kbalage

Yes, reviews of these 2 sets will come on the 16th the earliest.

Even if that was the case, this model (and it's price) won't include any rechargeable batteries for sure. It is designed for the good old AA ones:

This is the official price list from the press release, so yes it is confirmed - 299.99 EUR/ 274.99 GBP/499.99 AUD/299.99 USD/399.99 CAD

Based on this photo I'd say it is sitting on the front axle so it's suspended.

Removed

I did not see the model before the interview and with that video feed quality it was impossible to see tiny details so I did to see the screws that time, couldn't ask about it. Will try to reach out to someone at LEGO to get some information, but I'll be definitely able to share more in the review.

@Andman there is a button for it in the Control+ profile as I saw on the photo. But nothing prevents us to create a code that automatically engages it if needed ;)

Here's everything I can share about the set at the moment, with some extra coming straight from the LEGO Fan Media Days designer interview such as new parts and other background information :)

Here's everything I can share about the set at the moment, with some extra coming straight from the LEGO Fan Media Days designer interview such as new parts and other background information :)

@allanp I think we talked about this already, the 18+ line is definitely not for "experienced adult Technic builders", it is for "adults who casually build LEGO for display and have the money to buy the sets".

At least that one is changing, TLG promised there won't be more manuals with black background. The 18+ branding is not absolutely stupid, e.g. the Art series or the Botanical collection is targeted to adults, it's not a problem. But they really need some consistency as this way the whole thing is turning to a mess soon.

That 18+ age rating will confuse people even more if they are not confused enough... 18+ was used in Technic either for the 1:8 supercars, or lately for the sets that have little to none play functionality and are targeting casual adult builders like the Ferrari. As an RC set with (hopefully) lots of playable functions, what makes this 18+ when even the Liebherr and the Mercedes Zetros is only 12+? I hope it's not only the price...

That's not really a new thing, reviewers usually get the sets before the announcement :) Last year we received the international catalogues a bit earlier, but they won't contain more information than the Japanese one. Since the sets are expected to be available on August 1st, retailers usually start sharing details 1 month prior that so you might expect more pics and information next week.

I don't see why it couldn't be a strategic decision to spread the sets more evenly through the year. The scheduling of the Defender for October was definitely not a pushback in 2019, I guess they simply saw it working and decided to split the 2nd wave. I like this approach more, especially because I don't need to rush with all reviews the same time :)

@gyenesvi afaik there's no code block to access the current level in the PU app. Regarding the automatic gearbox concept, I created some experimental code last year for the 42114 set that used the motor power vs motor speed difference to detect high/low load on the motor and shift accordingly: It was before the custom controller interface and the simplified steering/throttle blocks were introduced so I'm sure it can be done in a much simpler way today. Recreating and fine tuning the code is in the pipeline, unfortunately among a lot of other things :)

@nugnug115 there are some alternatives like Controlz, I've seen others having a topic on Eurobricks as well.

You can use the Powered Up app but that requires some coding with visual blocks (complexity depends on your model). Another alternative is the BrickController2 app, that works fine with several different LEGO and 3rd party hardware, but it is designed to be used with a game controller.

You mean 42039? I don't think so. For me the property that clearly separated the "new wave" from the old one was the removal of the HOG knob with 42096. Without HOG steering these cars are not playable in the classic way, no one will try to push them around trying to reach the steering wheel and navigate with it. 42077 and 42039 both had a HOG and even the rally car had some extra functionality with the opening rear section, and they both had decent B models.

They could, but as @Void_S said this is not the target audience of the 18+ Technic sets. TLG started it with the 1:8 supercars, it was successful, but it was probably still too expensive and complex so now they started the low budget "adult" product line. Licensed, good looking (for non-hardcore Technic fans at least) and fairly easily buildable sets with the bare minimum functions, 99% will end up on the shelves anyway. They tested the waters with the Porsche 911 RSR, then the Ferrari 488 was the first to get the 18+ badge, and they continue with this new one. I would be really-really surprised to see anything else inside other than steering, suspension and a fake engine driven through the rear diff. I still love the look, but if you are looking for functions then check out the Technic sets with lower age ratings.

Thanks for the review and the gorgeous photos! I'm really looking forward to test the functions, but I'm a bit worried about the stability issues you experienced. The flimsy handle and the lack of function there is probably the biggest disappointment, the look and the feeling is otherwise amazing! I re-checked that new Technic piece and as @Lyichir said it was in the Dots set in white, you should have asked a Dots expert about it lol

One appearance is completely enough to get the part from Bricks & Pieces or Bricklink. The main point is the variety of the parts available in that specific color, the more the better. Introducing yet another exotic color that has no history in Technic sets would really not help MOC builders. As an example dark purple would be such a cool color to use, but we did not get anything since 42069. There are like 4 types of liftarms available in that color and that's all...

And if someone needs a clean mudguard then it takes like 5 minutes to remove the print completely with a simple eraser :)

For example the set 8675 which had a pretty descriptive name - Outdoor Challenger ;)

Additionally, LEGO would never promote (again) RC sets for outdoor usage so from their perspective it is not a problem :)

I don't think leaks/rumors would affect the release schedule and whether TLG would want to reveal a set earlier in their catalogue. There are many rumors about other sets expected later this year that you won't find in the catalogue either, and it doesn't mean they don't exist.