What's the news?
Fancy a Bugatti Chiron but you don't have millions of euros spare to buy and run one properly? Then thank goodness for Lego, which allows you to build your own 1:8th scale replica of the mighty French machine out of 3,599 of the beloved construction bricks.
It's a brilliant Lego Technic model and we don't mind telling you we have a serious amount of want for it already. Available as of June 1 through Lego stores and the company's online shop - and then from all other global retailers of the brand from August 1 - the model was given a grand unveiling at Lego's HQ in Billund, Denmark, by Lego CEO Niels B. Christiansen and Stephan Winkelmann, the president of Bugatti.
Like everything Lego does, the attention to detail on the 1:8 Chiron is astonishing. It's more than 140mm tall, 560mm long and 250mm wide, and features the car's aerodynamic bodywork with an active rear wing, spoked wheels with low-profile tyres, an intricate cockpit with a movable paddle gearshift for the eight-speed Technic gearbox and a detailed W16 engine with moving pistons. Even the steering wheel features the Bugatti emblem. We're drooling at the thought of building this already...
Each individual model comes personalised with its own unique serial number, which is carefully stored under the bonnet - use it, and you can unlock special content on the Lego website. The set also features a speed key, which enables builder-owners to switch the active rear wing from its handling to top-speed position.
Also hidden under the bonnet, there's an authentic Bugatti Chiron detail, rendered in Lego - the company's stylish overnight bag. The model also features the classic 'Bug' two-tone blue colour scheme, and a set of stickers for additional detailing and authenticity of the build. The final touches come in the form of an exclusive box and a 'coffee table'-style collectors' booklet with comprehensive building instructions.
Anything else?
Mr Christiansen said at the launch: "I am very excited about this new model. Our Lego designers have done an amazing job capturing the details of this iconic Bugatti design. It truly stands as testament that with Lego bricks you can build anything you can imagine, and an example that with LEGO Technic, you can build for real. It's a huge model that I can't wait to start building myself. I've always been passionate about engineering and this model's details and design are truly fascinating."
Mr Winkelmann added: "Thanks to their proven design and technology expertise, the Lego Group and Bugatti are the epitomes of their brand segments. The Lego Technic model of the Bugatti Chiron is an expression of a perfect relationship. I am impressed at the precision and refinement with which our super-sports car has been translated into the Lego world and I am sure that fans of both Lego bricks and Bugatti will love this product."