[woodcote]

   

I'm really pleased to see the Scalextric Jaguar XJS released this week. I got my hands on a pre-production sample earlier in the year and I loved it...

   

Scalextric didn't get last year's Capri quite right (although I do like it very much) and there was George Turner's super XJS resin kit to compare to - so I was a bit nervous...

   

I reckon Scalextric have got the shape and the stance pretty much spot on. My only grumble is the rear quarter window – I think it should be a vent at the back, not a sliver of glass...

   

Inside, it's standard Scalextric in-line, DPR, easy-change guide and a magnet just in front of the rear axle...

   

Like the Capri, the Scalextric XJS has its bumpers and valances as part of the chassis. However, the car is designed in such a way that the screws can be loosened for a decent amount of body float. A lip on the bumpers hides the gap...

   

With the magnet still in place and tested on my small-ish Scalextric Sport home track, the XJS puts in almost identical 2-minute scores and best laps as the Capri - and very close to the classic Carrera saloons too. All have different handling characteristics - the XJS was probably the most enjoyable to drive - but they will be close competitors on track.

   

The rear track of both the Jag and the Capri is 50mm, although the XJS is a longer car. The wheelbase is longer too, although the guide pivot to rear axle distance is almost identical. Scalextric seem to have sorted out the front axles on all their new cars - no longer do the wheels lift the guide out of the slot... the tyres now just touch the track surface. That makes a big difference to the handling, of course!

   

The Scalextric team have said there will be more late Group 1B  early Group A cars - work is progressing on two new models as I write this. Plus there's also this years 1979 Camaro Z/28, which was a regular in European Group 1B classes, including the Spa 24 hours...

   

I had a quick look at the Bastos Camaro this week - it looks great and is really quick on track. Scalextric have put it in their Trans-Am range - with sidewinder motor and full interior - and that gives it a proper muscle car feel. I'll be previewing it for the July edition of Slot Car Magazine, alongside a conversation with Scalextric product researcher Simon Owen.

[rallyhub]

I reckon Scalextric have got the shape and the stance pretty much spot on. My only grumble is the rear quarter window – I think it should be a vent at the back, not a sliver of glass...

When I compare the real car with the pictures of the Scalextric XJS, I think the headlights and grill are a bit too high.
That is also a weakness of the Scalextric Capri.
On the other hand, it's great to see Group 1B cars now appearing as slot cars.
Hub

[Scuderia_Turini]

It seems to be a good-phase that Scalextric are going through, in terms of the variety of vehicles being produced. Lets hope this continues for a long time.

Leo