Maisto's replica of the beast is also amazing, with the most eye-catching paintjob I've ever seen. The livery is tampo-painted to a high-standard, and even features realistic-feeling sand grains on the sides of the model (no, I didn't take it to the beach!). The various unique features of the crocodile, like the eyes, and the vents painted to look like fish look excellent, although one of the fish vents is poorly attached and can rotate when pushed slightly. Otherwise, it is beautifully done, to an extremely high standard that I've not seen in any Maisto model.

Getting down to the actual detail, Maisto doesn't disappoint. For example, the front lights are very well detailed, with fully transparent lens and actual glass-look headlights. The rims are excellent and the tires are marked Michelin Pilot SX. Brake discs and calipers are decent, but both are chromed, which is not completely accurate. Most of the vents are actually perforated, like those right above the wheels, and beside the cabin, a feature that suggests high-quality. The spoiler is well attached, not flimsy like on some models, and is very well painted. Rear lights are very well detailed, although they lack good definition. Rear vents are also perforated. Logos are not separate pieces; instead, they are tampoed onto the body. Exhausts are hollow, which is a nice touch. So far, I'm almost as astounded as Audi's competition was.

24/25

Interior Features, Quality:

The interior of a Le Mans racer is as spartan as possible, with a minimum of comfort features and non-carpeted interior. However, Maisto's replication of the R8's interior is not as awesome as I had hoped. The steering wheel is very well done, with accurate shape and somewhat detailed controls. However, the dash is not defined at all, represented by a few blobs of silver-painted plastic. The carbon fiber pattern is still very nicely done. The seat is hard plastic, which is inaccurate, although the scale of the seatbelt is spot on and overall, looks well done. This is an area that could have been done better, but with the relative plainness of Le Mans racer interiors, Maisto didn't do half bad.

23/25

Features:

The R8 features an opening engine cover. That's pretty much it; however, this is not as cheap as it may sound. For example, there aren't any doors. Still, Maisto did not give us an opening front cover, which is a shame. Nevertheless, open the engine cover and you get a very impressive engine, which is both plumbed and wired. The carbon fiber pattern first found in the interior is also present in the engine compartment. The engine detail is quite sharp and looks very realistic, though it still has to go to reach the level of an Exoto Sauber C-9, for example. Engine parts are painted accurately and the overall look is awesome. However, I would have appreciated more opening parts.

22/25

Value:

This is one of few budget models that will actually appreciate in value, and perhaps tremendously. This is a limited edition model, restricted to just 3,000 units. However, the uniqueness of the model may prevent some from purchasing it, even though the detail here is really superb. Furthermore, there are other variations of the R8 that Maisto offers, although those are regular releases, representing the 2000 and 2001 Le Mans versions of the car. While those are mass produced, the "Croc" will always command a premium over those versions, which is worth it, just to own one of these fantastic liveried Audis. The detail here is not really an improvement over the regular R8 models, but the limited edition status and uniqueness of the model are more than worth the price of admission. As a result, the high score in value.

24/25

Overall:

Maistos keep getting better and better. I am becoming regularly impressed by the strides Maisto has made in quality, realism, and detail since the dark days of the mid 90s when, in my opinion, Maisto quality had reached its bottom. However, when there is tremendous improvement in all fields of diecast production, Maisto is practically at the forefront of budget models. The "Croc" is no exception, with an amazing paint job, excellent engine detail and realistic exterior detail. Maisto is right on the mark when it says that "close attention has been paid to all details from the exotic paint job to the engine compartment." If you are a fan of Le Mans racers or just need something to really brighten or liven up your collection, look no further than the Maisto's R8 Croc, if you can find one. This is truly an excellent model, highly recommended.