Taking the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™ set for a test drive

The McLaren P1™ is one of the most sought-after cars in the world.

First released in 2013 in a limited run that included just 375 vehicles, it set a bar for innovation, design and engineering that is still admired, over ten years later.

With a limited production run, most people could only ever dream of owning a McLaren P1. Well, not anymore, as we introduce you to the latest epic build from the minds of McLaren and the LEGO Group, presenting the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1 set.

But like any car purchase, we know that you want to have a good look before you drive it away. You want to check out the engine, you want to kick the tires and you want to test out the cockpit.

So, without further ado, let us drive you round the details of the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 and show you what you could own!

A pioneering supercar that still leads the way

The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set pays homage to a true legend of automotive design in an exceptionally detailed 1:8 scale model. This 3,893-piece set that measures over 5.5 in. (14 cm) high, 23 in. (59 cm) long and 9.5 in. (25 cm) wide, will be as impressive to display as it is challenging and enjoyable to build.

In yellow and black, the exterior includes the highly-recognizable McLaren dihedral doors and aerodynamic enhancing, adjustable rear wing. Even the sleek movement of the real doors has been replicated with a newly developed spring-loaded shock absorber that’s pressed when doors are closed and released when they’re reopened.

Beneath the smooth curved exterior panels is a detailed 7-speed gearbox that you’ll construct using newly developed building techniques. There’s also new shifter drum elements and two new gear wheels to mimic the real car. The paddle shifters behind the steering wheel let you shift between the seven gears, and the gear stick lets you shift between hybrid and E-mode.

All of this links to a detailed replica of the high-performance V8 engine, including pistons that rise and fall as the car moves.

To make this set even more like owning a real McLaren P1, the LEGO Technic version features its own unique serial number that gives you access to exclusive online content.

Transforming a supercar into a super set

Kasper René Hansen, the lead designer on this LEGO Technic model, knew that this legendary car would give him the chance to push the limits of what is possible to design and build with LEGO Technic elements.

“As LEGO Technic designers, we love creating intricate functions, immersive and challenging building experiences and a finished result you’ll be proud to display. The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 is no exception.”

While the team knew that capturing the overall aesthetic would be important, they also knew that they could get deep into the details of the design.

“The attention to detail is simply unsurpassed,” continues Kasper. “We made sure we incorporated the signature McLaren ‘drop’ shapes throughout the car that give it that sophisticated, organic and dynamic silhouette.”

But translating this shape to LEGO Technic elements did come with its challenges.

“Replicating smooth, organic curves and shapes with (mostly) angled LEGO Technic elements is always a balancing act. We have to find solutions that work within the building system without straining the elements.”

“Where this wasn’t possible, we designed new elements to replicate the authentic McLaren P1 functions, design and details. The advanced gearbox combined with E-mode and hybrid mode system are completely new to LEGO Technic models, so we developed a new shifter drum element and two new gear wheels, including a 45° bone gear, to make them work smoothly. The unique tires and overall curvy features were recreated with the help of creative building techniques, new alloy wheels, wheel arches, panels and a new A-pillar.”

The result is detailed, complex and unmistakably McLaren, inside and outside.

Your entry into an exclusive club

The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set offers a rewarding challenge for adult building fans. It would make a great gift for supercar lovers and McLaren fans, offering a building project to savor and a display piece to cherish.

So, you’ve seen the car inside and out, now there is only one more question…

Are you ready to drive it away?

Manufactured under license from McLaren Automotive Limited. The McLaren name and logo are registered trademarks of McLaren.