome home in your collection.

- 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 Slot Car World for providing us with this model.