CoMod 124's test report Carrera on the Carrera DIGITAL 132 Audi R18 No. 2, 24h LM 2011 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 including spoiler: 147 mm
; Wheelbase: 93
mm; Track width (front axle): 62 mm
; Track width (rear axle): 62
mm; Other: Small motor (as in F1 cars) and SMD LEDsThe 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; for 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 start 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 chrome accents ensure that the car 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 parts have to be housed somewhere.
The Technology:
Overall, the chassis features the proven second-generation design (D132-G2), with two exceptions:
Instead of the standard E200 engine, the smaller and sleeker engine used in Formula 1 models is employed. The reason is obvious—with the E200 engine, the necessary bulge in the body would have had to be slightly larger. So, in terms of aesthetics,
it’s a good decision. There’s also news regarding the lighting—the conventional LEDs have been replaced with SMD components. These can be installed in a more space-efficient manner, which in turn means that light-guide components are no longer needed. At least not in the Audi R18.
Test Drive:
First things first: the engine’s character also shapes the vehicle’s characteristics. As is already well known from the F1 models, the smaller engine delivers tremendous top speed but lacks some of that famous “torque from the bottom 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 a fair amount of road feedback while driving.
Bottom line:
I’m not a big fan of LMP sports prototypes, but this is a very faithful reproduction of a successful race car. However, it takes a few practice laps to handle it confidently on the track. Once you’ve gotten used to the car’s characteristics, though, you’ll be able to consistently post fast lap times.
Best regards,
Chris
Technical Specifications:
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 (as in F1 cars) and SMD LEDsThe 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; for 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 start 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 chrome accents ensure that the car 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 parts have to be housed somewhere.
The Technology:
Overall, the chassis features the proven second-generation design (D132-G2), with two exceptions:
Instead of the standard E200 engine, the smaller and sleeker engine used in Formula 1 models is employed. The reason is obvious—with the E200 engine, the necessary bulge in the body would have had to be slightly larger. So, in terms of aesthetics,
it’s a good decision. There’s also news regarding the lighting—the conventional LEDs have been replaced with SMD components. These can be installed in a more space-efficient manner, which in turn means that light-guide components are no longer needed. At least not in the Audi R18.
Test Drive:
First things first: the engine’s character also shapes the vehicle’s characteristics. As is already well known from the F1 models, the smaller engine delivers tremendous top speed but lacks some of that famous “torque from the bottom 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 a fair amount of road feedback while driving.
Bottom line:
I’m not a big fan of LMP sports prototypes, but this is a very faithful reproduction of a successful race car. However, it takes a few practice laps to handle it confidently on the track. Once you’ve gotten used to the car’s characteristics, though, you’ll be able to consistently post fast lap times.
Best regards,
Chris
