Life-size, driveable LEGO Technic McLaren P1 gets put through its paces
The LEGO Group has taken on the ultimate racing and building challenge, with Lando Norris testing out a life-size, driveable LEGO Technic McLaren P1 at Silverstone.
When it comes to creating life-size versions of real supercars, the LEGO Group is no stranger to massive models. For starters, a 400,000-piece McLaren MP4/4 recently appeared at the LEGO Store Leicester Square and there’s a 1:1 scale McLaren Formula 1 Race Car currently parked at the LEGO House.
However, the LEGO Group has now taken on its ultimate racing and building challenge by constructing a life-size, fully driveable McLaren P1 made from LEGO Technic elements. The first such big build was developed and assembled over 8,344 hours by 23 specialists from a design, engineering and building team comprised of members of the LEGO group and McLaren Automotive.
The McLaren P1 uses over 342,817 LEGO Technic pieces, including 11 that were specifically moulded for the model, which weighs around 1,220 kg. The big build’s dimensions match those of the real-life supercar, coming in at 4,980mm long, 2,101mm wide and 1,133mm high.
Inside the brick-built McLaren P1 are LEGO Technic Function batteries and an electric car battery, with the engine consisting of eight motor packs, each with 96 LEGO Power function motors, imitating the V8 of the original vehicle.
Not only can the LEGO McLaren P1 be driven, but it was tested out on the Silverstone Circuit by none-other-than McLaren Formula 1 Team driver, Lando Norris. The vehicle was put through its paces on the iconic racetrack, successfully navigating tight corners at speed and completing an entire 3.66 mile lap.
“Having worked on the original P1 programme for McLaren,” said Ben Gulliver, Test & Development Director, McLaren Automotive, “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.”
“This project marks the latest in a long list of collaborations between the LEGO Group and McLaren, bringing together McLaren engineers and the LEGO Model Production team from conception all the way to the final build,” commented Lukáš Horák, Senior Project Manager in Model Production at the LEGO Group.
“McLaren’s automotive and engineering expertise has been invaluable in helping us produce a model as authentic to the original McLaren P1 as possible, allowing us to turn a dream into a reality. It was incredibly cool to see McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris driving the car we created.”
Racing fans can pick up the smaller, 1:8 scale 42172 McLaren P1 right now, with Insiders who purchase the LEGO Technic model in some regions also qualifying for a free LEGO 5008946 McLaren P1 Logo GWP until September 17, while stocks last.
Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO using our affiliate links. Thanks!
Author Profile
- From video game journalism to kids’ publishing, I’ve been there, seen it, done it and worn the T-shirt. I was also the editor of the first-ever official LEGO magazine way back when, LEGO Adventures. I have a passion for movies, comic books, tech and video games, with a wallet that’s struggling to keep up with my LEGO set wish list.
Latest entries
News14/09/2024Creating LEGO Art 31213 Mona Lisa wasn’t without challenges- News14/09/2024Four ways LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy will surprise fans
- Best Deal14/09/2024Best price yet on LEGO Star Wars 75374 Onyx Cinder
- News14/09/2024LEGO Art 31213 Mona Lisa faces a challenge when it comes to subtlety
