Amid the glitz and glamor of the announcement of LEGO sets like the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 (42172), other awesome sets have been quietly listed. The LEGO Technic Porsche GT4 e-Performance Race Car (42176) you see here is one such LEGO set. If the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 is a flagship set, this would be a mid-ranger with the goodness and features of the larger P1 but at a more affordable price point. But more on the price in a jiffy.
The LEGO Technic Porsche GT4 e-Performance Race Car (42176) is a wonderful recreation of the Porsche GT4 ePerformance race car in LEGO Technic elements. Like the recent McLaren P1 Hybrid and Ford GT Technic sets, it further shows the maturity of LEGO Technic design unlike you know, er hm. LEGO Technic has come a long way.
The set uses a modest 834 pieces to recreate the electric race car first introduced in 2022 that features realistic movement and mechanisms that will help induct young and old LEGO builders alike into the engineering universe. The 42176 is a CONTROL+ model, which means it is a remote-controlled racing car toy model.
It is not just any CONTROL+ model; it is the fastest car (as of August 2024) in the LEGO Technic CONTROL+ range. Using the CONTOL+ app, you can remotely operate the steering, move forward and backward, control the lights, as well as see live data feedback for perfecting your—I am the kids’—driving skills. Just kidding. It is a beautiful model that is great for adult collectors’ shelves too.
The motor is juiced by a rechargeable toy battery which recharges using a USB cable—not included. When completed, the model measures 10 cm high, 37 cm long, and 5.5 cm wide (about 4 by 14.5 by 5.5 inches).
The LEGO Technic Porsche GT4 e-Performance Race Car (42176) is slated to hit the shelves starting August 01, 204, for US$169.99. Not cheap either but considerably cheap for an 834-piece set with remote control functionality and light-up features.
Though, if I can be honest, I am no fan of app-controlled toys. I have a bad experience. I had an app-controlled truck from a reputable brand but just a few years down the road after the purchase, the company quit supporting the app and had it (the app) removed from the respective app stores.
When I changed my phone, I was not able to find the app to make use of the toy truck since the app was no longer available. It pretty much becomes a paperweight. Then again, this is a LEGO model. It will remain a great model, unlike my toy truck which has no selling point beyond being an RC toy. Anyhoo, the new 42172 is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Images: LEGO.