McLaren, known for its high-performance supercars, made headlines in 2013 with the release of the P1, a true powerhouse capable of reaching speeds of up to 217 mph. Fast forward to the present day, and LEGO has teamed up with McLaren to create a full-scale, drivable model of the iconic P1 supercar. This collaboration showcases the incredible creativity and engineering prowess of both companies.
LEGO Technic Partnership
To bring this project to life, McLaren Automotive partnered with LEGO, utilizing the existing 1:8 scale LEGO Technic model of the P1 as a foundation. The collaboration between the two companies involved 23 specialists working tirelessly for a total of 8,344 hours to develop and construct the full-scale LEGO version of the P1. An additional 2,210 hours were dedicated to the production phase, resulting in a stunning replica of the supercar.
The LEGO Technic P1 features an impressive 342,817 LEGO Technic elements, showcasing the intricate attention to detail put into this project. Among these elements are 393 different types of LEGO pieces, with 11 specially molded components created specifically for this build. The bright yellow color scheme adds a vibrant touch to the model, capturing the essence of the original P1.
Engineering Marvel
While the LEGO Technic P1 may look like a toy, it boasts real functionality on the racetrack. The car features a steel frame and real tires, essential components for its drivability. The engine system is a marvel of LEGO engineering, consisting of eight electric motor packs, each equipped with 96 LEGO Power Function motors. This setup mimics the V8 engine of the original McLaren P1, paying homage to the supercar’s legacy as the world’s first hybrid supercar.
Despite its LEGO construction, the Technic P1 weighs in at approximately 2,690 lbs, making it roughly 385 lbs lighter than the actual racing vehicle. This impressive weight reduction showcases the ingenuity and precision involved in creating a drivable replica of the McLaren P1 using LEGO bricks.
Test Drive by Lando Norris
To put the LEGO Technic P1 to the ultimate test, McLaren enlisted the skills of their own team racer, Lando Norris. Taking to the track at the UK’s Silverstone Circuit, Norris pushed the limits of the LEGO supercar, achieving a top speed of 40 mph. While this speed may pale in comparison to the original P1’s capabilities, it marked a significant milestone for the LEGO Technic project.
During the test drive, Norris successfully completed an entire lap around the 3.66-mile track, showcasing the handling and performance of the LEGO Technic P1. This achievement marked the first time a LEGO scale model had driven around corners, finished a full race track lap, and been piloted by an official Formula One racing driver. The collaboration between McLaren and LEGO had truly pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible with plastic bricks.
In conclusion, the LEGO McLaren P1 stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that can be achieved through collaboration between two powerhouse brands. The full-scale, drivable model showcases the meticulous attention to detail and engineering prowess required to bring such a project to fruition. With the LEGO Technic P1, McLaren and LEGO have once again proven that the possibilities are endless when imagination meets precision engineering.