The air in the workshop hung thick with the aroma of hot plastic and burnt rubber. I’d spent the morning wrestling with a recalcitrant chassis, my fingers slick with oil. Then, the Amazon box arrived. A promise of speed, the scent of new plastic, and a chance to escape the gremlins of my workbench. Inside: the Carrera Evolution 27607, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

First impressions? Sharp. The livery, faithfully reproduced, pops under the shop lights. The stance is aggressive, hinting at the performance lurking within. Carrera’s Evolution line, unlike some of the digital systems, sticks to good old analog racing. That means voltage control, simple circuits, and a pure, unadulterated racing experience. A breath of fresh air, honestly. The lack of fancy digital features means less to break.

Now, about the car itself. The scale is 1:32, a common and easily manageable size for most home layouts. Crucially, this means it’s compatible with other Carrera Evolution tracks, as well as some older sets – a definite plus for anyone looking to expand their collection. The motor, a standard Carrera Mabuchi, hums with promise. The magnets, surprisingly strong, cling to the track with a tenacity that’ll keep you out of the weeds. Don’t be fooled though: these cars are designed for power slides.

I ran a few laps on a test track, pushing the Porsche harder with each circuit. The car’s handling, a key aspect, proved predictably satisfying. The weight distribution, while not perfect, felt well-balanced, allowing for some precise cornering. I could almost hear the announcer.

Compared to, say, some of the older Carrera models, the molding detail here is significantly better. It’s a noticeable leap forward. That said, I did find the provided guide flags to be a touch delicate. A hard hit on a tight turn, and you might find yourself needing a spare. Luckily, replacements are cheap and readily available – a minor inconvenience, but manageable.

For the aspiring racer on a budget or a seasoned veteran wanting some good, uncomplicated competition, this Carrera Evolution 911 GT3 RS is a winner. This Porsche won’t let you down. Get one and get racing.