The Audi R8, the car to take on the similar supercars. In 2007 Audi introduced the first R8 to the public. The car was designed by well known designer Walter de Silva, he made it look agressive but classy at the same time. The car had a 4.2 FSI V8 engine producing 420 bhp, enough to keep up with the well known supercars like the 911. But Audi didn't think it was enough, so in 2009 they introduced a stronger and faster V10. The R8 now had the same engine as it's VAG brother, the Lamborghini Gallardo. The new 5.2 FSI Quattro engine pushed the numbers up to 525 bhp. Which still wasn't enough for some, so they introduced the R8 GT, with the same engine but tickled up to 560 bhp. But as always a car needs a refresh. So, in 2012 it was time for a little facelift. 4 years later, in 2016, the second generation was introduced. Known as the Type 4S. This generation of the R8 isn't available with V8 anymore but the standard engine is a V10 with a whopping 540 bhp. The Plus version we're looking at today has the upgraded V10, pushing the 610 bhp strong 5.2 L to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3,2 s, and a top speed of 330 km/h.
The model we're looking at today came from the guys at Vendilo Segrate. An Italian model car shop, selling models in all scales and from all kinds of brands. They have their own site and Ebay shop, with a good reputation. Be sure to check them out.
www.vendilosegrate.it
The model in this review is the Audi R8 V10 Plus by Maisto Exclusive.
Their exclusive line is packaged in a carton outer box with an inside of styrofoam.
The exclusive line models are a little more detailed with an extra of around €20,-, which makes this model around the €60,- mark. Maisto supplies us with two colours, this red one and a white. Are they worth the extra investment of €20,-?
www.vendilosegrate.it
The model in this review is the Audi R8 V10 Plus by Maisto Exclusive.
Their exclusive line is packaged in a carton outer box with an inside of styrofoam.
The exclusive line models are a little more detailed with an extra of around €20,-, which makes this model around the €60,- mark. Maisto supplies us with two colours, this red one and a white. Are they worth the extra investment of €20,-?
The front of the R8. A pretty agressive look. The big front grill is present, but made out of one big closed plastic grill. The same goes for the side grills, also non perforated, they do feature the parking sensors. The shutlines are crisp and even all round. The lights look decent, they have some depth to them but aren't the best looking. Here is the only thing where the 'exclusive' R8 differs from the standard one, the metal etched Audi emblem, something even the more expensive Iscale doesn't have. Overall the front is average, but for a Maisto it's pretty good.
|
The side view, again shutlines here are perfect and crisp all round. The wheels are painted in gloss black. The very plastic looking brake discs run through the callipers. The logo in the middle of the wheel is a printed on decal, would've been nice if it was metal etched. What is metal etched is the V10 emblem, an upgrade over the standard Maisto R8. The biggest upgrade over the standard one are the windows on this model. I really like the side carbon 'covers'. They are moulded, but at this price point it is a very good touch, they look better then on AUTOart models. As on all Maisto models this model also features full working suspension.
|
The rear of the car, one of the best sides of this model car. All the rear grills are closed, which was to be expected on a Maisto, but I don't think they should've made the exhausts like this. They are not very deep and look to 'plastic' like. On the upside, both rear badges are metal etched, an upgrade from the standard Maisto R8. The rear lights look pretty good, there is some depth to it and the fitment is perfect. If only they made the grey stripe thinner it would've been a very good light. The rear is decent, but I wished the 'grill' under the wing was a plastic grill instead of a sticker.
Since this is a diecast model, let's look at the openings. This is my first Maisto model that doesn't have doglegs as frunk openings. Which is defenitly good, but the only little thing I have against this system is that it can partly be seen from the outside, as to see on the right picture. If Maisto keeps on using this method it will be a lot better on future models, keep up the work. The inside of the trunk is hard to describe, it is plastic but it looks like felt, nd feels like a combination of the two, it looks and feels good. Let's hope that in the future Maisto will use real carpeting. But this is a big step forward for Maisto and an upgrade over the standard one, which is just made out of plastic.
The heart of the beast, the 5.2L V10. This engine is like most Maisto engines. Not too detailed, mostly black and a bit of moulded carbon. But on this exclusive model they made the emblems out of metal etched pieces. Both chrome Audi emblems really stand out in the dark engine bay. There is just one little thing to say, I think Maisto just used an already tampo printed engine fot this model and then put a metal etched V10 FSI emblem on it. But both emblems don't match up making it look a little weird.
Last but not least, the interior. Maisto has made this interior in a 3 tone black, white and grey. An upgrade over the all black interior in the standard model. The steering features a metal etched Audi emblem. The model has the same typ of interior texture as in the trunk. Maisto even put time into putting details on every button on the center console. I really like the red paint on the start-stop button and in the seatbuckles.
That's it for this one.
What are the pros and cons of this model?
Pros
- Metal etched emblems
- Shutlines
- Front and rear lights
- Interior
- Wheels
Cons
- Closed grills
- Exhaust
Overall this model is worth every cent extra over the standard one.
What are the pros and cons of this model?
Pros
- Metal etched emblems
- Shutlines
- Front and rear lights
- Interior
- Wheels
Cons
- Closed grills
- Exhaust
Overall this model is worth every cent extra over the standard one.
Rating: 8/10
Thank you all for reading this review.
Big thanks to Vendilo Segrate for this Audi www.vendilosegrate.it Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more www.instagram.com/diecast._cars/ |
|