[MOC] Hyperpilote 1:8

[Leviathan]

Hi everyone! Happy New Year 2026 to all of you!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? To kick off this new year, I’d like to present my latest creation, inspired by a slightly crazy project started by a guy in his garage. A project from someone who first built a GT40 replica from scratch, then took on the wild challenge of designing and building his own hypercar. I’m of course talking about the Hyperpilote by Benjamin Workshop a very famous home made French builder. 

I’ll let you check out his YouTube channel—he’s quite active and regularly shares updates on the progress of his project:
https://youtube.com/@benjaminworkshop?si=HpPa3anAV1SEwS1X

On my side, I started designing the LEGO model toward the end of his Kickstarter campaign in 2022 and completed it at the end of 2025. Initially, the real car was meant to be fully electric, before switching to an internal combustion version in 2024. This major change ultimately didn’t have a significant impact on my development, which I was carrying out in parallel, as I had quickly decided to focus my efforts early on the exterior design, using the body panels from the Lamborghini Sián 42115.

Spoiler

For the record, I had nevertheless designed a fairly complex modular transmission system, featuring a torque vectoring function.

 

The system is inspired by a design from @steph77 and allows the selection of different drivetrain layouts: AWD, RWD, or FWD (https://www.techlug.fr/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12070). This is combined with a torque vectoring mechanism whose principle is to independently control the rotational speed of the driven wheels in corners, using planetary gear sets.

In theory, this function improves cornering performance, especially in tight turns. On the LEGO mechanism, since packaging space is very limited even at a 1:8 scale, the idea was to lock the rotation of one of the planetary gears when the car steers with its front wheels.

  

2023 archives:

In practice, since the prototype was relatively slow, the improvement in turning radius was clearly visible. And because this feature could be engaged or disengaged via an upstream gearbox, it was fun to play with.
Well… fun for an engineer, at least.

Here we go—time for the photos!

I. General Specifications

• 6-speed gearbox + Neutral + Reverse by @Anto (https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-171508 ... s/#details)

• Gear indicator

• Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters

• Independent suspension

• Elytre doors opening mechanism

• Integrated lifting rams (“Air Jacks”)

• Front and rear anti-roll bars

• Self-locking differential mechanism when steering

• Functional front radiator

• Opening features: doors, hood, and trunk

II. Design

The design of the real car is heavily inspired by the McLaren P1. This influence is evident, on the one hand, in the unique three-seat cockpit layout, and on the other hand, in the teardrop-shaped canopy, which gives the rear wheelbase a much more pronounced and muscular stance.I reused the P1 body panels in light bluish orange to achieve this overall look.

The front end is a blend of panel placements inspired by @Charbel Charbel’s McLaren 720S (https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/172734-moc-18-mclaren-720s-w-instructions/&tab=comments#comment-3134415), used to shape and frame the headlight line. The headlights themselves are made from DBG barrel elements, similar to those used on the LaFerrari MOC by @T Lego: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/193303-moc-ferrari-laferrari-18/

As a small nod, I tucked a nitrous bottle behind the driver’s seat, in the spirit of Need for Speed II—for those who remember… The rising beltline between the front and rear wheel arches was quite challenging to resolve. The slope is very subtle and integrates into an opening body panel. I wanted the door opening mechanism, inspired by the Ferrari Daytona SP3 42143, to be completely hidden within the overall design.

Each door opens independently via a push-button that actuates a linkage system with friction and an over-center mechanism, allowing the door to remain open. The door is then closed by pushing it back and breaking the over-center point. The door can also be opened without using the push-button; however, the lever must then be engaged to lock the door in the raised position.

For added realism, I wanted to incorporate a realistic version of Nissan’s famous twin-turbo V6, the VR38DETT, complete with the full exhaust plumbing as well as its two side-mounted turbochargers. Its red engine cover contrasts nicely with the car’s orange bodywork, in my opinion.

The chassis is extremely rigid despite the absence of a central spine, thanks to the 3×19 frames on each side: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=67491#T=C The gearbox located behind the cockpit also plays a structural role. For reference, the car weighs over 2.5 kg.

And the French touch !

You want the same in Green ? Wait...

Spoiler

 

III. Features

To explain all the features of the model, let’s start with the schematic below:

1. Blue: Main transmission, RWD, and radiator rotation

2. Light Green: Gear-shifting mechanism and indicator

3. Yellow: Anti-roll bars

4. Red: Steering via HOG or wheel and coupling to the differential lock mechanism

5. Green: Elytre door lifting mechanism

Blue:
The gearbox is based on Anto’s version:
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-171508/Anto/ultimate-6nr-gearbox-with-forks/#details
Go check it out—his system is brilliant! It’s a 6-speed + Neutral + Reverse gearbox. The gear indicator is visible through the rear hood (I simply forgot to add the sticker for the photos ^^).
I also extended a driveshaft to operate the radiator fans at the front of the car.

Light Green:
The paddle-shifting mechanism is angled and uses the rotation of Wheel 2474:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2474&idColor=3#T=C&C=3
A rotation stop is also included to prevent infinite spinning.

Yellow:
The car features anti-roll bars on both axles.

Red:
I designed a differential lock system that engages when the wheels are straight. During steering, whether left or right, the system automatically releases the differential. This solution combines efficiency with simplicity of use.

Green:
Each elytre door opens independently via a lever that actuates a linkage system with friction and an over-center mechanism, keeping the door open.

Finally, not shown on the schematic, this model version features a pneumatic circuit that powers four actuators—one at each axle—allowing the car to be lifted a few centimeters off the ground. The effect is impressive when the car rises! The system is powered from the rear via a manual pump, and the selection lever is cleverly hidden beneath the horizontal suspension elements.

IV. Specifications

• Scale: 1:8

• Dimensions (L × W × H): approximately 54 × 24.5 × 12 cm

• Weight: 2.6 kg

• Number of pieces: 4,260

• Development time: 3 years

V. Inspirations

• McLaren 720S @Charbel: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/172734-moc-18-mclaren-720s-w-instructions/&tab=comments#comment-3134415

• LaFerrari 1:8 @T Lego: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/193303-moc-ferrari-laferrari-18/

• McLaren Senna @langko: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/181511-moc-mclaren-senna-18-2nd-version-finished/&page=4

• 1:8 Ford GT LM GTE 2016 @Jerry LEGO Creations: https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/forums/topic/208996-moc-18-ford-gt-lm-gte-2016-68/

VI. Useful Links

• HD Photos – Orange version: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147164115@N07/albums/72177720331075173/

• HD Photos – Green version: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147164115@N07/albums/72177720329313566/

• Building  Instructions – Only Green version: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-245958/Levihathan/hyperpilote-18/#details

Disclaimer : For those who are observant, you’ll notice that in the orange version, some pieces are not officially available from LEGO in Light Bluish Orange. Most of these are simple connectors, and it’s unfortunate that LEGO doesn’t offer a wider range of parts when releasing a flagship set. I do not encourage the use of third-party shops, but if you plan to rebuild this car, be aware that you may need to source parts from suppliers like Webricks or Godbricks to complete the inventory. Unfortunately, Rebrickable does not allow the publication of instructions containing non-LEGO parts, but the instructions do exist—so if you prefer the orange version, please contact me privately or via Rebrickable/Instagram.

Spoiler

Additional BOM :

15100 : Technic, Pin with Friction Ridges and Pin Hole, Qty 20
18654 : Technic, Liftarm Thick 1 x 1 (Spacer), Qty 14
22961 : Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Hub with 1L Axle, Qty 14
26287 : Technic, Axle Connector 3L, Qty 2
32015 : Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Angled #5 - 112.5 degrees, Qty 4
32054 : Technic, Pin 3L with Friction Ridges and Stop Bush, Qty 8
32199 : Hose, Soft Axle 11L Copy, Qty 2
32580 : Hose, Soft Axle 7L Copy, Qty 1
41239 : Technic, Liftarm Thick 1 x 13, Qty 6
4477 : Plate 1 x 10, Qty 1
6538c : Technic, Axle Connector 2L (Smooth with x Hole + Orientation), Qty 2
x346 : Bionicle 1 x 3 Tooth with Axle Hole (Bohrok Eye), Qty 4
60483 : Technic, Liftarm Thick 1 x 2 - Axle Hole, Qty 2
6536 : Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular, Qty 9
87082 : Technic, Pin 3L with Friction Ridges and Center Pin Hole, Qty 2

The car also features 3D-printed wheels and custom stickers. I personally designed these pieces, matching the wheel diameters of the Sian 42115 but with the design of the P1 42172. These files are included with the instructions, as are the stickers. Here’s a preview of the instruction manual’s table of contents. The design is fully modular to make assembling the car as easy as possible:

360° video :

Thank you for your attention and see you !

[Timewhatistime]

Wow, I'm deeply impressed by all the functions and the time needed to develop them all.

I'm sure, this beast will be frontpaged immediately.

There is one thing I don't get: the automatic diff lock (very useful and ingenious feature!). I see how it is released when the steering wheel (or HOG) is turned in one direction: the differential is realesed from being locked to the left side of the rear axis.

But what happens when the steering wheel is turned in the other direction?

I don't see how the diff would be released from the rear axis in this case, as the wave selector will move the driving ring in a way which does not fit....

Could you please explain how it works?

 

Edit: Now I see... simple and effective! Very nice solution!

Edited January 7 by Timewhatistime

[bruh]

Wow... What an awesome model! Absolutely ingenious and very clean, especially the chassis.

One question: Why is the gap between the rear wheels and the fender so large?  

[TLCB]

Featured at

The Lego Car Blog

[scarface_le_fou]

Hi, 
Of course, the bodywork is impressive, but I am even more in love with your mechanical solutions and nesting. A Masterpiece for sure !

[Leviathan]

18 hours ago, bruh said:

Wow... What an awesome model! Absolutely ingenious and very clean, especially the chassis.

One question: Why is the gap between the rear wheels and the fender so large?  

Thank you !

You mean about the design of the real car ?

7 hours ago, scarface_le_fou said:

Hi, 
Of course, the bodywork is impressive, but I am even more in love with your mechanical solutions and nesting. A Masterpiece for sure !

Thank you ! A ton of work on both !  

 

12 hours ago, TLCB said:

Featured at

The Lego Car Blog

Thank you for the post on your blog !

[bruh]

5 hours ago, Leviathan said:

You mean about the design of the real car ?

I meant for the model. 

[allanp]

Front paged for sure! I like how you added new features such as real air jacks, anti roll bars, spinning radiator fans and the self locking diff is very clever. When fans praise off brand 1:8 scale cars this is what I think of. Something like Lego Technic 1:8 cars but with a little extra. Personally I never feel like the off brand 1:8 cars meet that expectation (their transmissions in particular are not at the level of Lego Technic 1:8 cars), but you have done it. Well done 

[Anto]

THIS is how you make a supercar!

The mechanisms are as smooth as the design, well done! 

[T Lego]

Wonderful model! I love the chassis mostly, great mix of unique features and I appreciate the way you presentated it with the renders! I personally prefer the model in lime green, because I the mudguard panels appear more appropriately scaled. Thanks for sharing

[thekoRngear]

After a [not so] long time, a Masterpiece is generated!

[Leviathan]

On 1/9/2026 at 11:27 AM, allanp said:

Front paged for sure! I like how you added new features such as real air jacks, anti roll bars, spinning radiator fans and the self locking diff is very clever. When fans praise off brand 1:8 scale cars this is what I think of. Something like Lego Technic 1:8 cars but with a little extra. Personally I never feel like the off brand 1:8 cars meet that expectation (their transmissions in particular are not at the level of Lego Technic 1:8 cars), but you have done it. Well done 

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. I’m glad the details like the air jacks, anti-roll bars and drivetrain stood out. Your feedback means a lot :)

On 1/9/2026 at 3:52 PM, Anto said:

THIS is how you make a supercar!

The mechanisms are as smooth as the design, well done! 

Thank you very much! 

On 1/9/2026 at 10:51 PM, T Lego said:

Wonderful model! I love the chassis mostly, great mix of unique features and I appreciate the way you presentated it with the renders! I personally prefer the model in lime green, because I the mudguard panels appear more appropriately scaled. Thanks for sharing

Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed the chassis and the presentation. The lime green version was designed with proportions in mind, so I’m happy that detail came through. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 

5 hours ago, thekoRngear said:

After a [not so] long time, a Masterpiece is generated!

Thank you !

[langko]

Really good presentation of such a mechanically dense model. Would love to see a video of everything in action. The lockable diff with the steering is such a unique and will implemented idea, as well as the air jacks. Love the unique 3 seater layout reminiscent of the McLaren F1. 

I admit I like the lime version better as well, the mudguards look more balanced + no need for 3rd party parts. I am a bit confused with the mudguard selection on the LBO version, it looks as if they are around the round way. Did you try seeing what it looked like with the higher ones at the rear instead of the front, and the 'normal' ones at the front instead of the rear? (same way they are used in the P1)