2015 Audi R8 V10 Plus
Herpa - 5011518423-36015 (diecast)
Published 04/29/18
The Audi R8 (Typ 42) was a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car. As a big plus, it uses Audi’s trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Design, development and manufacture was by Audi AG’s high performance subsidiary, Audi Sport GmbH. The development of the car started in 2004, and it went on sale in September 2006. The R8 was the first so-called “supercar” from the company at Ingolstadt. Initially equipped with a 4.2 liter V8 engine that delivered 414 hp, according to Audi it was an “everyday supercar”. At the time, the R8 was considered a “budget Gallardo”, and many say it was the better car.
But for 2015 Audi further evolved the model, launching the R8 Mk. II, called R8 V10. The R8 V10 Plus was the high-end version, with a fixed carbon fiber rear wing and matching carbon fiber mirrors, side blades and diffuser, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Also, through higher tuning, the engine delivered 15 hp more. If the first R8 compared to the Gallardo, the V10 now compares to the Huracán. This time, however, it has the same power output (Plus version) of its rival from Sant’Agata, but with much more tech. So once again many say that the R8 V10 is the better car.
The big difference of the R8 V10 from its predecessor is the engine. The new engine is a 5204 cm³ dual-injection V10 with 40 valves that produces 602 hp (Plus version). A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox tames all that cavalry, and the updated four-wheel drive system can now distribute 100% torque towards either axle, according to drive conditions. I know that most gear heads don’t think much of the R8, and do NOT consider it a supercar. Truth be told, I’m not sure if it actually is a bonafide supercar, but I simply adore it. I think my bias towards the 911 as being THE car is common knowledge by now, but if I had the money to only have one car, the practical decision would be to buy the new R8.
With all that love for the car I had to have it in the Garage. Consequently, I took a gamble and bought a R8 V10 from Herpa. Though online pictures of the R8 looked good, I wasn’t sure what my money would bring. And, at least in my 1:18 days, Herpa was definitively not considered a high-end model brand. To my joy I received a VERY nice model, easily as good as one of my best Minichamps (just as good as my TT from Schuco). AFAIK the V10 Plus is only available as a dealer-exclusive model by Herpa. But as you can see here, it’s a very nice one.