Lego has teamed up with automaker McLaren for a new creation based on the latter’s P1 hypercar. Unlike the 1:8 scale Lego Technic model that was released earlier this year, the new project is a 1-to-1 replica that you can actually sit in. Oh, and did we mention that it’s fully drivable?
The scale and complexity of this life-sized model are astounding. While the smaller 1:8 model required 3,893 pieces, the full-size version was constructed using over 342,817 Lego pieces. Lego revealed that 393 different types of Technic elements were used in its construction, 11 of which were specifically moulded for this project.
The finished model mirrors the dimensions of the real P1 hypercar, measuring 4,980 mm in length, 2,101 mm in width, and 1,133 mm in height, with a total weight of 1,220 kg. The project took an immense 6,134 hours of design and planning, followed by an additional 2,210 hours for the actual assembly.
One of the most impressive features of the replica is its electric propulsion system. The car is powered by a combination of Lego Technic Function batteries and an electric car battery, which drive a Lego Technic engine. This engine is comprised of eight motor packs, each with 96 Lego Power function motors, totalling 768 motors. These motor packs pay tribute to the original P1’s V8 engine. While the majority of the car is made from Lego, it features a steel frame and real tyres and wheels to ensure it can support a human driver.
Speaking of which, having the honour to drive the 1:1 model is McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris, who took it out to complete a lap at the Silverstone Circuit in England. Impressively, the full-sized Lego Technic P1 successfully completed it without any parts falling apart and, according to Autocar, even achieved a top speed of around 60km/h. Granted, the latter is less stellar than what the actual car is capable of, but for a replica that’s mostly made up of Lego Technic parts, that’s actually not half bad.
(Source: Lego [press release])
