New AUTOart SUBARU IMPREZA WRC

February 2nd, 2003

One can easily see that this past year was a banner year for our hobby. Not only did we receive many new models from our current manufacturers, new companies seemed to sprout up everywhere to enter the world of 1/32nd scale model car racing. AUTOart is just one of these, and when it was first announced they would be joining the fray, I was excited to say the least. After all, they have been producing some of the finest diecast models you can buy for quite some time, and looked forward in seeing their efforts in "our" hobby.

For the first, of I hope will be many, AUTOart chose the Subaru Impreza WRC 2001. When my model arrived from Fantasy World safe and sound as usual, I was almost speechless. This model is simply beautiful. It isn't just the level of detail that grabs you, it is the luster and finish of the body that stood out for me. Evidently, AUTOart has no issues with providing us with an excellent clear-coat. I will try and let the photos speak for themselves, but they cannot come close to how this car looks on the track, or in your hands. You can practically see a mile through the finish.

Then I began to take note of the markings. All the Tampo work is excellent as I found no fading or runs. Even the smallest markings are clearly legible, even those on the rear window. Looking through this rear window, you can see the spare tire and roll bar assembly, which I found to be a nice touch. Both drivers have the helmets nicely detailed, but the rest of the interior is plain. This is no problem for me really, as what detail they did provide, looks outstanding on the track. The body mold lines and shape were well done, and overall fit was very acceptable. Of course, the small antennas on top of the model will most likely be the first victims in a tumble, but they still add a nice touch to the overall visual appearance. I must add that in several hard rollovers, the antennas did bend, but did not break, and bending them back was all it took. This won't last long however, but it did surprise me on the durability of them.

Wheels and tires are also a great effort being very round, with brake rotor detail and smooth moldings. The tire compound isn't the softest you will ever see, and I did notice that they were a little low in the center. I planned on sanding these tires smooth anyway, so the ribs and this low point ended up disappearing quickly. Once I finished this, this model was even smoother to drive.

Underneath you can see the motor in its inline configuration along with the self-centering guide system, polarity switch for changing direction, and a small screw that holds the magnet assembly in place. 3 screws mount the body to the chassis, and removal was very easy. However, please use care when doing so, as the wiring harness for the lighting system at the circuit board could see damage if you get to heavy handed. You might find the electrical connections loose where they connect at the chassis. If so, using a small pliers, you can crimp these a little tighter to keep them from coming loose. The lights work very well, and although some do not care for lights, I find them to be a feature that adds to the overall realism of the model. Night racing is some of the most fun we have here, and I was pleased with AUTOart including them. For those that are wondering, the rear lights do not act like brake lights, they simply light up upon acceleration.

The 4 wheel drive system is one I have not seen before, and I all I can say is that it works very well. The motor itself appears to be a standard Mabuchi-type, with a shaft that extends forward for the front wheels. 10 tooth pinions drive the 28 tooth crown gears very smoothly, in fact, I was surprised on how quiet this model was! One thing I did find was that the plastic bushings for the axles need to be glued to keep them from spinning in the chassis mount. I don't find this too much of an issue as I have been doing this with many other models for quite some time. Once you secure these bushings, this model runs even smoother, plus it helps prolong the life of the drive-train.

Up front you will find the self-centering guide, with 2 metal pickup strips transferring power to the motor. These strips were sturdy enough, and didn't cause the front of the model to raise up so as to negate the 4 wheel drive. It is the guide itself that I had an issue with. It simply isn't deep enough, being slightly smaller in depth than the new Scalextric guides, and some de-slotting will occur more often than you might care for. Now, you could replace this guide with a deeper one, however I hope that AUTOart sees this issue as well, and improves this on future releases.

The one thing that stood out however was the magnet assembly. AUTOart certainly wanted to make sure you had plenty of magnetic down-force.   The magnets themselves are glued to a plastic assembly holding them apart, and almost directly over the rails. The screw underneath seems to at first indicate an adjustable feature, but it really isn't, or doesn't seem to be in my opinion. The magnets slip under a plastic lip assembly and have to be pushed forward for removal. You can move these magnets slightly forward, but it really didn't change the down-force enough to be measured. Some of you might find differently, and if so, please let us know your findings.

I have to say that I don't prefer this much magnet, especially in a Rally car. So, I removed mine to see just how this model would perform. This is where this model really shined in my opinion. With a Rally car, I find that sliding around the corners to be not only realistic, but adds to the challenge. A car like this pinned down to the rails just doesn't seem right to me. This model was easily piloted to a full slide through most of our corners with ease, and this is the big attraction for us in this series. Also, taking out these magnets helps to make this model a closer match in performance with other models such as Ninco and SCX. However, removing these magnets does lead this model to tip over, and de-slot a little easier as well. This is where a mild magnet set-up in mid chassis, such as found in the Ninco models, or adding weight, would help a great deal. There isn't a great deal of room to do many modifications, but I am sure some of you will find innovating and helpful ways to tune this model to its optimal potential.

Overall performance was pleasing, as I don't attribute top speed in performance as much as I do drive-train reliability and smooth control, especially in a car of this series. With the magnets in place, this car is certainly quick, and for those that like strong magnets, this model should please you. On our Carrera track, with Parma Economy 45 ohm controllers, and the LOKO after-market power supply, this model without its magnet is pure, honest fun like a slot car should be. The same results were found on our Scalextric Sport track using standard set power and control.

All in all I feel AUTOart released a winner. It has a few issues, but nothing that should stop you from enjoying this model. This model has knock-out good looks with a reliable drive system, and smooth operation. Traits that even some veteran companies cannot claim consistently. I am not much of a Rally fan in the 1:1 world, but models like this are certainly changing that, at least in 1/32nd scale. You cannot really appreciate this model until you hold it in your hands and race it on the track, and once you do, you should be pleased. I look forward in the next release of the MITSUBISHI LANCER slotted for this month, and others to follow. If your a fan of this series, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look and consider adding one to your current line-up.

Harry

As always feel free to email me at wiseone@yhti.net about this review, or just the hobby in general.

I have to thank Fantasy World Hobbies for providing me with this nice model. They have both models in stock now, so stop by and check them out soon.