Review: LEGO Technic 42161 Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica

Today we are quickly interested in the content of the LEGO Technic set 42161 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, a box of 806 pieces that will be available from August 1, 2023 at the public price of 52.99 €.

It's not worth making tons of them, with such a small inventory of 806 pieces including more than 250 diverse and varied pins, it is difficult to hope for anything other than this somewhat approximate model of 28 cm long 12 cm wide and 8 cm high. In my opinion, the designer is doing honorably despite the inventory constraints and, as often, he will have to make do with a few somewhat empty spaces and a few somewhat hazardous angles.

This is a children's toy and not an ultra-detailed exhibition model, so the contract seems fulfilled knowing that the vehicle offers as a bonus three essential features on this type of model: doors and a bonnet. front ends that open, functional steering that can be manipulated by turning the remote wheel on the roof (but not via the vehicle's steering wheel) and a V10 engine whose pistons visible at the rear come into motion via one of the rear wheels when moving.

No suspensions on this model, we are talking about a product at 50 €, we should not hope to have access to this type of mechanical refinement in this price range. The doors are fixed to the structure only via a single axis, they take a little play in use but nothing irreparable, it's LEGO and it is enough to push these two sub-assemblies well to restore their rigidity.

The assembly of this Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica with LEGO sauce is logically quickly dispatched, there are indeed a few stickers to stick here or there to refine the level of detail of the construction a little, dress the seats and embody the headlights and the toy the aggressive lines obtained should appeal to the youngest. It's LEGO Technic, so we find the "signature" mix of blue, brown or red colored pines that remain clearly visible on the construction, you have to deal with it as always.

Don't look too much for absolute fidelity to the reference vehicle, that's not the point of this type of toy which above all has the merit of introducing some techniques to the youngest fans before they move on to more advanced products. both technically and aesthetically. We also note that the Lamborghini logo is well stamped on the central part of the steering wheel but that it is not on the front cover. I would have made the opposite choice if I had been asked for my opinion on this point, the front cover deserved to escape the glaring difference in color between the sticker and the room that hosts it.

The problem with this product is elsewhere and you probably already know what it is all about if you have carefully looked at the photos in this article: you have to deal with at least three different shades of green, with two shades for the parts to which is added that of the bottom of the stickers. Those who bought the set 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 (449.99 €) have had the painful experience of these differences in color which slightly disfigure their model, the problem is exactly the same here.

LEGO does not currently provide any detailed explanation concerning the origin of the problem and one is entitled to wonder how a product suffering from this appearance defect can end up on the shelves without the manufacturer wondering if it is better not postpone it or simply cancel it pending an acceptable solution. It is not for lack of reminding the manufacturer on this point which is regularly mentioned at the LAN level in the hope of obtaining a convincing technical explanation but nothing has been officially announced to date. We will talk about it again if the quality department brings technical elements later.

Worse, the official visuals of the product present on the box and on the official online store are extensively retouched to hide this defect and many are those who will be disappointed when unpacking and opening the bags. There is no point in contacting customer service to obtain replacement parts, you will receive parts with the same defect until proven otherwise.

I am willing to admit that the problem is more complex than a simple story of the dosage of color pigments according to the type of plastic used, but the desire to hide this defect, which has been regularly present for several years now at LEGO on the visuals used to promoting the product is a questionable process to say the least.

That being said, those who are willing to put up with these unsightly color variations should have a little fun with a few slightly complex construction steps and the pleasure of obtaining a toy that looks and which is equipped with a few essential functions in this price range. The others will wisely wait for this product, which sails in the soft underbelly of the LEGO Technic range, to be available for less than 40 € at Amazon or elsewhere, the finish defect found confirms that it does not deserve to spend the 53 € requested.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 7, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.