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Audi never had an overall win in Lemans, but that changed drastically in the year 2000. The mighty R8 won the Lemans 24 hour race 5 times in 6 years. Audi failed to get a victory in 2003 when Bentley won it with their EXP Speed 8. This version here is the first winner that marked a stretch of glorious history for Audi, the number 8 year 2000 winner driven by F.Biela, T.Kristensen and E.Pirro. The dominance was total with teammates #9 and #7 coming in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Maisto does this model and it is in 1/18 scale.   The paintjob and livery detailing job is very accurate and well applied unto the entire model. The livery is made entirely of accurate tampos. Maisto used both plastic and metal pieces for this model but there is no colour difference in them ( Unlike AA�s more expensive Murceilago). The biggest reprimand is not the use of the plastic pieces, but how they are attached onto the rest of the bodywork. It looks irregular to say the least.   From the front, the model looks spot on with loads of details and very low in stance. Maisto did an exceptional job on the proportions. The lights are good, but could have been better; the central stud is a bit on the large side and ruins an otherwise perfect reproduction.   At the back, the model is quite plain but strikingly accurate. Maisto again did a beautiful job in replicating this part. The vents are actually perforated. The backlights are better than the front ones and are 100% accurate in detail under the plastic red lense.   The wheels are made with the correct rubber, it is marked and very accurate. The rim is very accurate aswell. The brake department is a bit of a let down. Both brake and caliper are static as they are formed from the same plastic piece. Furthermore, the plastic is way too shiny (chrome).   The model, like most of the LMP900 cars have, just one opening feature, the engine cover. It does sit correctly into position and the large rear spoiler does come off along the cover like the real car.   Maisto did a superb job under the hood by replicating all wires and pieces found on the engine of the real racer. Not only that, the plastic parts involved have been moulded in such a way to replicate the real thing. The tubes on the sides are a clear example. Also, the paintjob on the engine is accurate. Its strange to see those purple pieces, but that�s how the real car was. Excellent excellent job from Maisto, I think its better than AA�s 917K!   Now the cockpit, the racing seat is made out of hard black plastic but does it job well in replicating this part. The seatbelts are made out of rubber but are individualized and realistic. The gauges and other dashboard details are of a very good standard and the steering wheel is very realistic. You can also see the Lemans map on the floor of the cockpit.   The undercarriage is very boring and flat. Nothing interesting in it but the rear fins to help airflow. There are some holes for screws but not too much.   On the whole, Maisto did a superb job, best value for money by a long shot. There some parts that could have been much better (plastic parts attachment jobs) but on the whole, it�s an accurate, detailed and cheap model. It�s a truly masterpiece for the price and it�s a sure leap from the BMW and Porsche Maisto did aswell. Unfortuneately, Maisto stopped doing these R8 (there are quite a lot of variants available) but I sure do hope that they will start producing more cars in the GT line. I recommend to any collector that wants to see extremely good value for money.