Carerra has been known in the slot car industry for its high-quality and performance products. Their products are popular among slot car enthusiasts and have a loyal following. Carrera is an Austrian company that has been making slot cars since 1963.
One of their special slot car set is the Carerra 30188 Digital 1 32 GT Champion. This set is for the slot car enthusiast that wants to experience the ultimate in digital racing.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Carerra 30188 Digital 1:32 GT Champion Set. We will also provide our thoughts on this set and whether or not we think it is worth the price.
Carrera 30188 Digital 132 GT Championship
The Digital 1 32 line under the Carrera brand has always been known for two things. First, they are well-loved because they introduce things that push the hobby forward.
On the other hand, they are notable for keeping to the highest current standards in digital slot car racing. The Carrera 30188 Digital 1 32 GT Championship continues that tradition.
At first glance, the GT Championship looks like it will fall into the latter category. By offering features that are not new but done well, it stands out as one of the more serviceable digital racing sets to date.
Everything You Need to Know About the Carrera 30188 Digital 1:32 GT Championship Set
Let’s take a look at the track details, cars included, and the set difficulty. This way, you can see if the set is something that would fit your need.
Track Details
Like most tracks in the Digital 1 32 line, the GT Championship track strongly emphasizes allowing a racer’s skill to shine instead of creative stunts and set pieces.
Following the instructions, the track layout is a standard Figure 8 course with two long curved sections, four long straight sections, bridges, a pit stop, and guardrails. Also, the track spans an entire 24 feet and thus would require ample clearance when you set it up.
This set is unique because almost every track piece is designed for digital racing. In addition, it features multiple lane-changing track pieces. This means that aggressive players can continually dictate the pace of the race over their opponents.
If that was not enough, the set could be reconfigured into different track layouts. It is also compatible with Carrera’s line of digital track expansion sets, allowing you to create your unique course.
The only downside to this all-digital layout is the price. Despite its paltry parts count, the 30188 GT Championship set prices as high as $800.00 in online stores.
Included Cars
The GT Championship set comes with 2 1:32 scale slot cars. The first is an Audi R8 LMS that looks like the one used by the Audi Sports Team. The second car is a Mercedes AMG GT3 with the company’s iconic dark blue color scheme.
As with other Carrera 1:32 scale slot cars, both vehicles contain a lot of detail. These mimic the ones you find in their real-world counterparts. From the painted-on decals on the body to the sculpted Mercedes Benz logo on the GT3, there is no denying that these slot cars cater to racers who want their vehicles to have the greatest details and speed.
However, this attention to detail can be a double-edged sword. In time, and with multiple crashes, the smaller details might fade or chip off.
Fortunately, Carerra has prepared for this and designed both cars to have a low center of gravity. However, used in tandem with a magnetic pin attachment, you will have to exert a lot of effort to get these cars to fly off the track.
Set Difficulty
Assembling the GT Championship should be straightforward. If you follow the instructions, especially on properly locking the track pieces at their connection points, you will have the track set up within a few minutes.
The set comes with a Tri-Power transformer which allows you to control each race’s speed to match the racers’ skill level. In the first setting, cars run at a leisurely pace. This is great for warm-ups and friendly races.
In the second set, things get faster but remain manageable. As such, racers who have mastered managing a curved track should find it easy to outpace their opponents.
At the highest setting, things turn into a free-for-all. Slot cars will run at their top speeds. Those with more powerful engines have a better chance of winning. But, of course, the chances for racing crashes are high since everything is in a full power setting.
The best part of the Tri-Power pack is that you can change the settings in the middle of a race. This means you can raise the stakes and keep things dynamic with just one button push.
Carrera 30188 Digital 1 32 GT Championship – Conclusion
Without a doubt, the Race Championship is a product that follows the standards Carrera has set for their Digital 1 32 slot cars line. However, it does not offer anything new nor genuinely shines in any particular aspect.
However, that does not mean that you should forget the entire set. The included track provides enough challenge for both seasoned racers and newbies.
In addition, the slot cars included can be considered some of the better entries on the scale. If the steep price tag does not intimidate you, then the Carrera 30188 Digital 1 32 GT Championship set could make a fine addition to your ever-growing collection of tracks and slot cars.
Is Carrera a Good Slot Car Brand?
Carrera is a good slot car brand because of the attention to detail that they put into their products. From the cars to the tracks, Carrera makes sure that everything is designed to provide the best possible racing experience. This attention to detail is what sets Carrera apart from other slot car brands.
Carrera has a lot to offer slot car enthusiasts, from the circuits to the cars. If you are looking for a brand that produces high-quality products, then Carrera is a good option.
Is Carrera Better Than Scalextric?
It depends on a few factors on which brand is better. If you are looking for a wide range of tracks and cars to choose from, then Carrera is the better option.
In addition, Carerra is a good choice for adults and children alike. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, then Scalextric is the better choice.
Scalextric also makes smaller tracks that are easier to store and set up. So, if space is an issue, then Scalextric is the better choice.
Ultimately, it depends on your preferences as to which brand is better. If you want more options and are willing to pay a bit more, then Carrera is the better choice.
Is Carrera compatible with Scalextric?
Scalextric is an analog slot car but can be upgraded to digital with a microchip. In addition, the Carrera track is compatible with both analog and digital slot cars.
Carrera also has a wide range of tracks and accessories that are compatible with Scalextric products. So, if you want to expand your racing options, then Carrera is the way to go.
How Fast Do Carrera Slot Cars Go?
The speed of Carrera slot cars can go up to 370 mph. However, the speed will depend on the track and car you are using.
Nonetheless, you will be able to experience high speeds when racing with Carrera slot cars.
Are Carrera Slot Cars Easy to Use?
Carrera slot cars are easy to use and are a great way to get into slot car racing. Carrera is a good brand to start with if you have never raced before as they offer a wide range of tracks and cars to choose from.
In addition, Carrera slot cars are easy to set up and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Are Slot Cars a Good Hobby?
Slot cars can be a good hobby because it is a fun way to spend time with friends and family. In addition, racing slot cars can be a great way to relieve stress.
Moreover, collecting slot cars can be a rewarding hobby as there is a wide range of cars to choose from.
Ultimately, whether or not slot cars are a good hobby for you depends on your personal preferences. However, slot cars could be a good option if you are looking for a fun and challenging way to spend your free time.
Do Slot Cars Require Skill?
While they can be seen as toys, driving slot cars does require skills. This is because slot cars can reach high speeds and need to be handled carefully.
In addition, racing slot cars can be a great way to test your driving skills and reflexes. So, slot cars could be a good option if you are looking for a hobby requiring skill.
After getting a feel for your slot car, you can try racing against friends or family to see who is the better driver.
Do Slot Cars Need Batteries?
No, slot cars do not need batteries as they are powered by electricity. However, some slot car tracks may require batteries to operate accessories such as lights or sound effects.
Final Thoughts on Carrera 30188 Digital 132 GT Championship
The Carrera 30188 Digital 132 GT Championship is a great set for those looking to get into slot car racing. The slot car set continues the tradition of Carerra by making a quality product that is easy to use and great for both adults and children.
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