DrJB

During a visit to an auto show few years ago, Porsche had a mock-up of one of their cars. I do not recall which one it was, but for sure I took photos of the suspension as it was the first time (for me) to see such unique geometry. I've tried to reproduce this in the past with lego, but was not too persistent and quickly gave up. Anyone knows of a Lego replica or better yet, brave enough to attempt one? If so, here are some pictures to help with your new project. If you look closely, you'll notice both front and rear have anti-roll bars. You can tell the front from the rear by the steering link, connecting the left/right tires/wheels. Also, what other suspensions have you reproduced with Lego, or at least plan to? I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the Arocs. The suspension there was rather unique. It's also the only set that took me 4 days to build (on and off). While the truck is boxy and the pneumatics sluggish, it is such working suspension/drive-train details that exemplify (to me) what Technic is all about.

printed panels !!!

Sounds very interesting. I've struggled for a long time for a release mechanism for the ball, without having to rely on gravity. Could you kindly post a video of how it works?

Very nicely done! I see two things that 'jump out'. 1. The bucket of the 8043 is not a part I recognize. Is it custom made? 2. The tracks of the 8275, they appear to be silver ... or is that just light reflection effect?

To answer the OP's question, one needs to answer the following questions: 1. A car that is iconic, worldwide, not just in Europe or Hollywood 2. A car that many people would instantly recognize (You really do not want people asking: Pagani what?) 3. They already did the Tumbler (not a technic set, but quite iconic) 4. A MODERN car ... Lamborghini Countach is like your grandpa's Oldsmobile Maybe if we started a poll with candidate cars, let the community vote, and 'maybe' TLG will listen and get some valuable input.

That was easy ... My Hat's off to you ... if anything at all, this shows your commitment to the hobby and this community. A gentleman unlike many.

TLG has learned that people will buy toys that give them a 'connection' to something else (another experience). This is the main reason there are so many licensed sets nowadays, whether it's StarWars, Harry Potter, or even Disney princesses. GBCs are fun to watch, but no real connection with anything else.

Not sure many of the above proposals make 'business' sense (despite our wishes). The main 'appeal' behind the Porsche, is that it's such an iconic car, many people know of it. I doubt the 'want it' base will be as large with any piece of orange/yellow construction machinery.

The front wheels hub/spindle on that picture is grayish. Yet, in the official release video, it is black. Also, the new panels, we're getting them both in orange (outside of the car) and in black (internal structure). As for the set mimicking the actual build style of the vehicle (this was mentioned in the official video). This translates to the build being very 'modular'. I'm guessing the subcomponents would be front and rear axles, engine, transmission ... everything sits on chassis, then car body (in whole piece) comes and sits on top, a bit like what TLG did for the 41999.

While I do not want to stand in the crossfire .. err ... take sides, there is a LOT of work behind making instructions and renders... To me the credit goes to Akiyuki, all of us are walking in his footsteps.

That's enough motivation to build it Edit: Never mind, I was thinking of the track loader

Thank you. I stand corrected.

I think he wants to be by your side on the instructions. Edit: err ... his name next to yours on the instructions

Not sure you logic is 'clear'. Now, I'm sure you have already seen programs for line following, and there are many versions out there, even with Adjustable PID gains. If the sensor/robot is to remain between two lines, then the logic should be that you should test for color transition only once. Are you using 2 light sensors? Maybe more details about exactly what you're trying to do will help answer your question.

That's where the orange picnic bag goes, for you and your significant other ...

Very nice work. This is the first time I see duplo bricks used in Technic

No one knows for sure, but it was mentioned that this set will be sold exclusively from TLG's website and only Lego stores. Do not expect to see it at Toys-R-Us and the like. I bet you can also buy it at Porsche dealerships ... just like you could buy some of the Ferrari sets from Ferrari stores.

There was a time where I thought $150 was too much for a set, except for Mindstorms. There, one felt there was 'value' because of the many hours of play one can get out of a Mindstorms set, along with the learning behind programming, sensors, and the like. Here however, and no matter the PPP, it's getting simply ludicrous. It seems TLG has 'recognized' the after-market/collectible value of its sets, that some out there are willing to pay a premium price, and wants to cash-in on the benefits. There are 2 options for TLG to make $$$: Affordable sets for the masses, or pricey sets for the exclusive top-of-the-food-chain few. It's seems we're migrating now to option #2 ... Only time will tell if such strategy will endure.

+1 Most of us assumed it was more 'technical' when in fact, your answer emphasizes that one should always go back and try the basic (more common) issues first.

Nice, thank you for sharing. Makes me wanna pull my buckets and restart this fun project. Have you seen Akiyuki's latest 'Planets' GBC? He has an ingenious rotating/unloading mechanism and I wonder if it can be adapted here.

If you're going to 'gear down', it is best to do it with a single stage reduction (large ratio) as opposed to many of small ratio. This way, you minimize the friction forces (parasitic losses). Some basics about transmissions: When a transmission has 5 speeds, typically the ratios of output to input rpms are around Gear 1: 0.6 - output (drive shaft) runs slower than engine Gear 2: 0.8 Gear 3: 1.0 - output runs at about same speed as engine crank Gear 4: 1.26 Gear 5: 1.6 - output runs FASTER than engine Now, typically the drive axle/differential has a reduction around 3 to 1. The above numbers should give you an idea on what gears to use, to have a 'realistic' vehicle. In your attempt/LDD, you're using a very high (staggered) reduction, and ... maybe that is why the vehicle does not move at all

Seriously, what's the deal with 'authentic' stickers? ANd what does 'authentic' really mean, in this context? Does 'authentic' refer to the complex/intricate Porsche logo? I agree that the Mercedes logo was much easier.

Any update on the ball release mechanism?

Have we been asking for (or expecting) something not 'realizable'? If I compare the various TLG supercars, the feature list has not increased, but new features tended to 'replace' older ones, and as the cars have remained essentially of the same size, the 'real-estate' to cram more functions might not be 'realizable'. We've seen many features, but they all compete for space. For example, the transmission on 8448/8466 vs. mechanically openable doors/hood/spoiler on 8070, or the adjustable height on the 4WD off-roader. It might very well be that the paddle-shift took most of the available space in the Porsche and there was no room to fit much else. Yes, Sheepo's land-rover has MANY features, but it's also a much bigger car.

I recall some older posts reporting about 3.8 kg, and many of us thought the book was easily 50% of that. Those are not photos. They look more like very high quality renders. Why I think so? Very simple: Look at all the slots in the blue pin connectors. They're all aligned consistently at either 0 or 90 degrees. No one (in their right mind) would assemble a lego set and align the slots in those pins so precisely. Conclusion: It is a high quality render, NOT a photo... ... maybe the next version of LDD (wishful thinking)