Review by CoMod Carrera 124 of Carrera Evolution DIGITAL 132 the
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Renault R28(27275/30456)
Everything’s so colorful here!
Although listed in the catalog as the Renault R27, the box labeling reveals that the car is actually the latest Renault R28. Just like the Ferrari F2007 and McLaren-Mercedes, the real-life Renault features numerous delicate aerodynamic elements. These are, of course, also reproduced 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 amid 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 test report on the Ferrari F2007. Basically, the chassis and the individual modules are identical; only the outer contours and, where applicable, the wheelbase have been adapted to the respective body shape. This approach provides a solid foundation for driving characteristics that are as comparable as possible. The flat engine is used as the powerplant, and the front wing unit is identical. Unlike the Ferrari, the Renault does not have wheel covers, which, of course, is not a disadvantage on this small scale.
During the test drive, I immediately applied the insights from the Ferrari test: I removed the rear magnet and adjusted the center magnet using 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 with plenty of pep. However, taking corners at high speed is, quite literally, a bit easier than with the Ferrari.
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 on the grid—ensuring a colorful mix on both analog and digital tracks. The standardized technical concept largely guarantees a level playing field. 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 driven by Sebastian Vettel or a Toyota.
CoModCarrera
124
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Test report by CoMod Lotus onCarrera Evolution DIGITAL 132
the /
Renault R28 (27275/30456)
Back to the top with the R28?
On January 31, the new Renault R28 Formula 1 car was unveiled in Paris. The race car driven by Fernando Alonso, who has returned to the Renault team after one season: 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 facts: If you’d like more information about the original, you should visit the very informative and well-designed website of the ING-Renault Formula 1 team: www.ing renaultf1.com
-Let’s move on 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 far too many of them. 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 that since my UNIVERSAL days. Although there was always something to repair or derust on the UNI cars,Go
thankfully that’s no longer necessary with the new ones . Due to its design, the Renault has a very tight chassis, so the cables, connectors, and circuit boards are housed in a very confined space. Be careful during assembly not to pinch any of the cables against the body. If you pull the cables a little further forward, the guide keel will also have a bit more room to move. But be careful—as I said, it’s very tight in there!
On the circuit, the Renault handles very smoothly and quietly. The French car handles corners well—slightly better than the BMW and the McLaren, and comparable to the Ferrari. That said, in my opinion, the differences in handling among the new Formula 1 cars are marginal; they all drive very smoothly and are therefore also very well suited for children.
The Renault R28 and its driver proved they’re a force to be reckoned with by finishing third in the overall standings for the 2008 season. Now it's up to us to prove how he'll do on his home track: Let's do this!
CoMod Lotus
Everything’s so colorful here!
Although listed in the catalog as the Renault R27, the box labeling reveals that the car is actually the latest Renault R28. Just like the Ferrari F2007 and McLaren-Mercedes, the real-life Renault features numerous delicate aerodynamic elements. These are, of course, also reproduced 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 amid 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 test report on the Ferrari F2007. Basically, the chassis and the individual modules are identical; only the outer contours and, where applicable, the wheelbase have been adapted to the respective body shape. This approach provides a solid foundation for driving characteristics that are as comparable as possible. The flat engine is used as the powerplant, and the front wing unit is identical. Unlike the Ferrari, the Renault does not have wheel covers, which, of course, is not a disadvantage on this small scale.
During the test drive, I immediately applied the insights from the Ferrari test: I removed the rear magnet and adjusted the center magnet using 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 with plenty of pep. However, taking corners at high speed is, quite literally, a bit easier than with the Ferrari.
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 on the grid—ensuring a colorful mix on both analog and digital tracks. The standardized technical concept largely guarantees a level playing field. 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 driven by Sebastian Vettel or a Toyota.
CoMod
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Test report by CoMod Lotus on
Back to the top with the R28?
On January 31, the new Renault R28 Formula 1 car was unveiled in Paris. The race car driven by Fernando Alonso, who has returned to the Renault team after one season: 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 facts: If you’d like more information about the original, you should visit the very informative and well-designed website of the ING-Renault Formula 1 team: www.ing renaultf1.com
-Let’s move on 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 far too many of them. 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 that since my UNIVERSAL days. Although there was always something to repair or derust on the UNI cars,
On the circuit, the Renault handles very smoothly and quietly. The French car handles corners well—slightly better than the BMW and the McLaren, and comparable to the Ferrari. That said, in my opinion, the differences in handling among the new Formula 1 cars are marginal; they all drive very smoothly and are therefore also very well suited for children.
The Renault R28 and its driver proved they’re a force to be reckoned with by finishing third in the overall standings for the 2008 season. Now it's up to us to prove how he'll do on his home track: Let's do this!
CoMod Lotus
