For over 70 years, children (and their parents) all over the world have been able to build all types of machines, buildings and other subjects with small plastic bricks from LEGO. The interlocking bricks, which come in kits, are suitable for children from a very early age and with varying complexity, remain appealing as they get older.
Where cars are concerned, the history of LEGO (derived from the Danish words, ‘leg godt’ which mean ‘play well’) has numerous models big and small. There are even models which have moving parts, serving to educate as well. In fact, Renault’s engineers even used LEGO parts when they made a prototype of the brand’s E-TECH powertrain.
Land Rover is 75 years old this year and no doubt, the carmaker famous for its 4×4 models – long before SUVs came into existence – will be celebrating this milestone year in various ways. Another company that is also joining in the celebration is LEGO, the company which sells those build-it-yourself models made of little bricks.
In the past, LEGO has offered the Defender and in 2019, to coincide with the launch of the New Defender, a classic Defender 90 was also offered in the Technic series for older fans. Now, for the brand’s 75th anniversary, it is bringing back the Defender 90, also in its original classic form, as a LEGO ICONS model.
Continuing the partnership between Lamborghini and LEGO Technic which was established in January 2020, a Lamborghini Sian has been built with LEGO parts and is currently on display (until October 6, 2022) at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where the sportscar company’s home in Italy is located.
The model follows the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 in 2020 but is full-sized, with virtually identical dimensions as the real supercar. More than 154 different types of LEGO pieces – were used to form the unmistakable outline of the Sian, right down to the very smallest details. With some 400,000 LEGO pieces used, the Sian model weighs 2,200 kgs.
Accurate to tiniest detail
The word ‘Sian’ means ‘lightning’ or ‘thunderbolt’ in Bolognese dialect. The experts from the LEGO Group have emphasised his by making the lights and the stylish thunderbolt that flashes down the bodywork shine like the Y-shaped lights on the real car, while also producing hexagonal tail lights that can really turn on and off.
Extremely precise detailing can be seen inside the car, including a LEGO brick steering wheel decorated with the famous Lamborghini badge and the Italian flag, an instrument panel and racing seats.
Project time of 8,660 hours
It took the project team 8,660 hours to complete the model, of which 3,290 hours were spent on building it. This is the first large-scale model by the LEGO Group to have paint-effect UV colour coating which will help to make the model longer lasting. The colour was applied by the Lamborghini paint shop to ensure that the sportscar had a fitting finish.
“After a wait of more than a year, the LEGO Technic model of the Lamborghini Sian is on show at Museo Automobili Lamborghini. It’s the natural place to display the Lamborghini super sportscars that have always given dreams and feelings concrete forms, thanks to innovation and technology. This 1:1 scale model of the Sian shows that Lamborghini – just like LEGO Group – sees challenges as its lifeblood, technology as a means of creation, and design as a linchpin that can and must take people’s breath away,” said Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Automobili Lamborghini.
The Sian, which was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, is the fastest Lamborghini of all time, thanks to a unique new hybrid system which focuses on providing the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It has a V12 engine – huge for a hybrid powertrain – and a 48-volt e-motor. The 6.5-litre V12, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 bhp at 8,500 rpm (the highest output ever from a Lamborghini powerplant) combines with the 34 bhp from the electric motor. Total system output is 819 bhp with a weight-to-power ratio claimed to be better than that of the Aventador SVJ, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials. The Sian has a claimed a top speed of over 350 km/h so it will be able to keep up with any other Lamborghini model. More significantly, it lays claim to having the fastest acceleration of any production Lamborghini ever – 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds. Like the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, Lamborghini will produce and sell only 63 units of the Sian. The number has been chosen to commemorate the founding year of the company – 1963. Each of the 63 customers who have already paid their deposits will spend upwards of US$3.6 million (about RM16.04 million), the final price depending on the degree of customisation.
Racing cars are expensive machines, and Formula 1 racing cars are very expensive machines. That’s why each team has only a few cars built so team managers dread accidents during races that damage the cars. But you can own a Formula 1 cars for just RM799.90 – although you won’t be able to drive it or sit in it. Still, it will look good in your home or office.
The racing car is the McLaren Formula 1 Race Car by LEGO Technic and it’s been developed in close collaboration between engineering experts from the LEGO Group and McLaren Racing. Just like its real-life counterpart, this LEGO model is truly a one-of-a-kind piece of engineering excellence and packed with functionality.
2021 livery, 2022 looks
While the model has the team’s distinctive 2021 season livery, it gives fans a glimpse of what they might expect from McLaren Racing’s new F1 season model in 2022, which will see big technical changes in the regulations.
The LEGO Technic version is fully modeled on the life-size version featuring a V6 engine with moving pistons, steering activated from the cockpit, suspension and even a differential lock! Although LEGO Technic has many high-performance cars in its range (like the Senna GTR), the McLaren Formula 1 Race Car is the first Formula 1 car.
1,432 pieces to assemble
Like every LEGO Technic model, this one will provide many hours of enjoyment (actually, LEGO says it can be done in about 2 hours) being assembled. There are 1,432 pieces and when completed, the car is over 13 cm high, 65 cm long and 27 cm wide. It also comes with stickers of the various sponsors supporting the team.
McLaren Racing’s F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris delighted to see their racing car reproduced by LEGO Technic.
“We are excited to unveil the unique LEGO Technic model of our McLaren F1 car, a fun and engaging product that celebrates our 2021 season livery while giving fans a hands-on interpretation of the new 2022 F1 car design. This has been made possible by an agile collaboration with the LEGO Group team, who have truly embraced the spirit of our brave and bold approach to design. The final product looks fantastic, and we cannot wait to make this available to our fans,” said James Key, Executive Director, Technical, McLaren Racing.
The LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car will be available from March 1, 2022, at LEGO Certified Stores, on-line retailers and other major retailers and department stores in Malaysia.
The McLaren racing cars in action during the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship.
If you’re still saving for a Ford Raptor, here’s another way to get one into your home – for a lot less money. This October, LEGO Technic will release a Ford F-150 Raptor for just US$99.99 (about RM415) but you will have to put it together at your own assembly plant (no AP nor manufacturing licence required)
The LEGO model joins the brand’s Technic range that includes many other high-performance models such as the Ford Mustang, Ferrari 488 GTE, Lamborghini Sian, McLaren Senna GTR and Bugatti Chiron.
The real F-150 Raptor in action.
Based on the bestselling truck in the world
However, this Raptor is not the same one as that imported to Malaysia by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion as it is a high-performance version of the F-150, the bestselling truck in the world for many years. The one sold in Malaysia is a high-performance version of the popular Ranger which was developed by Ford Racing.
The LEGO Technic Raptor measures 42 cm in length, 18 cm in width, and 15 cm high. It is made up of 1,379 parts, with the bodywork in a distinctive orange colour. The Technic models are for older children but even adults will have fun building them.
Great degree of authenticity
As with the other models, LEGO has made sure there is a great degree of authenticity in the details, even though little bricks cannot fully replicate the curves of sheet metal. The detail is still impressive and even the 3.5-litre V6 engine (which in the real truck produces 450 bhp) has moving pistons.
There’s the massive skidplate below the front end and under the rear are the dual tailpipes. The working suspension and wheels are accurately designed in a smaller scale.
Registered in Michigan too
Inside the model, the cabin is also realistically created. All four doors can be opened, along with the bonnet and there’s a detailed truck bed as well at the back. LEGO has also included a registration plate from Ford’s home state of Michigan with the number HZR211.
If you’re also interested in the Ranger Raptor (pictured below), visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information.
Even after you recover from COVID-19 infection, your quality of life may be affected and you could suffer for a long period after that. So avoid being infected by taking the necessary measures to protect yourself as well as others – and get vaccinated as well.
The Elva is a very exclusive model from McLaren – only 149 units are being built and the first customers will receive their cars towards the end of this year. You too can have one in your home – and 6 months earlier than the first owner – as the newest collaboration between the supercar maker and LEGO sees the launch of the Speed Champions McLaren Elva this month. You’ll also pay a lot less as the car is priced at £17.99 (about RM105) on LEGO.com, LEGO stores, and other retailers globally.
“As a forward-thinking luxury brand, it is important to us at McLaren Automotive that who we work with reflects and echoes our passion for innovation and technology and also the value that we place around inspiring future generations through great design. This is why the collaboration between McLaren and the LEGO Group is such a natural fit, with both brands using creativity and learning to inspire and develop the builders and engineers of tomorrow,” said Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Automotive.
The LEGO version of the Elva and the full-sized model (below).
Close cooperation from conception stage
The LEGO team worked closely with McLaren to create the model right from conception of the idea when the real Elva was still in early development, all the way through the design process. They received initial sketches and early digital renders of the car, which is why it is already in the market before the real car.
Inspired by the lightest and most innovative McLaren supercar yet, this latest model offers those who build it a different from of enjoyment from the driver engagement and ultimate driving enjoyment the full-size Elva will give its owner. The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Elva measures over 4 cm high, 16 cm long and 7 cm wide.
Authentic detailing
The Elva has no roof, windscreen or windows (although there will be a variant with a windscreen), making for an unforgettable driving experience like that of being on a motorcycle. Its Active Air Management System (AAMS) uses aerodynamics to control the airflow, creating a ‘bubble’ around the occupants and sheltering them from the blast of the oncoming wind.
Just like the real thing, the 263-piece LEGO set comes with a wide chassis, incorporating the 2-seat open cockpit, and authentic detailing including the AAMS vents that make the Elva so innovative and unique.
Also included in the kit is a McLaren driver minifigure, complete with racing suit, helmet and wrench, inspired by McLaren Automotive’s Principal Development Engineer for the Ultimate Series, Rachel Brown. Rachel has worked on incredible vehicle projects like the McLaren Senna GTR, and also supported the design and creation of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR released in January this year.
Her role follows McLaren Ultimate Series models, including the Elva, all the way from concept to production and managing elements such as track and aerodynamic wind tunnel testing.
“It is amazing to have witnessed the Elva go from a boundary-pushing concept drawing all the way to final vehicle production. It feels even more special now to see all of that hard work transformed into the LEGO Speed Champions Elva model for us to share with children and fans across the world,” she said.
The development of Renault’s E-TECH powertrains drew on the company’s experience in Formula 1 and also contributing has been a LEGO model. Yes, those little plastic blocks that can be attached together to form cars which have entertained children for over 70 years. The development story actually began at the end of the last decade. It was a time when Renault was stepping up its electrification program and advancing hybrid technology was an important step towards developing electric vehicles (EVs).
Nicolas Fremau, a member of the hybrid powertrain team, saw that using the LEGO parts – which includes gear wheels, could form a drivetrain. He built a working model from the parts and then demonstrated it to Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif, Renault’s Mechatronics Synthesis Architect and his team. Immediately, the engineers realised that if it could work in the LEGO prototype, it could surely also work as a working powertrain for a car.
Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif (left), Renault’s Mechatronics Synthesis Architect, was involved in the E-TECH’s development which began with a prototype made from LEGO parts.
Smooth operation a priority
Ahmed, who works as a control specialist, needed to ensure that transitions between driving modes were possible with a simple ‘dog clutch’. Normally used in competition cars, the dog clutch system – which replaces both a sprocket and synchronising ring in a clutchless configuration – is a gearbox boasting superior efficiency due to the reduced number of components.
This particular type of ‘flat’ version works well over time and is more reliable than other types of dog clutch. However, the team needed to find a solution to make the system smoother, as the components are less likely to fit together than in alternative setups such as a ‘roof’ dog clutch. Furthermore, unlike racing car drivers, customers who bought cars from a showroom for daily use also expected quality and smoothness.
“We’re used to using dog clutches in Formula One, for a racing engine. But it was something completely new for a ‘general public’ engine. We had to make this simple object usable by customers,” explained Ketfi-Cherif, who understood that a smooth and refined drive of much higher importance than winning lap times.
Adding a high-voltage starter generator
The team quickly came up with the solution to ensure enhanced smoothness by adding a second electric motor, called a High-voltage Starter Generator (HSG). “Its role is to replace the synchronisers of a traditional gearbox to facilitate the clutch and therefore the gear change. By working in conjunction with the electric motor, it allows very precise regulation of the speed of rotation of the gearbox for smooth gear changes,” he explained.
From this, the original LEGO model concept was updated and tested on the road. They discovered the HSG brought other benefits with immediate torque contribution smoothing acceleration at low speeds, avoiding any break in torque delivery when changing gears.
This also meant the system could operate as a series hybrid for enhanced comfort and flexibility, without the need for an excess of stored energy or a charging socket. According to Ketfi-Cherif, the possibilities for use in the range were multiplied, with both E-TECH hybrid and E-TECH plug-in hybrid powertrains now possible.
At the end of these tests, the E-TECH development teams were reassured that what had worked in the LEGO concept and in simulation also worked ‘extremely well’ in real life. A ‘toy’ had become an engineering reality, allowing up to 80% of urban driving to be done on just electricity, and having the extra boost in power or range with the petrol engine assisting when needed.
LEGO, the Danish company well known for its plastic bricks that can form various objects, has a range of vehicles in its line-up. However, it may surprise you to know that there has never been a Jeep model in its catalogue. But that omission has now been rectified with the first-ever LEGO model of the iconic American SUV.
Jeep and the LEGO Group have revealed the newest LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon which will go on sale from January 2021. Available for purchase online as well as stores globally, it will have a price which, in Europe, will be 49.99 euros (about RM246).
665 pieces with 4×4 drivetrain
The new model of this SUV, which has a heritage going back to World War II, will provide a thrilling building experience for LEGO fans of all ages. It comes with the high-performance 4×4 drivetrain, rugged tyres, fold-down rear seats, full-size spare wheel and classic 7-slot grille in LEGO Technic form. The vehicle is finished in sporty yellow and black colour scheme.
Once the 665 pieces are brought together as a complete 240 mm long vehicle, builders can create endless off-road adventures. A button-operated front steering system, powerful axle-articulation suspension and winch will enable to SUV model to tackle and cross all types of obstacles inside the home or outside.
”The Jeep Wrangler is an icon in the off-road world,” said Lars Thygesen, designer, LEGO Technic. “The Rubicon has a lot of the iconic details loved by 4×4 fans the world over, so it was important to me to pack as many of the authentic, powerful features of the real vehicle into the LEGO Technic replica. I hope LEGO fans and vehicle lovers enjoy all aspects, including the suspension, winch and open-air design that we developed alongside the talented Jeep design team.”
“Ask any Jeep Wrangler owner and they’ll tell you that their vehicle is just a bigger version of this new LEGO set,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep design. “The design of the Jeep Wrangler allows them to take it apart, top off, doors off, reconfigure it, add new pieces from our Mopar team, and then put it back together again. This LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler should bring a new level of joy to our Jeep enthusiasts and help inspire future designers to the brand.”
Most powerful Wrangler
Meanwhile, Jeep has launched its Wrangler Rubicon 392 as the most-capable, quickest, most powerful Wrangler ever. Powered by a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing up to 470 bhp/637 Nm, the 2021 model is claimed to be able to go from standing still to 0 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. It is fitted with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time active transfer case for 4-wheel drive.
The addition of the 6.4-litre engine marks the first time in nearly 40 years that a V-8 has been a factory option for the Wrangler. Tuned specifically for the Wrangler Rubicon 392 (the number refers to the engine capacity in cubic inches), nearly 75% of peak torque is available just above engine idle speed.
Although the engine has a cast iron cylinder block (but aluminium heads), it has the latest technologies such as an active intake manifold, variable camshaft timing, twin spark plugs per cylinder, sodium-filled exhaust valves, hollow-stem intake valves and piston oil cooling jets.
For those who have concerns about fuel consumption (which Jeep has not provided yet), the engine has Fuel Saver Technology which deactivates cylinders when conditions permit. The engine can go into a more economical 4-cylinder mode when loads are light, such as when cruising on the highway.
The even more environmentally-conscious who still want to own the iconic SUV can have a clear conscience too with the 4xe versions of the Wrangler (top), Renegade and Compass. These have plug-in hybrid powertrains with lithium-ion battery packs. The Wrangler 4xe powertrain uses a 2-litre turbocharged engine with a motor generator has a system output of produces 375 bhp/637 Nm. The Compass and Renegade models have a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that can produce up to 240 bhp. Coupled with an electric motor, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is claimed to be less than 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h (in hybrid mode).
The McLaren Senna GTR may be out of reach of most people but thanks to LEGO Technic, another segment of the public can still build one of their own. Though the CKD kit comes in 830 pieces, they won’t need to invest in a factory or manufacturing licence either.
The supercar icon will soon be available and is the first McLaren model to be recreated in LEGO Technic form. It provides the ultimate thrill for sportscar lovers and motorsport fans alike looking for their next building challenge.
A different building experience
“Recreating a car that is so extreme to the core as the McLaren Senna GTR with LEGO Technic gave us an incredibly interesting challenge. This track car is not like any road car I’ve worked on before. It’s got some unique details, like its silhouettes and the awesome rear spoiler, which differentiates the building experience from others,” said Uwe Wabra, Senior Designer at LEGO Technic.
“Just like the incredible engineers at McLaren do when designing their supercars, we really pushed things to the max so the resulting model perfectly honours the art form that is the McLaren Senna GTR,” he added.
Attention-getter for any desk
Suitable for anyone above the age of 10, the scaled-down replica of the Senna GTR is packed with authentic features and design details that make it equally impressive. From the V8 engine with moving pistons, beautiful aerodynamic curves, opening dihedral doors and a one-of-a-kind blue livery, the 32-cm long model will be an attention-getter on any desk it is placed or in a cupboard.
“The team responsible for the design of the McLaren Senna GTR worked incredibly closely with their design counterparts at the LEGO Group to capture the extreme looks, excitement and essence of such an incredible supercar for LEGO Technic builders,” said Robert Melville, Design Director at McLaren Automotive.
The LEGO model (above) and the full-sized Senna GTR (below).
More than 75 units, less than US$1.65 million
Unfortunately, the Senna GTR by LEGO Technic will not be on sale in time for Christmas as it will be launched globally only from January 1, 2021. It can be obtained from LEGO.com for £44.99 (about RM245), excluding shipment costs and local taxes. McLaren will be building only 75 units of the Senna GTR but LEGO Technic will produce considerably more…
A full-size 1:1 scale LEGO McLaren Senna was created for the Microsoft Xbox E3 event in America in July 2019. It required close to half a million bricks to create and took months to build.
The LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR is the latest model to be released as part of the long-standing partnership that started in 2015. LEGO builders of all ages have so far been able to create such iconic supercars as the McLaren P1, the 720S in 2017 and the McLaren Senna in 2019.
Whether young or old, LEGO has a special appeal and the things that can be created from just those small bricks range from homes to aircraft to Star Wars machines and of course, cars. And where cars are concerned, there are different series with varying levels of complexity.
Recently, Fiat and LEGO gave birth to the new ‘Fiat 500 LEGO Creator Expert’ set which was unveiled at the Spazio MRF-Mirafiori in Turin, Italy.
“In its long history, the Fiat 500 has passed the original material event to enter the collective imagination, becoming an international icon. This is also demonstrated by a recent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York,” said Cristiano Fiorio, Head of Brand Marketing Communication for FCA EMEA Region.
He added that LEGO only chooses iconic products and the Fiat 500 is not only a car but an artistic and cultural phenomenon with a strong symbolic value, as well as a playful and colourful expression of Italianness in the world.
At the presentation of the new set, there was also full-sized model of the Fiat 500 – made with 189,032 LEGO bricks. It took 830 hours to build the LEGO model, according to a Fiat source.
The partnership between Fiat and LEGO is part of a larger project which sees the FCA group having exclusive collaborations in the licensing field. The aim is to extend the visibility of its brands outside the automotive world, conveying the values of each brand.
The new Fiat 500 LEGO Creator Expert set is the first example and celebrates one of the most famous Made-in-Italy symbols in the world, as well as paying tribute to the legendary ‘Dolce Vita’.
Inspired by the legendary Fiat 500F of the late 1960s, the new set offers a model of 960 pieces, complete with a working sunroof, detailed interiors, luggage racks with spare wheel, luggage rack on the back and an opening hood to inspect the engine once finished construction. In addition, the set includes a folding easel, a palette and a painting of the car against the backdrop of the Colosseum in Rome.
The new Fiat 500 LEGO Creator Expert is available from today at the LEGO Store.
