It might not have the speed to win the race, but the fully functional life-size LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron certainly is a showstopper that won a race of firsts. Unveiled at a Grand Prix Formula 1 event in Monza, Italy, this LEGO brick and component replica of one of the fastest cars proves the power of engineering creativity.
“This life-size model is a first of its kind in so many ways. With it, we wanted to push the boundaries of our own imagination,” said Lena Dixen, LEGO Group senior vice president of product and marketing. “It’s a fascinating example of the LEGO Technic building system in action and its potential for creative reinvention.”
According to LEGO Technic, the firsts this car achieved include:
- Fully functional self-propelled life-size car
- Non-glued complex model
- Large model powered using LEGO Technic power function motors
- Large-scale moving model using LEGO bricks and elements
- The creation of new types of transparent bricks
- The creation of load bearing parts built purely out of LEGO Technic bricks and elements
The impressive replica, which took more than 13,000 hours of development and construction, can fit two passengers and reach up to 12.43mph. From a distance, it can be hard to distinguish this replica from the real thing thanks to replicated features like a rear spoiler, speedometer, front and back lights, detachable steering wheel and brake pedal.
What goes into creating a replica that recreates everything from the body design to the seats and dashboard? A lot. This non-glued creation weights approximately 3,300lb and has an estimated torque of 92Nm. The vehicle was built with more than 1,000,000 LEGO elements, including 339 Technic elements, 2,304 power function motors, 4,032 gear wheels and 2,016 cross axles, as well as 58 custom-made elements.
While its creation was a daunting task, whether it could work was the true testament to the creative team’s efforts. The team tested the vehicle in Germany and cemented its place in history. Although it isn’t the real Bugatti Chiron, which reach up to around 260mph, the replica self-propelled itself to around 12mph.
During the Grand Prix event, Andy Wallace, a former race car driver, manned the wheel.
“When I first saw the LEGO Chiron, I was immediately impressed by the accuracy of the model and the minute attention to detail,” he said. “In fact, from about 20 meters away, it’s not obvious that you are looking at a LEGO car. Driving the LEGO Chiron was a great experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed. All those years ago, I could never have imagined that one day I would actually drive a LEGO car.”
While most people won’t get a chance to drive a LEGO car, race car enthusiasts can own their own 1:8 scale LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron replica model. Though not life-size, the model is over 5in high, 22in long and 9in wide.
It has the same level of precision as the vehicle its modeled after, just at a smaller sale. Its 3,599 pieces come together to replicate the Chiron’s unique details, including aerodynamic bodywork with an active rear wing, spoked rims, low-profile tires, detailed cockpit, movable gearshift, W16 engine and moving pistons.
For more insight into this LEGO engineering feat, check out a video about it here.