Yahoo Autos LEGO Unveils Full-Scale, Drivable McLaren P1 Made of 342,817 Pieces
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LEGO has built a full-scale, drivable model of the McLaren P1 supercar. This incredible replica, made almost entirely out of LEGO Technic pieces, recently made its debut with McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris behind the wheel, taking it for a spin at Silverstone Circuit. The life-sized LEGO car, weighing in at 1,220 kg, can hit speeds of up to 40 mph, setting a new standard for LEGO’s large-scale builds.
This ambitious project required more than 342,817 LEGO Technic pieces, with LEGO even molding 11 entirely new parts to bring the model to life. The full-scale McLaren P1 took a dedicated team of 23 McLaren Automotive and LEGO specialists a whopping 8,344 hours to design and build. Unlike typical LEGO bricks, the Technic line is specifically designed for advanced builds, incorporating mechanical components like motors to add real-world functionality.
In addition to its intricate design, the LEGO McLaren P1 is powered by 768 LEGO electric motors, which have been divided into eight motor packs to replicate the output of the original car's V8 engine. These motors enabled the replica to perform on track, making it the first full-scale LEGO car capable of driving around corners and completing a lap on a race circuit.
While the top speed of the LEGO P1 is capped at 40 mph, it’s a significant improvement over LEGO’s 2018 Bugatti Chiron model, which could only reach 12 mph. Lando Norris had the honor of driving the LEGO McLaren P1 around Silverstone, adding to the vehicle’s record-breaking legacy as the first LEGO car driven by a Formula One racer.
Though LEGO has not yet opened this full-scale McLaren P1 to the public, fans can still enjoy a smaller 1:8 scale version available for $449.99 on LEGO's website.