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LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS details

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

#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.

#42056 LEGO Technic Porsche Details
  • 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.

#42056 LEGO Technic Porsche Box Front

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.

#42056 LEGO Technic Porsche Box Back

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.

#42056 LEGO Technic Porsche Designers

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.

Shop 2016 LEGO Technic

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! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

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Brick Breakdown: LEGO Elves Water Dragon

(Written by William)

In this Brick Breakdown series I review official LEGO sets, from the perspective of looking at interesting building techniques we can all learn from. Today we will be looking at the #41172 LEGO Elves The Water Dragon Adventure. You can also check out the previously discussed LEGO techniques found in official LEGO sets at the end of this article. 🙂

#41172 LEGO Elves

We have discussed the LEGO Elves dragons sets previously (see: 2016 LEGO Elves Dragon Sets Review), but I also wanted to share a more focused look from the perspective of interesting building techniques. Overall it appears that LEGO sets with mini-dolls (instead of regular minifigures) are going through an evolution. Looking at the earliest LEGO Friends sets, they were not very difficult to build. The most recent sets however show a marked advancement in building style. This is most likely due to the realization that the fans LEGO brought in with the initial releases are growing up, and therefore the series they follow must also mature. I’m also pleased to report that my wife – who had a major issue with the mini-dolls – is now starting to warm to them. Other adult LEGO fans who were initially skeptical about the LEGO Friends and LEGO Elves lines also seem to be taking a liking to at least some of the sets.

USING MULTI-LEVEL COMPLEXITY

Looking at the #41172 LEGO Elves The Water Dragon Adventure set, you will notice that the dragon is much more complex than the small landscape also included with the set. So how is this a building technique?

#41172 LEGO Elves Dragon

When you build a LEGO creation you often want to have a clear focus. It could be anything from a statue to a detailed building, or some other important section you would like to emphasize. Whatever the case, you will somehow need to make it stand out. This is where multi-level complexity comes into play.

You can draw attention to the most important section with more detailing and complexity, while other areas can be build simpler and with less effort. This way you can also use less LEGO elements by not wasting them on the secondary parts. For example, imagine that you spend many hours perfecting a tiny robot miner, but all people talk about is how incredible your mountain landscape is. As nice of a compliment as that may be, it could feel disappointing that they didn’t notice the important character in the scene.

If you are having trouble figuring out what needs to be complex and what doesn’t, ask yourself a simple question; which section would you like people focus on when they are looking at your creation? If it’s only a particular area or character, you can keep the rest simple.

WHEN IN DOUBT ADD FLOWERS

If you’ve ever built any of the LEGO Friends, LEGO Disney Princess, or LEGO Elves sets you may have noticed the abundant use of flowers. Sometimes it even seems that flowers are added just for the sake of having them. Is this part of brand unity across these themes? At least in part it could be viewed that way. But my guess is that LEGO designers are using more flowers in these sets to provide for girls both socially and biologically.

#41172 LEGO Elves Details

Socially it is pretty accepted that girls and flowers go together. This is a social construct that actually has nothing to do with being female. If you were to take time and say, okay, flowers are for girls because… chances are the best answer you’ve got is because they like them. But that’s not always true. Some girls like flowers and some don’t, and some boys like flowers and some don’t. But in general we have been programmed by society to think that flowers are for girls.

Biologically speaking however, flowers represent something that uniquely appeals to the female gender; color. On average females have a much higher sensitivity to colors. They can recognize a lot more color shades, and appreciate more subtle differences in the color spectrum. Of course there are exceptions to this since some women are color-blind, but in general women respond to colors stronger than men.

And as far as LEGO sets, adding little flowers is an effective and inexpensive way to infuse color into pretty much every model. These colors can be complimentary or contrasting, and can be easily reorganized for a different look. They can also add complexity to a model that is otherwise quite simple. So next time you build one of these “girly” sets pay attention to how flowers are being used.

APPLYING WHAT YOU LEARN

It is safe to say that LEGO sets with mini-dolls are growing up. They are tackling more complex building methods, while retaining much of the charm that LEGO’s research suggested girls like. Given their current popularity, my guess is that they will continue going through multiple evolutions. Keep an eye on the building techniques used in these sets as you may be surprised by their complexity. You can find the latest selection at the Online LEGO Shop.

Shop 2016 Spring LEGO Elves

As far the use of flowers, it is just one example of something you can pay attention to when your target audience belongs to a certain gender group. Doing a bit of research on your specific audience, and see what appeals to them both socially and genetically, can make your model more impressive and better suited to that audience.

Shop LEGO Elves

So what do you think? How do you like the newly released LEGO Elves dragon sets? And what do you think of the building techniques used here? Did you learn something new that you can incorporate in your own creations? Feel free to share your own experiences and tips, or ask questions in the comment section below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the other reviews in this series:

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