Yesterday LEGO revealed the upcoming #42056 LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS. We have seen this set earlier this year during the toy fairs, but at that time the color of the model was not finalized and was shown in black. But now we can see it in all of its delicious orange glory! Below you will find all the information and details about the set, as well as pictures, interviews with the designers, and the designer-video. Enjoy! 🙂
➡ #42056 LEGO TECHNIC PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS – DESCRIPTION: Experience the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 RS with this authentic LEGO Technic replica. Inside the box you’ll discover a special collector’s book chronicling the history of LEGO Technic and Porsche GT cars, together with 4 original-design rims bearing the RS emblem. The sets of elements are boxed, and the building sequence gives an insight into the real-life vehicle’s assembly process. The model features detailed, orange bodywork, red suspension springs, detailed headlights, taillights, brake calipers and rims with low-profile tires. The accessible cockpit features a detailed dashboard, working gearbox, steering wheel with gearshift paddles, racing seats and a glove compartment containing a unique serial number. Functions include opening doors and hood with storage compartment and suitcase, and an opening rear lid that houses a detailed flat 6 engine with moving pistons. This 1:8 scale model has been designed to provide an immersive and rewarding building experience.
- Features authentically designed aerodynamic bodywork, adjustable rear spoiler, headlights and taillights, red suspension springs, original-design rims with RS emblem, detailed brake calipers, low-profile tires, working gearbox, working steering wheel with gearshift paddles, detailed seating, glove compartment with unique model serial number, opening doors, opening hood containing a suitcase, and an opening rear lid with detailed flat 6 engine.
- Includes a collection of authentic stickers.
- Open the doors to access the detailed cockpit.
- Lift the rear lid to access the detailed flat 6 engine with moving pistons.
- Open the glove compartment to reveal the unique serial number.
- Delivered in luxurious box packaging.
- Includes a special full-color collector’s book including the history of LEGO Technic and Porsche GT cars, plus comprehensive building instructions.
- Porsche 911 GT3 RS measures over 6” (17cm) high, 22” (57cm) long and 9” (25cm) wide.
- This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 16+.
- Includes 2,704 pieces.
➡ #42056 LEGO TECHNIC PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS – PRESS-RELEASE: The LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the art of engineering and design in 2,704 elements. One of the latest models in the legendary 911 family, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, is appearing as a detailed LEGO Technic model. The exclusive
LEGO set of the exceptional sports car, which has been developed in close conjunction with Porsche AG, will initially be available at shop.LEGO.com from June 1st, 2016, as well as in the 13 LEGO stores throughout Germany and Austria. It will be available in other stores from August 1st, 2016.
Like every sports car with the Porsche emblem on the hood, the LEGO version of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS also combines design, performance, and functionality. Still concealed in black-and-white foil as a mystery model at the Nuremberg Toy Fair late January, the color of the characteristic bodywork has now been revealed and shines in bright orange. Thus, it corresponds to the special coating of the original sports car in lava orange authentically. The model, which has 2,704 elements, also delights the beholder with sleek, aerodynamic lines and an adjustable rear spoiler. Besides many authentic features, the packaging and accessories that come with this complex LEGO Technic model also contribute to a building experience rich in variety: among other things, the box contains a comprehensive collector’s book with exclusive background information on the development of the model. Furthermore, the elements of the individual assembly groups are packed in separate boxes for the first time and, together with the detailed instructions, provide an insight into the assembly process of the actual vehicle.
The LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS combines design and functionality. According to Ferry Porsche, driving enjoyment is not created by comfort –quite the opposite is the case. Consequently, the LEGO model also features a few rough edges that give it identity and character, just like the powerful original on which it is based: the authentically recreated bodywork is convincingly realistic with its characteristically low and sloping design, the large cooling air intakes at the front, the surface contouring of its roof and compartment lid, the unique front wheel arch air outlets of the lightweight carbon fenders and the striking rear wings.
Both the performance and the sportiness of the original have been realistically reproduced in various technical features on the LEGO model. One particular highlight is the fully functional Porsche double-clutch transmission with four gears and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. But all technically minded LEGO fans will especially love building and playing with the six-cylinder boxer engine with moving pistons underneath the rear lid.
In addition to the technical features, the interior of the model is also authentic and close to the original. A detailed dashboard, a steering wheel with gearshift paddles, racing seats, and a glove compartment concealing a unique serial number can all be found in the easily accessible cockpit. Using this serial number, additional exclusive content can also be released from June 1st 2016 by following www.lego.com/technic.
➡ #42056 LEGO TECHNIC PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS – DESIGNER VIDEO: In the video below Andrew Woodman, Senior Design Manager at LEGO Technic, introduces the set and all of its features. The packaging looks so impressive, and so is the model! 😀
➡ #42056 LEGO TECHNIC PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS – DESIGNERS INTERVIEW: Below you will find the designers of the LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Andrew Woodman and Uwe Wabra, talking about their dream project from the initial idea to the completed model.
What was the idea behind this project? – Andrew Woodman: “As a lover of design and high-performance cars, it was a dream to make the Porsche 911 our first model. 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.”
How did the cooperation with Porsche run? – Andrew Woodman: “The cooperation with Porsche was fantastic. The employees are incredibly passionate for the Porsche brand and showed huge interest in our LEGO Technic model. From our very first meeting it was clear that Porsche shared the same passion for the vision of this concept and together we decided upon using the current 911 GT3 RS as the first vehicle in this LEGO Technic series.”
How much time did the whole process take and what were the particular development steps? – Andrew Woodman: “The whole process took almost two years – from the development of initial design ideas concerning the concept in winter 2013 to the final approval of the model by Porsche in fall 2015.” Uwe Wabra: “When we started our initial drafts in 2013, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS project remained top secret. Therefore I had to build the first LEGO version using photos of the camouflaged prototype of the original from the internet. The first LEGO prototype was ready in a matter of weeks.” Andrew Woodman: “We presented the result of the first model to the design team of the 911 GT3 RS at Porsche and discussed the basic technical functionalities as well as the shape of the body. On the basis of this feedback we designed the next model and simultaneously started with the development of the wheels rims which are an important part of the legendary design of the car. Afterwards we visited the Porsche Development Center in Weissach as well as the Porsche GT workshop area. During intensive working phases we worked out the elements and details of the car and perfected them. The final step was the approval by Porsche.”
Did you experience a special moment during the development phase? – Andrew Woodman: “During our visit at the Porsche GT workshop area we could see a preproduction 911 GT3 RS complete and finished in lava orange. This was the first time we saw the car in color – all the others had been black which made it difficult to see the proportions and details of the car.”
How many persons were involved in the development process? – Andrew Woodman: “Several persons participated in the development of this model. Among others, a graphic designer started working on the required decorations and stickers. In the meantime model designers worked further on the styling and on the development of particular components, for example the gearbox.”
What were the challenges during the development of the LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS? Andrew Woodman: “One of the biggest challenges for us laid in designing an element that works on the 911 GT3 RS, but also in general with all others LEGO Technic elements. Furthermore something that could work in our system for years to come.” Uwe Wabra: “It was important to integrate as many of the advanced technical functionalities from the real 911 GT3 RS as we could. The steering and suspension were difficult enough, but our biggest challenge was the creation of the functioning double-clutch transmission with gearshift paddles.”
➡ #42056 LEGO TECHNIC PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS – PRICE & AVAILABILITY: The set will be available directly through LEGO beginning June 1st. Prices are as follows: US $299.99 – CA $349.99 – DE 299.99€ – UK £249.99 – DK 2599.00 DKK (Euro pricing varies by country). Check under the LEGO Technic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
So what do you think? How do you like the LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS? What do you think of the details, the colors, the packaging, and the other features of the set? Are you planning to save up for when it gets released? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section below! 😉
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I really hope this is not a limited one off, because I will not be able to afford this one for some time. However, stickers seem chintzy on as set so expensive….I mean they put printed tiles in the latest Angry Birds sets….psffft! lol
The Angry Birds sets have a much wider release, so printed tiles might actually be more cost-efficient.
Not sure how long such a large exclusive will be around. LEGO has been coming out with quite a few unusually large and expensive sets this year. On the plus side, maybe by the time you are ready to buy it will be on sale. 😉
Best thought I’ve been given all day Thita! 😉
Ahhh… that’s sweet! I’m actually planning to get in touch with my contact at LEGO and ask them if they might consider sponsoring a contest/giveaway for this set for our readers later this year. I think this is one of those sets that serious Technic fans would really want but might be way out of their budget. Anyway, I think it’s worth to ask. 🙂
I kind of liked the black and white preliminary version better. But I understand that this is more accurate to the real car. Looks great overall, except for the price. Why so expensive? Is that just because it’s in a special box?
Yeah, that price is definitely ouch-y. LEGO Technic sets are usually quite reasonably priced, so I assume it has to do with licensing and the special packaging. The packaging does look really good though.
I agree it’s expensive. The box, instruction book, and little boxes holding the parts are all factors, as well as these:
-There are lots of new orange-colored parts, and the new shells, wheels, and tires are quite large, so are more expensive to make.
-It’s a licensed set. Porsche no doubt wants the most profit it can possibly get, so the set is priced like their real cars – super expensive.
I think $270 USD would have been better. Even 42055, with 3900 pieces and Power Functions, is only $280.
Sorry to disagree with everyone but I think the price is reasonable at $299. It’s true a lot of us are a bit upset about the recent trend of price increases (for example the Creator Modulars have gone from $149 to $159 to $169 with similar content).
But for this set I don’t think pricing it at $269 would significantly increase the number of people that will buy it — people who will buy it will buy it anyway. BLProd mentioned some good reasons the price might be high, which I agree with. Also, isn’t this a first? — a large licensed Porsche set (not including the little Speed Champions which I like). We have had the big Ferrari (which I bought), and the SuperCar (not branded, and I didn’t buy one — regretting not buying that one!). But I don’t recall a major Porsche set.
Of course, don’t get me wrong, I’d be glad if I could buy it for $269 instead of $299.
I recently saw an add for the “new 911” and checked on prices — it looks like it would start at about $125,000. So, I’m probably not going to buy the new 911 but I will probably buy this.
That’s actually a really good point about someone who can buy a $250 LEGO set, can also buy a $300 one. And those who can’t afford a $300 set will likely not bite at $250 either. And yes, this is the first large licensed Porsche set, so it is quite special.
I do like the presentation of the set. It suggest luxury all around; from the packaging to the book, to the set itself. Those of us with smaller budgets will just have to look at it with envy. But that happens in real life too when I see a Porsche zooming by, so LEGO managed to include that part of the Porsche experience in the set as well. 🙄
Well, it’s interesting that we already had a Porsche-designed car as a major Lego set — the Volkswagen Beetle! Yes, Fredinand Porsche did design the original VW Beetle — we won’t get into the whole WW-II Germany connection which can make the whole topic controversial.
But anyway we already had a “car for the people” (i.e. “Volkswagen”), and, sad to say, I DIDN’T buy a 10187 VW Beetle. It just didn’t appeal to me as a Lego set because it was “bricky.” This was a long time ago before the Lego thing really bit me, but I remember seeing it at the Lego store. Now I’m sorry because (1) I appreciate bricky-ness more, and (2) wow, I can’t believe the resale prices on the 10187 today!
Oh, I didn’t think of that! Thanks for sharing! There is a actually a new VW Beetle that is rumored for later this year. I think LEGO can do a better job with it this time because now we have so many curved pieces. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully it will remain an affordable peoples’ car in LEGO form too. 😉
I think the car looks okay, and I really like the orange. However, my dad’s first words upon seeing the set were: “That’s horrible! It doesn’t even look like a Porsche! Not for $300. I’d rather get the Megabloks Porsche.” I haven’t heard of a Megabloks one…. And I think it does look like a Porsche, despite some gaps in the bodywork. However….
I really think this set should have Power Functions. I mean, the gear shifter mechanism is awesome, but it’s rather pointless without a motor going through it. Yes, it’s meant to be a display model, but I think it’d attract more buyers if it was full RC. It would probably be difficult, but that would make the set seem way cooler. Plus it would justify the price.
Also, the description said “series.” I wonder if that means there will be more giant Technic Porsche sets in the future; maybe some will have Power Functions….
Interesting ideas.. I have the Mega Bloks “Need for Speed” Porsche. I’ve built one and I have one NIB — (which I’ll gladly trade for one of these!). The Mega Blocks set has standard Mega Bloks components but eventually what’s visible are a set of completely custom-formed body pieces. So in other words it’s more like a traditional car model set with pieces molded for just one application — they’re just attached to a base of Mega Bloks. Depending on where you stand in “brick philosophy/religion” this might be desirable or offensive. I’m not sure, myself.
Being a Technic fan, I find this Porsche completely amazing in the way it’s made from mostly-standard shapes, though in an extra-unusual color. (Actually once I was looking at a used Porsche Boxster at a dealer and I swear it was very close to this Technic orange!)
In the model pictures I noticed the gap in front of the headlights but now I understand it’s because the headlights tilt up with a mechanism. You can’t make a vehicle look completely realistic without using custom-formed body panels, as Mega Bloks did. Again, that’s a question of brick religion I will declare not resolvable here.
Power functions are great but at the moment I don’t see how the existing power components could fit into a sleek shape like this. Unfortunately we only have the large AA and AAA battery boxes (and the rechargeable versions of the same form factor). These can fit onto a bulldozer or semi truck pretty easily, but I don’t see where you could add a big battery cube into a shape like this. Maybe someday we will get a small flat Li-Ion-based rechargeable pack that is more easy to integrate. (it would be expensive but the rechargeable packs already are expensive). Also a steering mechanism requires a lot of components and though it has been done in a few special Technic sets (for example 41999), I don’t think there’s room to fit the needed components this car.
Yeah, that’s a major difference between LEGO and MB. LEGO always tries to fit new sets into their system, whereas MB doesn’t worry much about making new specialized pieces. This makes LEGO a superior building system, while MB can create more true-to-life models. I prefer LEGO’s philosophy in this regard because it is more impressive and their models are more customizable. Also better long-term value for the money, as sets can be taken apart and mixed with the rest of the system. I do buy MB sets occasionally (I really like their Collector Series sets), but I pick the ones that are the most LEGO compatible. As far as the battery, yeah, it is easier to fit them in large Technic construction vehicles than a sleek sports car. LEGO used to make smaller battery boxes, but even those may be too big for this model.
The tilting headlights are on the real car, right? Even if the LEGO version has that, the gap beneath is still unnecessarily large. Probably no panel fits there.
I think it is possible to RC the set. It would take a ton of modifying, and the gear-shifting mechanism would probably have to be removed, but I think it’s doable.
For the battery box, the seats could be removed, and it could replace them. Or it might fit in the “trunk,” although that will probably make the car front-heavy.
The receiver is small, so shouldn’t be a problem, and if the shifter gearbox is partially removed, a drive motor (L-motor, perhaps) could fit in that system.
As for the steering mechanism, it’s already in place. The set is designed with a steering/suspension system. Assuming the shifter gearbox is removed, simply add a Servo Motor to the chassis and re-route the steering axle to it. Attach all the cables, and the car is now RC. The only problem is that the interior design and the paddle-shifters are gone, and both are excellent parts of the set. 😕
On a side note, there have been lots of sets using steering mechanisms in recent years: about 26 since 2013.