Amalgam, renowned for its impeccable scale models, has unveiled its latest masterpiece: a meticulously detailed replica of the iconic 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 in 1:8 scale. This miniature marvel captures every aspect of the original car, from its scissor doors to its finely crafted interior and engine bay.
Priced at $19,995 (RM95,576), this miniature Countach doesn’t come cheap, costing more than a real Proton S70! However, for enthusiasts captivated by the allure of the Countach, the attention to detail is well worth the investment.
The replica features scissor doors that open vertically, revealing intricate details such as window cranks, door pockets, a detailed steering wheel, gauge cluster, gated manual shifter, stereo, speaker indents, and even an ashtray in the centre console. The front trunk houses meticulously recreated brake components and a spare tyre, while the headlights can be positioned up or down. At the rear, lifting the engine cover reveals a stunningly replicated 4.0-litre V12 engine, complete with red spark wires and throttle linkages.
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.
Two years ago, at The Quail in California, Bugatti presented a surprise to guests at the famous motorsports gathering. It was the Bolide, just a concept then but the carmaker announced that it would make the car in limited numbers. Response was instantaneous – within a week, all 40 units of the radically light track-oriented Bugatti machine were booked.
Each costing no less than 4 million euros (about RM18.55 million), the Bolide is the most extreme Bugatti ever created. One motoring writer went as far as the describe it as ‘a Thermonuclear Do-It-All Performance Machine’.
The Bolides are still on the production line in France and the first of the cars with the legendary W16 quad-turbocharged engine will be delivered to customers only next year. But you can have a Bolide at your home or office before them – and it will cost you only 50 euros (RM232) which is a lot less too.
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa of the 1950s and 1960s is one of the all-time great Ferraris, distinguished by its lengthy list of honours on racetracks. The car claimed some 18 victories in its history, and 3 championship titles. It is also the only Ferrari to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 4 times (1958, 1960, 1961 and 1962).
Naturally, it is an extreme valuable vintage Ferrari and the surviving units are cherished by collectors around the world. To acquire one – if the owner would part with it – would cost a great deal of money, but for around £78,765 (about RM461,000), it will be possible to have a replica in the home. Even then, only 299 units will be available.
The original 1957 Testa Rossa.
The replica is as genuine as it gets with Ferrari itself being involved in the special project to produce a scaled-down version of the 1957 250 Testa Rossa. Working in collaboration with The Little Car Company (which has produced small replicas of Bugatti and Aston Martin models), Ferrari’s Styling Centre oversaw the proportions and liveries, while the chassis and other components were created using original design drawings held by Ferrari’s Classiche department.
Electric motor instead of V12 engine
Unlike the original car which had a powerful 3-litre V12 engine, the Testa Rossa J, as it is known, is powered by an electric engine. It is not homologated for road use so it can’t be driven on public roads, but it is likely that many of the people who buy it for their children will have very large compounds anyway.
The Testa Rossa J meticulously reproduces the lines of the 250 Testa Rossa in the original Scaglietti-designed barchetta version, nicknamed ‘pontoon fender’. The bodywork is constructed from hand-beaten aluminium, the same process that was employed in the original cars. The paint is the same as that applied to Ferrari’s present cars, as is the insignia on the front.
To accurately recreate the intricate chassis of the 250 Testa Rossa, the original paper drawings from the Ferrari Classiche Department were scanned and digitally recreated. The junior car retains the same steering and suspension geometry, giving it authentic handling to match its original appearance.
Attention to detail, like very Ferrari
The same meticulous detail is found in the interior. Ferrari’s stylists designed a single seat that accommodates an adult and a teen, faithfully incorporating the piping motif of the original and using the same high quality leather upholstery found in today’s Ferraris. The steering wheel is made by Nardi, the same specialist company that supplied the 1957 model, and features Ferrari’s smallest-ever quick-release system to facilitate driver entry.
The classic dials have been remastered and repurposed for their new role in an electric car, but retain the original design and fonts. The oil and water gauges now monitor the battery and motor temperatures, while the fuel gauge is now the battery gauge and the tachometer has become a speedometer. There is even a power gauge which also shows the level of regenerative braking being deployed.
As a nod to the current generation of road cars, the pedals are from the F8 Tributo. The tyres are supplied by Pirelli, fitted to the handmade 12-inch wire wheels. Suspension is taken care of with Bilstein coil-over dampers and custom springs which were fine-tuned and signed off by Ferrari’s test drivers after being run on the company’s own track.
Performance and safety
The 3 batteries powering the electric engine are positioned at the front of the car and provide approximately 90 kms range, depending on driving style. A charging point is installed where the fuel cap previously resided.
Those who buy a Testa Rossa J may own the original car too – and have a home like this with spacious grounds and long driveways. So the fact that the Testa Rossa J cannot be registered for use on public roads will not be an issue.
The ‘Manettino’ dial gives the choice of 4 driving modes for different skill levels, with different maximum speeds and controlled acceleration. The Sport and Race modes are sportier, with instantly responsive acceleration and a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
Though not permissible for use on public roads, safety has still been seriously considered throughout the car’s development. The metal side panels are reinforced and an optional roll-bar can be anchored to the chassis. Brembo disc brakes replace the original drum system, complemented by a hydraulic handbrake.
Customization too
In the same way that a Ferrari customer can customise his or her care, the Testa Rossa J also has a wide range of personalization and colour combinations. These can be chosen using the online car configurator which has 14 historical liveries, 53 bodywork colours and additional personalized racing liveries, all authentically in keeping with Ferrari style.
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.
Those who grew up in the 1980s will fondly remember Tamiya, the name of the 75-year old Japanese company that made plastic scale models and became a big name in radio-controlled (R/C) cars after it launched its first R/C assembly kit of a Porsche 934. That first model and those which were to follow sparked the R/C revolution.
Over 5 decades, Tamiya has offered many R/C models such as the Hornet, Lunchbox, Sand Scorcher and Avante, with the Wild One being one of the most iconic. But while they provided many memories of exciting races, they were all ‘driven’ using a remote controller.
Now, The Little Car Company, based in the UK, is bringing back the Wild One and this is considerably larger than the 1/10th size of the original one sold by Tamiya. With a licence from the Japanese company, The Little Car Company will produce an 8/10 scale car that will be big enough for a person to sit in it.
Not just for static show
And it won’t just be a showpiece as it will be able to move around with the same type of propulsion unit as the original – an electric motor. The Wild One MAX, as it will be known, will have rear-wheel drive and a spaceframe chassis with coil-over suspension for all four wheels. It gets the power to the ground through 15-inch off-road tyres on lightweight wheels. The brake system includes hydraulic Brembo disc brakes on each corner, backed up by regenerative braking to maximise range.
There are multiple driving modes which offer different top speeds, throttle mappings and power outputs according to driver skill level. So the younger ones can learn to drive safely and get increased power as they become proficient and more confident.
Like the original R/C car, the Wild One MAX can be assembled from parts supplied, with stickers too!
48 km/h top speed
The base Wild One Max can reach a top speed of 48 km/h with maximum power output of 4 kW (5.5 bhp). It has a single PowerPack onboard with a capacity of 2 kWh and a range of up to 40 kms, depending on terrain and driving style. For increased speed or range, modular PowerPacks can be added.
Upsized from the small scale model, the Wild One MAX will be about 3.5 metres long,1.8 metres wide and weigh around 250 kgs. Like the original, the car can be assembled from parts supplied although being considerably larger, it won’t be able to go into a glass case.
The driver will have an adjustable composite seat with a 3-point seatbelt, digital gauges and a racing steering wheel. The Little Car Company says that between 160 cm and 195 cm tall should be comfortable enough.
The Porsche 934 model introduced by Tamiya in 1976 started the R/C revolution.
Taking things one step further, those who wish to roam on public roads can install Road Legal Packs. These packs add the components required to build the vehicle to be compliant with Quadricycle laws in Europe, or Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle legislation in the USA. The packs include items such as brake lights, turn signals, reflectors and rearview mirrors so the Wild One MAX can be fully road-legal.
Built to order
The Wild One MAX is expected to have a pricetag starting from £6,000 (about RM34,300) and is planned for global release in 2022. The company will be building the cars as orders are received and accompanied by a £100 deposit (refundable)
This is not The Little Car Company’s first small car as it has, in partnership with some prestigious carmakers, produced authentic ‘junior cars’. These include the Bugatti Baby II, a 75% scale tribute to the iconic Bugatti Type 35, and a follow up to the 1926 Bugatti Baby. The second model announced in 2020 was the Aston Martin DB5 Junior (pictured below), a 66% scale version of the car driven by Agent 007.
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.
Not everyone will be able to own a Lamborghini as it requires a lot of money to acquire one (an understatement, of course). But many should be able to afford €34.99 (about RM170) for the Lamborghini Huracan EVO created through a collaboration between Automobili Lamborghini and Ravensburger.
108 pieces in faithful detail
This supercar comes in the form of a 3D jigsaw puzzle which Lamborghini enthusiasts can assemble into the Huracan EVO car in a 1:18 scale. Ravensburger, a leading games and recreation brand from Germany, has replicated its dynamic lines and sophisticated aerodynamic styling,
Workers at the Lamborghini factory have to assemble thousands of parts to make a Huracan EVO but you just need to put together 108 plastic pieces which are numbered for easier identification.
Every detail is faithful to the real car, from the Y-style front bumper and Y-shape in the headlights, to the hexagonal details found throughout the car and the original Arancio Xanto orange colour of Lamborghini cars. The completed car can be mounted onto a replica chassis.
The finished model, with the distinctive Lamborghini design DNA evident in its low-slung profile, measures 26 cm in length. Distinctive finishing touches are realized by the 32 high-quality feature accessories, such as the axles and four rotating wheels that faithfully replicate the Aesir rims found on the real car, along with front splitter and rear diffuser.
A full-sized Huracan EVO costs around RM1.15 million.
Most successful V10 Lambo
The Huracan line began in 2014 and then became the Huracan EVO from 2019. It is the evolution of the most successful V10-powered Lamborghini ever. Its 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine, with titanium intake valves, produces 640 bhp/600 Nm and with a dry weight of 1,422 kgs, the Huracan EVO has a weight‑to‑power ratio of 2.22 kgs/bhp. It is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 325 km/h.
