TechnicJuan

Just seen this posted at TechnicBricks. Makes perfect sense now. What this piece is actually doing is creating the pivot point at the exact spot where the upper and lower arms move at instead of adding an extra stud that the 3length universal joint does. And it is doing all of this without adding any extra width to the entire axle assembly. I just hope that more sets both Technic and Non Technic incorporate this new part somehow, otherwise these are going to be even more expensive to get than a CV joint. I REALLY wish this part existed a few years ago when the new redesigned steering arms came out in the 8297. This part keeps the drive axle assembly width as narrow as possible while keeping the movement of the suspension true...

Well, I stand corrected. It appears that the universal joints are not being used in the rear axles. You guys were right after all. So they are using the CV joints axle hole to axle hole then with that new piece plugged into the differential box. Very intriguing. I also see that the rear shocks are on the outside of the rear control arms. I prefer shocks to be centered rather than favor one side. I can also see why we have not seen too many rear end pictures of the car. You wouldn't happen to have a black liftarm left over would you?

No. With the new control arms and steering knuckles combined with the CV joints, it is no longer required to use 2 U-Joints for each axle. The 8297 Offroader is an example of this technique with it's rear axle set-up. Lego isn't going to look to complicate something that already works perfectly. These new parts are going to be used in some other way.

Wow, those do look like his. I do not think that those new pieces are going to be used at all in the rear axles. There are already 4 steering knuckles in the inventory, so those wouldn't work with them. Plus there are only 2 of them from the parts inventory. More than likely they are used in the door functions somehow. I also see 2 9L steering links in the inventory. I assume that is what pushes the doors outwards when they go up.

You know, I really don't like how the battery box just kind of hangs out of the back end of the cars. Shame they couldn't have figured out a way to hide it a bit better.

Wow! I thought this wasn't being released until late next month?!? Nice to see that TLC company is finally packing the instructions and stickers better so that they do not get damaged. This was a common problem with most of the previous sets since Lego had gone the cheaper route with packaging. The only new piece that I see is that one that you posted in that 4th picture. I don't recognize that one. Everything else looks like parts that are already out. I also notice that there are 4 CV Joints??? But the car is 2 wheel drive? That new piece must work with a CV Joint in some way.

Every year that a "Supercar" has been released, it has been the flagship model for that year and in this particular case it is actually called "Supercar". I am not talking about the Enzo or Fiorano models as they didn't even carry the "Technic" name. Which by the way seem to be 2 of the most expensive Racer/Technic sets to currently buy.

I am just saying that it doesn't seem like a very large set for a flagship. And I beg to differ that the cars do not sell. A car will always outsell a Vehicle that someone has no idea what it even is. When you go to your Local Toys R Us you see aisles of Hot Wheels and other Die cast cars so someone must be buying them. I don't know anyone who doesn't like cars. I know in the pictures that it says 2 per box for the Unimog and 3 per box for the 8070, so that would insist that the Unimog is the Flagship, but from the pictures, it just looks like it's lacking.

The Unimog looks great! But I am still not quite sure if it is the actual "Flagship" set this year. I am thinking that the 8070 Supercar is it. The Unimog really doesn't look like a very large set(Compared to the 8043 and 8258 sets), but I guess we'll see.

Very good synopsis.

I know. The TC asked if the Alternate model could be built from the same parts as with the 8458 and I didn't see anyone mention about the steering wheel that came in the 8458 set.

The Williams 8641 set doesn't come with a steering wheel and the 8458 does.

Awesome, Awesome Model! I have seen pictures of this many times and hoped that someday there would be instructions. I want to build this model NOW! Also Blakbird, the reason why this model's style is so much different from some of the other builders like crowkillers(I am assuming you have built both of his Lambos as I have built his Gallardo)is probably because his model and Jovel's masterpiece are using different styled panels. As you know even though the panels look somewhat similar, you simply cannot use them the same way. Well Done Jovel!

Since you're not using a differential box, I would suggest using something like THIS because more than likely you have a bevel gear slipping.

I wouldn't consider the Battery Box and Small Motor High Cost I mean after all, they retail for $6.99 and $7.49 Respectively. And like I said, that is the Retail Price, so they would be included with the set at a much cheaper cost.

$150 USD seems VERY high for a set with 1286 pieces. I was thinking that it would be more on par with the 8653 or 8145 Ferrari sets at $109.99

Great post and comparison! Has anyone else noticed that in the pictures of the A model that whoever built it has the steering wheel upside down?

I must respectfully disagree with you here. One of the things that makes "Technic" Technic, is the fact that you can see things working and moving. If you cover these things up with panels and plates, then it is changing the theme. Also Marcus, I agree with you with the rear spoiler. You cannot really see how far out it looks from the front view, but when looking at the rear view pic that is on the box, it does look odd.

I built this set a few days ago and it is a very nice model. I also bought a few others for parts

I too am very excited for this new car to be released. I think it is a very good looking car! I have been trying to build a mixture of this car and crowkiller's car but I am not sure how to get the inner mechanisms to work. does anyone know what the retail price in the U.S. will be?

I am very surprised that more of this builder's creations are never posted here. He has created some of the coolest models that I have seen!

Glad to see you posting here Paul! The new model really does look quite amazing and beautiful. Not sure why Anio has been so negative towards you. I think it is a pleasure just having you post here. Also Anio, I am pleased to see that you supply instructions for free, but from what you posted it appears there is quite a difference in complexity between what you have done and what Blakbird has prepared.

Very Nice little model. I also love the working engine!

I do remember seeing pictures of a 2 wheel drive motorcycle on brickshelf last year, but of course it was much different than this model. Great Job!

Sariel is such a great great designer. I could look at his work for hours. However what is going on with the rude remarks that are being left in the comments section of his new 1969 Dodge Charger? I also noticed this in crowkiller's blog at his site. Who do these rude people think they are? Keep up the great work Sariel! I look forward to your future models in 2011!