1:18 Kyosho Audi R8 Review

The Audi R8 is one of the most intriguing cars in recent years. The car seems to have it all – performance, comfort and looks. It is quite popular and thus it has a nice representation in the diecast hobby.

A few manufacturers offer models of the R8 in various scales, but in 1:18 the best without a doubt is the model made by Kyosho. In this review we are going to take a look at the first edition, based on the first R8. Later Kyosho released the R8 V10, the convertible and the facelift.

But before we get into the model. Let’s take a quick look at the real car. The first Audi R8 was released in 2006. It is a 2-seater, mid-engine, all-wheel drive sports coupe. It is heavily based on the Lamborghini Gallardo as far as the chassis and drive-train goes. The engine and bodywork are from Audi.

The original R8 has a 4.2-liter V8 engine developing 420 hp and 430 Nm of torque. 70% of its power are sent to the rear wheels. It can be equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox from Lamborghini or Audi’s semi-automatic R tronic gearbox.

Of course the model can’t take benefit from all these technologies but it brings you everything else albeit 18 times smaller. And now let’s take a more detailed look at it.

We begin with the exterior. There’s no other way of putting it, it is awesome. From every angle there are just details after details.

Take the front for example. The headlights, the grills, even the small quattro logo on the central grill… All just perfect.

Same thing around the side. Beautiful lines, great panel gaps, superb stance.

The back is equally impressive with great taillights and grills, as well as moving rear spoiler. The one drawback is the two buttons for lifting the spoiler and engine lid, which could have been made a little bit smaller.

The model features opening engine cover, doors and front trunk lid. All are on realistic hinges with the front trunk lid being the exception. Kyosho have added small air piston supports to the front and back covers. The trunk is carpeted as well.

Moving on to the wheels. The rims are very well made, high detail and quality level. The rotating perforated brake discs are also well made, as well as the calipers. There is independent spring suspension on all the wheels and the front ones are turning. Sadly the turning radius is ridiculously small.

The engine is a bit plain but then again it is simply following the real car. Kyosho have done what they can to put as much detail in there and the result is very nice. The raising spoiler is also a nice touch. It is metal with a metal grille. Very nice.

And now the interior. Here is where things get really impressive. Open the door and you’re greeted by a sea of details.

The intricate dashboard has been recreated with stunning precision. Even the dials on the air vents are painted on. The vents don’t move though even though they look like they do 😉

The center console and gear lever is also highly detailed with painted symbols on the buttons and so on. The instrument panel is properly scaled and modeled, as is the steering wheel.

The seats also grab the attention with their great shape and high detail. They are made out of soft, rubbery plastic and are nice to the touch. Even the stitching is recreated. Sadly the side buttons on the seats are just modeled on but are not painted. The floor is fully carpeted.

The next thing that grabs your attention is the door panels. They are also well modeled, the buttons are labeled and well crafted. Overall the model shows that Kyosho really are one of the best when it comes to interiors.

Checking the underside of the model is the last thing we have to do on this review. It is quite plain and simple, which is normal as most cars hide the components under panels.

In the end the Kyosho Audi R8 has a lot to offer. There are hardly any flaws on it. Sure a couple of details could have been better made but the model doesn’t miss anything important and the quality is on the proper high level. If you like the car and/or quality models, the R8 won’t disappoint.

Thank you for your visit.