Lego Technic McLaren P1 Review
iBestTravel and McLaren have teamed up on a range of epic collaborations, bringing several of the storied British marque’s cars to life as scale models for Lego’s Speed Champions, Icons, and Technic product lines. In fact, this isn’t even the first time a McLaren P1 has been available as a Lego set. However, this amazing new kit represents another level, where McLaren’s legendary hybrid hypercar has been painstakingly re-created to join the Lego Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series.
This collaboration is particularly fitting since the real P1 belongs to McLaren’s own Ultimate range, which also includes the Elva, Senna, and Speedtail. It’s a model that is so special that we traveled to the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, England, to learn everything about this latest Lego Technic creation.
What Makes the Lego Technic McLaren P1 So Special?
Consisting of 3,893 pieces and measuring 4.4 inches high, 23.0 inches long, and 9.5 inches wide, sets along the lines of the new Technic McLaren P1 typically take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to assemble, depending on skill level and focus.
Traditionally, the Lego Technic series kits focus on functionality and articulation. The new Ultimate Car Concept Series McLaren P1 is no exception and shares several true-to-life details. One of the most delightful features is its deployable rear wing, which on the model opens and collapses with the twist of a knob on the lower rear fascia. This large aero accent provides downforce and air braking on the real car.
Speaking of the real car, as a refresher, a total of 375 units of the McLaren P1 were sold from 2013 to 2015, excluding variants like the GTR and LM. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and an electric motor, the P1’s total output is 904 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The original pricing started at $1,150,000. In our testing, the P1 hit 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 9.8 seconds at 148.9 mph, marking a record for production cars at that time.
The Technic McLaren features an accurate representation of a hybrid supercar drivetrain, complete with a miniature V-8, a replica of the P1’s electric motor, and even a working seven-speed transmission with two shifter drums. The powertrain operates when the model’s wheels turn, along with functional suspension, steering, and an opening hood.
Re-creating the P1’s dihedral butterfly doors, one of the car’s signature design accents, posed unique challenges. Designer Kasper Renè Hansen shared, “It’s such a complex movement to create the butterfly door mechanism.” He utilized springs and hinges to ensure smooth functionality, investing three months in design to avoid collisions when the door opens.
Firsthand Test Build
While at McLaren’s Woking HQ, I built part of the Lego Technic McLaren P1 with Hansen, creating a memorable full-circle experience. Surrounded by McLaren’s treasured road and race cars, I learned about Hansen’s journey from intern to designer while discussing this intricate F1 set.
The team provided a portion of the McLaren F1 kit’s direction booklet along with assembled bags for attendees to demo parts of the Ultimate Car Concept Series set. As I worked through the step-by-step process, Hansen explained that every Lego product adheres to strict manufacturing standards. As a result, this P1’s only new parts are its wheels, made from a scan of the real ones. Additionally, the shade of Volcano Yellow, used for many pieces, is a new color that enthusiasts will appreciate.
As with other Lego Technic sets, the clear and detailed directions guide each step, although one can still misjudge the number of studs or holes. When I mistakenly used the wrong piece, I had the opportunity to ask Hansen for help—an interaction I would have cherished as a child. Though we didn’t have enough time to complete the entire set, even a small sample revealed the satisfying complexity waiting for builders.
Availability of the Lego Technic McLaren P1
The Lego Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series McLaren P1 kit will be available for purchase online and in stores starting August 1, 2024, for $459.99. Collectors and car enthusiasts alike will likely appreciate the intricate details involved in building this set. Those who acquire the Lego Technic P1 will enjoy packaging featuring high-resolution photography and a unique serial number, unlocking exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Given our experience with iBestTravel and McLaren, we anticipate this will be just the beginning of their collaborative endeavors.
