LEGO Technic is a series of highly-detailed automotive builds that bring together the fun of toys and the complexity of engineering. Most of their designs are modelled to scale but every now and then LEGO Technic will take on the task of building something truly remarkable. Earlier this year, the brand unveiled the 1:8 scale model build for the Bugatti Chiron and at the F1 event in Monza, they showcased a life-sized version of it.
It has doors that open, a cabin that fits two and can be driven to a speed of about 20kph as well. Built with more than a million LEGO Technic elements, this particular Chiron is powered by motors from the LEGO Power Function platform. This 1.5-tonne model is fitted with 2,304 motors and 4,032 Technic gear wheels for an ‘engine’ that generates 5.3Hp and 92Nm of torque. It’s the first ever self-propelled life-size LEGO Technic car.
The only non-LEGO elements are the wheels, the steel frame and steel roll cage under all the bricks. It took over a year and utilised 13,500 man hours to build this engineering marvel that has a detachable steering wheel and pedals too. The LEGO motors are powered by a pair of batteries and only move the rear-wheels, so that makes this the only electric, rear-wheel-drive Chiron ever. It even has a functional rear spoiler too and the whole thing is built without any use of glue and stays true to the ethos of LEGO Technic.
Lena Dixen, Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing at the LEGO Group said: “This life-size model is a first of its kind in so many ways and with it, we wanted to push the boundaries of our own imagination. For over 40 years, LEGO Technic has allowed fans of all ages to test their creativity with a building system that challenges them to go beyond just creating new designs, to also engineering new functions. Our Technic designers and the engineers from the Kladno factory in the Czech Republic, the place which also builds the impressive models for LEGO Stores and LEGOLAND parks, have done an amazing job both at recreating the Chiron’s iconic shapes and making it possible to drive this model. It’s a fascinating example of the LEGO Technic building system in action and its potential for creative reinvention.”
Andy Wallace – the driver behind the LEGO Technic Chiron – former racing driver with multiple wins of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona, as well as many other races, and today official Bugatti pilot, said: “When I first saw the LEGO Chiron, I was immediately impressed by the accuracy of the model and the minute attention to detail. In fact, from about 20 metres away it’s not obvious that you are looking at a LEGO car. I can only imagine how much time and effort went into making this model.”
The triangular elements that were designed to be the skin of the LEGO Chiron were newly developed for the project. Another story shares another brilliant example of LEGO ingenuity when the builders had to attach these elements to the frame underneath via actuators. In order to change the length of these actuators, one had to spin the Technic axle which would be a labour intensive task by hand and a power drill would have too much torque for this delicate work. So, they built a power drill of out LEGO Technic elements to solve the problem. Brilliant!
What do you think of the life-size LEGO Bugatti Chiron? Which car should they build next? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for all the updates on all that is to come.
The Auto Loons 