Review by CoMod Carrera 124 of the Carrera Evolution / DIGITAL 132 Renault R28 (27275/30456)
Everything is so colorful here!
Although listed in the catalog as the Renault R27, the box labeling reveals that the car is actually the current Renault R28. Just like the Ferrari F2007 and McLaren-Mercedes, the real-life Renault features numerous delicate aerodynamic elements. These are, of course, also present on the model. Caution is advised during daily driving to ensure these small parts remain undamaged.
The colorful scheme is, of course, a pleasant standout. The combination of white, yellow, and orange adds a welcome splash of color to the red-and-silver surroundings. Personally, I like the Renault’s look best, even more than the Ferrari, McLaren, and BMW-Sauber.
There’s not much to say about the chassis itself; I’ll refer you to my review of the Ferrari F2007. Basically, the chassis and individual modules are identical; only the exterior contours and, where applicable, the wheelbase have been adapted to the respective body style. This approach provides a solid foundation for achieving driving characteristics that are as comparable as possible. The flat engine is used as the powerplant, and the keel unit is identical. Unlike the Ferrari, the Renault does not have wheel covers, which is of course not a disadvantage on a small scale.
During the driving test, the findings from the Ferrari test were immediately incorporated: the rear magnet was removed, and the center magnet was adjusted with spacer plates. The handling was then very similar to that of the Ferrari F2007, though with slight advantages for the Renault. I attribute these minor differences to the usual tolerances of the engines, magnets, and tire grip. Overall, the Renault R28 also runs very quietly, smoothly, and responsively. But taking fast corners comes a bit more naturally than with the Ferrari, in the truest sense of the word.
Bottom line: the Renault R28 fits right in on the F1 starting grid. With Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, and Sauber-BMW, the four top teams of recent years are all on the grid—ensuring a colorful mix on both analog and digital tracks. The standardized technical concept ensures a level playing field to a large extent. For 2009, it would be desirable to further round out the starting grid with cars based on the same technical platform, such as a Red Bull F1 with Sebastian Vettel or a Toyota.
CoModCarrera 124
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Test report by CoMod Lotus on theCarrera Evolution / DIGITAL 132 Renault R28 (27275/30456)
Back to the top with the R28?
The new Renault R28 Formula 1 car was unveiled in Paris on January 31. Fernando Alonso’s race car, having returned to the Renault team after a season away: the Renault RS27 2.4 V8 engine under the carbon-fiber hood, mounted on the newly developed R28 chassis. The entire car weighs 605 kg, including the driver, camera, and ballast. But before this turns into a list of specs: Anyone who wants more information about the original should visit the very informative and well-designed website of the ING Renault Formula 1 Team: www.ing-renaultf1.com
Let’s get to the model: To be honest, I’m not a big fan of Formula 1 cars; as a variant collector, I’ve had to buy too many of them already. But: For me, the Renault is, alongside the Toro Rosso, the most beautiful car in Formula 1! The original color scheme is superbly rendered on the model; the very fine printing is especially beautiful. I’m always amazed by what’s technically possible these days.
First of all, I take the entire car apart—I’ve been doing it this way since my UNIVERSAL days. Although there was always something to repair or derust on the UNI cars,Go thankfully that’s not the Go case with the new ones Go . Due to its design, the Renault has a very tight chassis, so the cables, connectors, and circuit boards are housed in a very cramped space. Be careful when reassembling so you don’t pinch any of the cables in the bodywork. If you pull the cables a bit further forward, the guide keel also has a little more room to move. But you should proceed with caution, as I said: it’s very tight in there!
On the circuit, the Renault drives very comfortably and quietly. The French car handles corners well, slightly better than the BMW and the McLaren, comparable to the Ferrari. In my opinion, the differences in handling among the new Formula 1 cars are minimal; they all drive very smoothly and are therefore well-suited for children as well.
The Renault R28 and its driver have proven their mettle by finishing third in the overall standings for the 2008 season. Now it’s up to us to see how it performs on its home track: Let’s get to it!
CoMod Lotus
Everything is so colorful here!
Although listed in the catalog as the Renault R27, the box labeling reveals that the car is actually the current Renault R28. Just like the Ferrari F2007 and McLaren-Mercedes, the real-life Renault features numerous delicate aerodynamic elements. These are, of course, also present on the model. Caution is advised during daily driving to ensure these small parts remain undamaged.
The colorful scheme is, of course, a pleasant standout. The combination of white, yellow, and orange adds a welcome splash of color to the red-and-silver surroundings. Personally, I like the Renault’s look best, even more than the Ferrari, McLaren, and BMW-Sauber.
There’s not much to say about the chassis itself; I’ll refer you to my review of the Ferrari F2007. Basically, the chassis and individual modules are identical; only the exterior contours and, where applicable, the wheelbase have been adapted to the respective body style. This approach provides a solid foundation for achieving driving characteristics that are as comparable as possible. The flat engine is used as the powerplant, and the keel unit is identical. Unlike the Ferrari, the Renault does not have wheel covers, which is of course not a disadvantage on a small scale.
During the driving test, the findings from the Ferrari test were immediately incorporated: the rear magnet was removed, and the center magnet was adjusted with spacer plates. The handling was then very similar to that of the Ferrari F2007, though with slight advantages for the Renault. I attribute these minor differences to the usual tolerances of the engines, magnets, and tire grip. Overall, the Renault R28 also runs very quietly, smoothly, and responsively. But taking fast corners comes a bit more naturally than with the Ferrari, in the truest sense of the word.
Bottom line: the Renault R28 fits right in on the F1 starting grid. With Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, and Sauber-BMW, the four top teams of recent years are all on the grid—ensuring a colorful mix on both analog and digital tracks. The standardized technical concept ensures a level playing field to a large extent. For 2009, it would be desirable to further round out the starting grid with cars based on the same technical platform, such as a Red Bull F1 with Sebastian Vettel or a Toyota.
CoMod
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Test report by CoMod Lotus on the
Back to the top with the R28?
The new Renault R28 Formula 1 car was unveiled in Paris on January 31. Fernando Alonso’s race car, having returned to the Renault team after a season away: the Renault RS27 2.4 V8 engine under the carbon-fiber hood, mounted on the newly developed R28 chassis. The entire car weighs 605 kg, including the driver, camera, and ballast. But before this turns into a list of specs: Anyone who wants more information about the original should visit the very informative and well-designed website of the ING Renault Formula 1 Team: www.ing-renaultf1.com
Let’s get to the model: To be honest, I’m not a big fan of Formula 1 cars; as a variant collector, I’ve had to buy too many of them already. But: For me, the Renault is, alongside the Toro Rosso, the most beautiful car in Formula 1! The original color scheme is superbly rendered on the model; the very fine printing is especially beautiful. I’m always amazed by what’s technically possible these days.
First of all, I take the entire car apart—I’ve been doing it this way since my UNIVERSAL days. Although there was always something to repair or derust on the UNI cars,
On the circuit, the Renault drives very comfortably and quietly. The French car handles corners well, slightly better than the BMW and the McLaren, comparable to the Ferrari. In my opinion, the differences in handling among the new Formula 1 cars are minimal; they all drive very smoothly and are therefore well-suited for children as well.
The Renault R28 and its driver have proven their mettle by finishing third in the overall standings for the 2008 season. Now it’s up to us to see how it performs on its home track: Let’s get to it!
CoMod Lotus
