On Friday the LEGO® Technic Bugatti Chiron set was unveiled in Billund, Denmark. This is the latest set to recreate an iconic supercar into a scaled down new Technic set. Thanks to the LEGO Group Community Team, we’ve been very privileged to be able to build this impressive new set. We don’t build that many Technic sets here at BricksFanz, but even if we did, this set is unlike anything else. For this review, we aren’t going to dwell too much on part use, but more the experience of the building the set and our thoughts on the final model. So start those engines and get ready to read our review of the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron.
Product Description
Explore engineering excellence with the LEGO® Technic™ 42083 Bugatti Chiron advanced building set. This exclusive model has been developed in partnership with Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S to capture the essence of the quintessential super sports car, and comes with gleaming aerodynamic bodywork, logoed spoked rims with low-profile tires, and detailed brake discs. The accessible cockpit features a Technic 8-speed gearbox with movable paddle gearshift and a steering wheel bearing the Bugatti emblem. Insert the top speed key and you can switch the active rear wing from handling to top speed position. The rear lid affords a glimpse of the detailed W16 engine with moving pistons, while beneath the hood you’ll discover a unique serial number and a compact storage compartment containing a stylish Bugatti overnight bag. This 1:8 scale model comes with a classic Bugatti duo-tone blue color scheme that reflects the brand’s signature color, and a set of stickers for additional detailing. The set is delivered in luxurious box packaging and includes a color collector’s booklet with comprehensive building instructions.
- Set Name: Bugatti Chiron
- Set Number: 42083
- Pieces: 3599
- RRP: £329.99
- Measurements: measures over 14cm high, 56cm long and 25cm wide
- Availability: LEGO Brand Retail Stores & shop.LEGO.com, General retail from August 1st
The Build
Back in 2016 LEGO introduced a new ‘ultimate Technic’ range, with the release of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The beast of a set introduced a larger scale build, which recreated the iconic Porsche supercar into a unique new set. That model set the scale and overall feel for the next ultimate Technic set, the Bugatti Chiron. Which includes almost 900 more parts than the Porsche, of which only 5 new elements have been created, including the wheel rims, brake disc connectors and three elements within the gear system. But the experience begins long before you even touch a LEGO element, thanks to the high quality and luxurious packaging. Unlike most LEGO products this set comes in a different style box with a lift-off lid. Once removed you’re not greeted by a mass of bagged elements but instead six nearly arranged boxes and two hefty instructions. The attention to detail that has been poured into, what is often a minor part of a LEGO set, is outstanding.
The instructions are filled with much more than just the building steps. Just like some of the LEGO Ideas or bigger sets like the UCS Falcon or NINJAGO City, there’s pages of additional content, which is complimented by a special podcast series. We’ve been listening to this in between building and cannot recommend it enough. Even if you don’t plan on picking up this set, the accompanying podcast is an amazingly detailed insight into how LEGO sets are created especially those based on things. The podcast also delves into the creation of the actual Bugatti supercar. It was been set up in such a way as to coincide with each section of the build, which begins with the rear-mounted W16 cylinder engine and axel.
LEGO Technic sets pride themselves on offering builds that’s not only challenge those constructing them but also by providing a truly technical feat. This start of the build is certainly the most involved as you engineer the guts of the Bugatti. Here you’ll find a mind-bogging mix of gears, pistons and pins. One of the most important pieces of advice we can give when building this set or any in-depth Technic set for that matter is to always test any sections which feature gears. If you’ve put something on incorrectly or in the wrong hole, you’ll run into problems further along in the build. The engine included in the Bugatti, features two crankshafts, which power a series of 16 pistons. These will run as the wheels turn and can easily be rendered inactive if a pole or peg is too tightly fitted or place ever so slightly wrong.
The first few sections of the build will result in two separate sections which are combine in what is dubbed the marriage process. This is a process used to create the real Chiron, in which sections of the car are joined together to the whole body of the car, interestingly the real world car is held together with just 14 screws! The front section of the Technic version is a little less gear heavy compared to the rear section, but you still need to be mindful of where the various gears and rods are positioned. If not you’ll find problems further along in the build, so as mentioned above always double check you have things in the right place and in the right position. I have to admit these sections were a little frustrating, and that engine was built more than once. At one point I almost gave up, but I persevered and the further I got the more, I not only enjoyed the build but was blown away by how much work must have gone into designing it. The LEGO system can be complicated at times but nothing compares to the Technic system. So much of the entire build can reply on a single element placed in the first few steps. This is what makes Technic sets so fulfilling to build.
The experience of buying a Bugatti goes beyond merely just paying for a it, then getting the keys. Those who chose to become Bugatti owners are involved in all aspects of the cars construction. This includes additional extras such as a travel bag, made from the same material as the cars interior. Which is even included in the Technic set. This can be found nestled under the bonnet of the car. There’s also a speed key which we’ll go into a little more detail later on. The interior of the car includes two seats split with that famous centre line. The cockpit of the car also connects greatly to the inter working of the rest of the build, with gear stick, 8-speed gearbox with movable paddle gearshift and a steering wheel, which is connected to the wheels.
I love the way you can still see the part of the gear system from within the cars interior. Just like many supercars have their engines uncovered and on view, the Technic version does the same with its complicated gear system. They are visible without being thrust in your face. It’s amazing to see something you built so early on in the build, integrates so perfectly into the final model. Which as mentioned replies so much on those first few elements.
One of the sets best and most fun features is found on the impressive looking rear. A retractable wing sits flush with the slope of the cars body, but can be placed into the ‘speed’ position by using a 1:1 speed key. This can be slotted into an area within the arch of the rear left-side wheel. Twisting the key raises the wing and then turning it a little more, sets it into its final position. It’s an great little feature, which could easily have just been left as a manual movement. But tying it into the use of the speed key is genius. We said we wouldn’t dwell on part use but I didn’t expect to find a couple of stud-shooter guns in the set, they are used to hold the red tubing which represents the rear light strip.
As impressive and detailed the inner workings are the outside also has its fair share of detail. Much of it is created by Technic fin plates and sticker decals, such as the dashboard dials, brake discs and Bugatti badge found under that iconic horse shoe front grill. Stickers aren’t most LEGO builders favourite things and it’s a shame that some of the pieces haven’t been printed, certainly in the case of the branding badge at the very least. But this should not distract from the rest of the build. Crafting something in LEGO bricks or Technic pieces, which has such defined curves can never be easy. But then combining that with a small feat of LEGO engineering is nothing short of outstanding.
Overall
Although I’ve not built many Technic sets, I had a few when I was a kid and in recent years tackled the VOLVO L350F Wheel Loader. Things have changed greatly between the sets I built in the 80s to Bugatti. The new Technic system which was introduced in the early 2000s has lead to a collection of models which continue to innovate and challenge. Would I of have purchased this set, if I didn’t have the opportunity to review it? Probably not but I would be missing out on a genuinely unique LEGO experience. An experience which begins from the moment you lift the lid and feast your eyes upon its perfectly arranged boxes.
I could of quite easily abandoned the build in those first few bags, but I’m glad I carried on because it has been fun, yes frustrating at time, but definitely fun. The final set looks incredible but the truly amazing thing about the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron is the level of engineering that flows throughout it. Gears, pistons, speed keys, retractable wings and even an overnight bag, ever aspect of the set has been crafted with the same level of care as the actual Bugatti. We also cannot recommend the LEGO Technic podcast enough, LEGO have found plenty of interesting ways to promote sets, like the Black VIP card with the UCS Falcon but the podcast goes above and beyond that. Just like the set, this will be something that will interest both LEGO fans and car enthusiast alike. The LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron is available now exclusively from LEGO Brand Retail Stores and shop.LEGO.com.
Thanks to the LEGO community engagement team for sending us the set to review. The opinions expressed within this review are those of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group.
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