Test report by CoMod Carrera124 for the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi R18 No. 2, 24h LM 2011 and No. 1, Spa 1000 km (Art. No. 30618 and 30619)
Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 102 grams
Weight (body): 30 grams
Length including spoiler: 147 mm
Wheelbase: 93 mm
Track width (front axle): 62 mm
Track width (rear axle): 62 mm
Other: Small motor (like in F1 cars) and SMD LEDs
The model:
Audi has dominated endurance racing since 2000, achieving no fewer than 11 overall victories in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Audi R18 debuted in 2011, marking the first time Audi had fielded a closed sports prototype. Admittedly, the Bentley EXP Speed 8 also had a roof at the time, but it ran under the Bentley label.
The model:
As is typical with Audi, the designs of the race cars are very similar. The two versions differ only in the starting numbers and the size of the black areas. The dark, aggressive impression of the original comes across well, with black and silver or chrome-plated surfaces predominating. The latter ensures that the car still stands out reasonably well against the equally black surface of the racetrack.
The bulge below the tail fin isn't entirely true to the original—necessarily. The engine and transmission are located underneath; these parts have to be housed somewhere.
The technology:
Overall, the chassis is the proven design of the second generation (D132-G2), but with two exceptions:
Instead of the standard E200 engine, the smaller and slimmer powerplant used in Formula 1 models is used. The reason is obvious – with the E200 engine, the necessary bulge in the body would have had to be a bit larger. So, in terms of looks, it was a good decision.
There's also some news regarding the lighting – the conventional LEDs have been replaced with SMD components. These can be installed more efficiently, which in turn eliminates the need for fiber optic components. At least not in the Audi R18.
Driving test:
First of all, the character of the engine also shapes the characteristics of the car. As is already known from the F1 models, the smaller engine offers enormous top speed, but lacks the famous "torque from the basement." As a result, the small Audi R18 is incredibly fast, but a bit tricky to control at the limit and in the corners. The tires offer acceptable grip and have a relatively large amount of "meat," which helps dampen a lot of the ride.
Conclusion:
I'm not a big fan of LMP sports prototypes, but this is a very faithful recreation of a successful racing car. However, it takes a few practice laps to master it confidently on the racetrack. However, once you get used to the car's characteristics, you'll achieve consistently fast lap times.
Best regards,
your Chris
Technical data:
Weight (complete vehicle with magnets): 102 grams
Weight (body): 30 grams
Length including spoiler: 147 mm
Wheelbase: 93 mm
Track width (front axle): 62 mm
Track width (rear axle): 62 mm
Other: Small motor (like in F1 cars) and SMD LEDs
The model:
Audi has dominated endurance racing since 2000, achieving no fewer than 11 overall victories in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Audi R18 debuted in 2011, marking the first time Audi had fielded a closed sports prototype. Admittedly, the Bentley EXP Speed 8 also had a roof at the time, but it ran under the Bentley label.
The model:
As is typical with Audi, the designs of the race cars are very similar. The two versions differ only in the starting numbers and the size of the black areas. The dark, aggressive impression of the original comes across well, with black and silver or chrome-plated surfaces predominating. The latter ensures that the car still stands out reasonably well against the equally black surface of the racetrack.
The bulge below the tail fin isn't entirely true to the original—necessarily. The engine and transmission are located underneath; these parts have to be housed somewhere.
The technology:
Overall, the chassis is the proven design of the second generation (D132-G2), but with two exceptions:
Instead of the standard E200 engine, the smaller and slimmer powerplant used in Formula 1 models is used. The reason is obvious – with the E200 engine, the necessary bulge in the body would have had to be a bit larger. So, in terms of looks, it was a good decision.
There's also some news regarding the lighting – the conventional LEDs have been replaced with SMD components. These can be installed more efficiently, which in turn eliminates the need for fiber optic components. At least not in the Audi R18.
Driving test:
First of all, the character of the engine also shapes the characteristics of the car. As is already known from the F1 models, the smaller engine offers enormous top speed, but lacks the famous "torque from the basement." As a result, the small Audi R18 is incredibly fast, but a bit tricky to control at the limit and in the corners. The tires offer acceptable grip and have a relatively large amount of "meat," which helps dampen a lot of the ride.
Conclusion:
I'm not a big fan of LMP sports prototypes, but this is a very faithful recreation of a successful racing car. However, it takes a few practice laps to master it confidently on the racetrack. However, once you get used to the car's characteristics, you'll achieve consistently fast lap times.
Best regards,
your Chris
