Test report by CoMod joergW for the Carrera Evo/D132 Audi R8 LMS Team Abt Sportsline 24h Nürburgring 2009 "No.100" and Audi R8 LMS Team Phoenix 24h Nürburgring 2009 "No.98"
(27321/27322 and 30514/30515)
The Audi R8 LMS was built by quattro GmbH with the help of Abt Sportsline according to the GT3 Group regulations and thus, alongside the well-known Porsche and the relatively new Scirocco, another member of the large VW family is at the start.
Since summer 2009, the 12 vehicles have been fielded by various racing teams in European GT competitions and the BF Goodrich Endurance Championship. At the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, two teams each fielded two Audi R8 LMS cars, and one car finished second overall, behind a Porsche 997 GT3 RSR from the Manthey team. A successful start!
Power is provided by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine mounted in front of the rear axle. The direct injection system produces 500 hp (370 kW) and a maximum torque of 500 Newton meters. Power is transferred to the rear axle via a 6-speed sports transmission with paddle shifters. The standard all-wheel drive system in the R8 has been replaced by rear-wheel drive due to regulations. The chassis uses almost exclusively production components. Extensive safety features also ensure the highest level of passive safety.
In the fall of 2009, open sales to motorsport teams began. (Net price: €262,000) Add a few euros for racing paint, tuning parts, the right tires, etc. Starting with a 1:32 Carrera model is significantly more affordable.
Optics:
Both vehicles, now available as Evo models, have a really great, detailed
The overall look is impressive. Comparing the wheels with online pictures, they fit well and are largely true to the original. We'll see, maybe I'll get to see a real one this year. Black and silver and blue and yellow, colors that are easily recognizable on the racetrack, can also be used in a variety of racing series in the 1:32 scale.
Technology:
The continuous front axle has a bit more lateral play, but this can easily be corrected with clip-in plastic rings. Personally, it didn't bother me from a driving perspective. Due to the lack of lights, the clean chassis offers plenty of room on top for targeted lead tuning. The very forward-positioned rudder section features the new, significantly increased pivot range.
Processing:
The paintwork and printing are good. Only in the difficult area of the light blue line that runs all the way around and separates the blue from the yellow area is a slight weakness noticeable. The lettering and advertising stickers are all very legible.
The front axle rotates easily, and the rims and axles are unproblematic. The tires are firmly attached enough to drive very quickly with the magnet even without glue. The tires' grip is okay.
Driving behavior:
The handling is, as expected, very unproblematic, as the width-to-length ratio and the other chassis geometric factors speak very much in favor of the vehicle, which proves true on the track.
Conclusion:
I don't think I have to be an oracle if I expect more variants of this model (especially since the 24-hour runner-up isn't included yet)!
CoMod JoergW
(27321/27322 and 30514/30515)
The Audi R8 LMS was built by quattro GmbH with the help of Abt Sportsline according to the GT3 Group regulations and thus, alongside the well-known Porsche and the relatively new Scirocco, another member of the large VW family is at the start.
Since summer 2009, the 12 vehicles have been fielded by various racing teams in European GT competitions and the BF Goodrich Endurance Championship. At the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, two teams each fielded two Audi R8 LMS cars, and one car finished second overall, behind a Porsche 997 GT3 RSR from the Manthey team. A successful start!
Power is provided by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine mounted in front of the rear axle. The direct injection system produces 500 hp (370 kW) and a maximum torque of 500 Newton meters. Power is transferred to the rear axle via a 6-speed sports transmission with paddle shifters. The standard all-wheel drive system in the R8 has been replaced by rear-wheel drive due to regulations. The chassis uses almost exclusively production components. Extensive safety features also ensure the highest level of passive safety.
In the fall of 2009, open sales to motorsport teams began. (Net price: €262,000) Add a few euros for racing paint, tuning parts, the right tires, etc. Starting with a 1:32 Carrera model is significantly more affordable.
Optics:
Both vehicles, now available as Evo models, have a really great, detailed
The overall look is impressive. Comparing the wheels with online pictures, they fit well and are largely true to the original. We'll see, maybe I'll get to see a real one this year. Black and silver and blue and yellow, colors that are easily recognizable on the racetrack, can also be used in a variety of racing series in the 1:32 scale.
Technology:
The continuous front axle has a bit more lateral play, but this can easily be corrected with clip-in plastic rings. Personally, it didn't bother me from a driving perspective. Due to the lack of lights, the clean chassis offers plenty of room on top for targeted lead tuning. The very forward-positioned rudder section features the new, significantly increased pivot range.
Processing:
The paintwork and printing are good. Only in the difficult area of the light blue line that runs all the way around and separates the blue from the yellow area is a slight weakness noticeable. The lettering and advertising stickers are all very legible.
The front axle rotates easily, and the rims and axles are unproblematic. The tires are firmly attached enough to drive very quickly with the magnet even without glue. The tires' grip is okay.
Driving behavior:
The handling is, as expected, very unproblematic, as the width-to-length ratio and the other chassis geometric factors speak very much in favor of the vehicle, which proves true on the track.
Conclusion:
I don't think I have to be an oracle if I expect more variants of this model (especially since the 24-hour runner-up isn't included yet)!
CoMod JoergW
