Review by CoMod Carrera 124 of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi R18 No. 2, 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, and No. 1, Spa 1000 km (Art.Nr. 30618 and 30619)
Technical Specifications:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 102 grams
Weight (body): 30 grams
Length incl. spoiler: 147 mm
Wheelbase: 93 mm
Track width (front axle): 62 mm
Track width (rear axle): 62 mm
Other: Small motor (as in the F1 cars) and SMD LEDs
The prototype:
Since 2000, Audi has dominated endurance racing—securing no fewer than 11 overall victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans classic. In 2011, the Audi R18 made its debut, marking the first time Audi entered a closed-top sports prototype into the race. Admittedly, the Bentley EXP Speed 8 also had a roof at the time, but it was racing under the Bentley label.
The Model:
As is typical for Audi, the designs of the race cars are very similar. The two versions differ only in their starting numbers and the size of the black panels. The original’s dark, aggressive look comes across well, with black and silver or chrome-plated surfaces dominating the design. The latter ensure that the vehicle still stands out reasonably well against the track’s black surface.
The bulge beneath the rear fin is—inevitably—not entirely true to the original. The engine and transmission are located underneath; after all, these components have to be housed somewhere.
The Technology:
Overall, the chassis is based on the proven second-generation design (D132-G2), with two exceptions:
Instead of the standard E200 engine, the smaller and sleeker powerplant used in Formula 1 models is employed. The reason is obvious—with the E200 engine, the necessary recess in the body would have had to be slightly larger. So, in terms of aesthetics, it was a good decision.
There’s also news regarding the lighting—the conventional LEDs have been replaced by SMD components. These can be installed in a more space-saving manner, which in turn means that light guide components are no longer needed. At least not on the Audi R18.
Test drive:
First things first: the character of the engine also shapes the vehicle’s characteristics. As is already familiar from the F1 models, the smaller engine delivers tremendous top speed, but lacks some of that famous “torque from the low end.” As a result, the little Audi R18 is lightning-fast, but a bit finicky to control at the limit and through corners. The tires offer acceptable grip and have relatively thick tread, which helps absorb quite a bit of the road’s roughness while driving.
Conclusion:
I’m not a big fan of LMP sports prototypes, but here a successful race car has been faithfully recreated. To handle it safely on the track, however, it takes a few practice laps. But once you’ve gotten used to the car’s characteristics, you can consistently achieve fast lap times.
Best regards,
Chris
Technical Specifications:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 102 grams
Weight (body): 30 grams
Length incl. spoiler: 147 mm
Wheelbase: 93 mm
Track width (front axle): 62 mm
Track width (rear axle): 62 mm
Other: Small motor (as in the F1 cars) and SMD LEDs
The prototype:
Since 2000, Audi has dominated endurance racing—securing no fewer than 11 overall victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans classic. In 2011, the Audi R18 made its debut, marking the first time Audi entered a closed-top sports prototype into the race. Admittedly, the Bentley EXP Speed 8 also had a roof at the time, but it was racing under the Bentley label.
The Model:
As is typical for Audi, the designs of the race cars are very similar. The two versions differ only in their starting numbers and the size of the black panels. The original’s dark, aggressive look comes across well, with black and silver or chrome-plated surfaces dominating the design. The latter ensure that the vehicle still stands out reasonably well against the track’s black surface.
The bulge beneath the rear fin is—inevitably—not entirely true to the original. The engine and transmission are located underneath; after all, these components have to be housed somewhere.
The Technology:
Overall, the chassis is based on the proven second-generation design (D132-G2), with two exceptions:
Instead of the standard E200 engine, the smaller and sleeker powerplant used in Formula 1 models is employed. The reason is obvious—with the E200 engine, the necessary recess in the body would have had to be slightly larger. So, in terms of aesthetics, it was a good decision.
There’s also news regarding the lighting—the conventional LEDs have been replaced by SMD components. These can be installed in a more space-saving manner, which in turn means that light guide components are no longer needed. At least not on the Audi R18.
Test drive:
First things first: the character of the engine also shapes the vehicle’s characteristics. As is already familiar from the F1 models, the smaller engine delivers tremendous top speed, but lacks some of that famous “torque from the low end.” As a result, the little Audi R18 is lightning-fast, but a bit finicky to control at the limit and through corners. The tires offer acceptable grip and have relatively thick tread, which helps absorb quite a bit of the road’s roughness while driving.
Conclusion:
I’m not a big fan of LMP sports prototypes, but here a successful race car has been faithfully recreated. To handle it safely on the track, however, it takes a few practice laps. But once you’ve gotten used to the car’s characteristics, you can consistently achieve fast lap times.
Best regards,
Chris
