LEGO builds life-size, drivable Bugatti Chiron. Watch it go!

In case you’re not up on the latest LEGO Technic sets, which feature interconnecting rods, axles, gears, motors, and more, here’s a little teaser put out by the company to get more people interested in both the Technic sets and the Italian Grand Prix, which happens this weekend. 

It took a little under 13,500 people-hours, but these folks built an actual, full-sized replica of the Bugatti Chiron—and drove it. Fun fact: It tops out at 19 miles/hr, since over 2,000 Lego Power Function motors are included, and they deliver a max of 5.3 horsepower. 

Finally, after one million pieces were put into this thing, it was finished. 

To be fair, it wasn’t entirely LEGO pieces; there’s a steel frame, some batteries, 3d-printed gears, and Bugatti tires. 

It also includes:

• Detachable steering wheel
• Doors that actually open and close (!)
• A spoiler that, at the push of a button, lifts and lowers. 
• A control panel to toggle all the lights and electronics
• A functional speedometer, which is also built out of Technic pieces

It’s well outside the budget of most of us mere mortals; the motors alone would be over $70,000. 

But it’s a shining example of what’s possible with these new LEGO building blocks. 

Since Curiosity looks like it might be down for the count after the Mars dust storms, perhaps this is a way to replace it?

Watch the LEGO Bugatti drive here (and no, that guy didn’t really need a racing helmet):