Legos are great for building castles, replicating superhero battles, and transforming carpets into sharp plastic minefields, but for more complex projects, there’s Lego Technic. Technic uses interconnected rods and elaborate joints to create lifelike models of real-world machines, and Lego’s latest release is right up our alley.
Modeled after the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the $299, 2,704-piece Technic took nearly three years to design, approve, and build. Lego’s own artisans worked closely with Porsche to develop the 1:8 scale 911, often visiting the brand’s development center in Weissach, Germany to get a first-hand look.
“As a lover of design and high-performance cars, it was a dream to make the Porsche 911 our first model,” said Andrew Woodman, Senior Design Manager at LEGO Technic. “When we started to collect ideas for this new LEGO Technic model, we realized that we wanted to create more than just a great building experience. It should be all over special. We knew that we needed a partner with the perfect vehicle that was both highly desirable and a true icon. So we reached out to Porsche.”
As with most Technic products, the GT3 RS features moving mechanical components, including active engine cylinders, a functional steering wheel, and an operational PDK transmission. The replica dual-clutch uses rubber bands to flip through the gears (see it in action in the video above), and is actually controlled by tiny paddles on the steering wheel.
In addition, the Lava Orange sports car boasts red shocks and yellow brake calipers just like its road-going cousin, or at least it will once you manage to piece it together. There is a detailed instruction manual, however it’s larger than most novels and will probably take a few sittings to get through.
The Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS hits stores on June 1.
