[KensRedZed]

As usual they are a hefty bit of kit with the standard Carrera hallmark of a reverse polarity switch for running the other way round the track. However, there appears to be something like a digital chip fitted at the front end. They are definitely both analogue cars which work just fine on my track and, as with the full size car, there are no lights fitted so what is this stuff? Anybody know?

It's a spy communication system. When you put the car on your shelf. It scans what Carrera cars are missing. It sends that information back to the Carrera sales dept. They set up a subliminal messaging system to get you to buy cars you don't have yet.