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In-Box Review
124
Audi R8
Audi R8
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by: Darren Baker [ CMOT ]

Introduction

The following is the introduction as supplied by Revell of Germany;
The Audi R8, called after the racing car that won Le Mans five times, is the first Audi super sports car. This mid-engine sports car with its unmistakeable design was presented to the public for the first time in September 2006. Like the body work, the body platform of the all wheel drive Audi R8 is made of Aluminium. As the materialisation of Le Mans Quattro concept of 2003, the Audi R8 offers Innovative, individual and impressive design. The silhouette and giant air intakes and outlets to front and rear create associations with motor sport. Driven by the 420 bhp high revving 4.2ltr direct injection V8 engine from the Audi RS4, which is visible through the rear window, this two seater with a kerb weight of 1.6 tonnes accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of over 300 km/h. The passenger compartment has been moved forward to accommodate the mid-engine, but the long wheel base of this agile sports car gives ample space for the occupants. There is an optional automatic gearbox available and thanks to the magnetic fluid in the shock absorbers an electronically adjustable suspension system can also be ordered. This gives the Audi R8, available from June 2007, the capability to adapt to any driving situation.

Contents

The model is packaged in one of Revell of Germany’s end opening boxes. Inside you will find;
3 light grey sprues
4 medium grey sprues
1 chromed sprue
1 clear sprue
A light grey body shell
4 vinyl rubber tyres
Nylon mesh sheet
1 decal sheet
An advisory notice
An instruction booklet

Review

First Impressions
An inspection of the box contents left me feeling quite positive about this model. There are no obvious moulding faults that I found beyond the seam lines and ejector pin marks that you would expect to find. The gates between the parts and sprues are of a reasonable size and not excessive in number, so removal of parts should not present any problems. There is nothing else to add here and so a very positive start.

The Mechanicals
You will be shocked and surprised to hear that I have never owned an Audi R8, and so I am having to rely on detail available online for reference. This model is supplied with a very nice multi-part engine and a check against online images indicates a good level of accuracy. This detail even extends to several decals that need applying to add those special touches, also painting instructions are called out as the build progresses. Another aspect I like is the locators in this area of the model which are for the most part very positive. The exhaust system has also been well replicated with the possible exception of the silencers (baffles in the US I believe), but it is not the easiest aspect of the vehicle to determine for sure. I also like the fact that Revell of Germany has taken the trouble of providing the end of the exhaust hollowed out.

The drive shafts have a fair level of detail, but I am not sure this detail can even be seen on the finished model due to the rather nice floor pan which has been replicated. Another nice touch is that this model does provide the ability to have the front wheels displayed in any orientation that takes your fancy. The detail continues with the wheel wells and attached detail. So at this point in time I am a happy man about the model.

Interior
Revell of Germany has provided a very nice interior from my observations. Detail painting is again called out as you progress with this section and there are a liberal number of decals to utilise in this area. On the subject of decals I was surprised to find that a decal has even been supplied to replicate the interior mirror satnav. Depending on your desires you could replicate your very own interior trim of choice in this model and the lines of the trim will help guide you. In order to further provide proof of the effort put into this model, there are even decals to go on the seat cushions to replicate the pattern. The only complaint I can see some levelling against this area is that some details are a little simplified to allow moulding as parts of large structures such as door cards, but for me I am still a happy man.

Exterior
Revell of Germany has yet again done a pretty good job of this area. There are some nice detail parts both front and rear that add a nice level of bling to what are very nicely replicated curves. The rear door can be displayed open or closed in order to allow a good view of the engine in the model. The glazing has been well replicated with some very unexpected details present, details such as the angel eyes inside the main headlight. To further improve the exterior some very nice and unexpected decals have been provided to replicate details such as the Kevlar side panels and even one for the fuel filler cap and wing mirrors.

Wheels
The chrome parts are for the wheels and only have one possible issue, I could not find the spoke pattern replicated in this kit. This does not mean they are wrong, just that I could not find them. Another nice touch is that the brake disc and calliper are supplied and I was particularly impressed with the detail replicated on the discs. The vinyl rubber tyres are an inclusion that I am unhappy with, not because they are vinyl rubber, which I am indifferent about, but they just do not seem of the same quality as the rest of the kit.

Conclusion

This is by far the most impressive car model I have seen from Revell of Germany. The detail of this model just has you wanting to get out the paint and glue and crack on. The extensive use of decals and good moulding really will appeal to car modellers both young and old. The design of the model makes assembly and painting as easy as possible, basically consisting of the cockpit tub, engine, floor pan and body shell. I can only come up with two downsides to the kit in my opinion, the vinyl rubber tyres and not being able to have the doors open to display the interior further. However all told I really highly recommend this model to you and one that looks to be a great introduction to this side of the hobby.

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/Revell
SUMMARY
Highs: There are too many highpoints to this model to mention, but if I have to pick one, it would have to be the extensive and novel use of decals.
Lows: Being unable to have the doors open and the vinyl rubber tyres are the only spoilers for me.
Verdict: Very highly recommended.
  Scale: 1:24
  Mfg. ID: 07057
  PUBLISHED: Mar 12, 2015
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.55%

Our Thanks to Revell of Germany!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Darren Baker (CMOT)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...

Copyright ©2021 text by Darren Baker [ CMOT ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ModelGeek. All rights reserved.



Comments

Great review of a gorgeous car. thanks Darren.
MAR 12, 2015 - 12:55 PM
This kit is easily the best car model I have seen from Revell of Germany.
MAR 12, 2015 - 09:56 PM
   


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