Behold the life-size, drivable, Lego McLaren P1
1,220kg, 340,000 Technic elements, and functional steering - it's a Lego scale build like no other
We’ve all tried to push boundaries building Lego, but this really is extreme: engineers from Lego Technic and McLaren Automotive have created a life-size McLaren P1 replica. That drives and steers. That’s also completed a lap of Silverstone with Lando Norris at the wheel. Does put all other handiwork into perspective somewhat.
Still, it’s hardly like this was the work of one bored parent on a Sunday afternoon. More than 8,000 hours went into the build, using 393 different types of Lego Technic parts (including 11 bespoke ones for this project) and 23 specialists from both McLaren and Lego. Sure, it serves to draw attention to the 1:8 Technic kit that can actually be bought, but this P1 was a proper investment of time and expertise as well. And Lego: 342,817 Lego Technic elements went into the McLaren replica, weighing 1,220kg. Power comes from an electric car battery and Lego Technic Function motor packs - eight in total, with 768 individual motors.
With functional steering as well - the very first time a Lego scale build has featured it - the appropriate thing for the P1 to do was lap Silverstone with Lando Norris. Watch that here, and marvel at how the whole thing stayed together. Looks smart, too, even extended to almost five metres long.
McLaren Automotive’s Test and Development Director Ben Gulliver said: “It’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original McLaren P1™ brought to life so realistically by the Lego Technic team for the full-scale model. The car was an icon of its time. I hope that through this collaboration with the Lego Group, we are able to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.” That next generation best have been good boys and girls this year, however, as the Lego Technic kit you can buy is the best part of £400. Cheap way into a P1, at least.
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