42161 Sterrato + Motorized MOD

[Zerobricks]

I got the 42161 Lamborgini Tecnica as a reward for the previous TC and while the original build is okay, i wanted to give it more life.

Lately the lifter supercars have been very popular, so why not modify this little set into one?

The project is actually a spiritual succesur to the Mustang GTEX AWD mod but with several improvements:

• Improved front wheel bearing using the bigger, stronger CV joint
• Independent left and right wheel drive for skid steering ability
• Higher gear ratio for more torque
• Improved weight distribution by placing the BuWizz 3.0 in the front
• Easirer access to charging

Of course, the original dimensions, interrior, seat placements, etc was preserved, but I did the following aesthetic modifications which reflect the Sterrato version:

• Lifted the entire body by half a stud
• Redesigned front with a skid plate, LED headlights on top of frunk
• Added a body kit using 3,2 mm cables
• Redesigned the rear bumper with a wider skid plate
• Reduced spoiler size and shape
• Added the engine covers
• Added a roof rack and air scoop

So here's how the model looks in LDD:

The AWD independent driveline was one of the biggest challenges, it has to be simple, reliable, yet compact enough to fit into the limited space

The motors are geared down 5/3 from the slower outputs and than the drive is carried to the front via U joints and bevel gears. Also notice how the L motor for steering is squeezed between the both BuWizz motors, the packaging is very compact.

And of course theory will only get you so far, so I also built the thing IRL, here's a WIP photo:

And the finished Lamborghini Sterrato:

Everything works as planned, the model has a lot of torque and can easily skid steer without issues. I'm also really proud of the aesthetics, it looks so much more rugged and agressive compared to the original.

I will post better photos and a video in the coming days, so please stay tuned.

[TexasEngineer454]

What is skid steer? I see that you ran 2 separate drive lines for each side of the vehicle? I'm very interested in how this works in regard to steering and turning radius. 

[2GodBDGlory]

Very cool! The Sterrato is a pretty neat vehicle in real life, so that's an obvious modification, and the AWD system is very interesting, and surprisingly complex, too!

[1gor]

You've cteated a little monster you know 

It is always pleasure to see lots of integrated motors in tight space. 

[Zerobricks]

9 hours ago, TexasEngineer454 said:

What is skid steer? I see that you ran 2 separate drive lines for each side of the vehicle? I'm very interested in how this works in regard to steering and turning radius. 

Skid steering is the steering ability mosty traked vehicles use. By spining the wheels in opposite directions, you can spin on the spot like a tank basically. So the turning radius is zero.

Edited October 19, 2023 by Zerobricks

[FriedlS]

Wow! Again a great build and i am looking forward to the action video 😊👍

[Bluehose]

Awesome ! This beast would be a banger when you have the remote controler in Hans ! 

[Zerobricks]

Took the time today to record some media of the model, it think the photos came out really good:

More details in the video:

To sum up, it's a really fun mod, skid steering really adds another control dimension to the model, especially on smooth, slippery surfaces. Only thing left to improve for future is the front axle assembly, to make it sturdier and not relying on friction alone to hold it together.

[Lego Tom]

Really cool build - but you better fix those doors or you'll go flying out when doing donuts!

[A_Dilophosaurus]

getting 4 wheel drive into such a small space is really impressive

[Zerobricks]

Thanks to @Alex Ilea this model has now instructions available, check them out at Rebrickable:

https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-163596/Zerobricks/42161-sterrato-motorized-mod/#details