Review: LEGO Technic 42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

While waiting to talk about the Porsche 911 RSR from set 42096, let's take a quick detour to the LEGO Technic set 42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (579 pieces - 39.99 €) which proposes, as its name suggests, to assemble a LEGO version of the Corvette ZR1 in its livery Sebring Orange.

And this box is really a very good surprise, if we keep in mind that this is a small set sold for 40 €. As usual with LEGO Technic sets, it is better not to get carried away by the number of pieces displayed on the box: in this set, there are more than 200 various and varied pins, i.e. more than a third of inventory.

No surprise here regarding the assembly logic. It is quickly assembled starting with the chassis which integrates the engine and the steering axis which will be finally managed via a dial placed at the rear of the vehicle. The steering wheel is not functional, it turns in a vacuum and has the sole function of dressing the cockpit.

The eight cylinders of the engine are set in motion during travel and remain visible through the two large openings in the front cover. It is aesthetically original even if it is obviously not very realistic.

The balance between the phases of assembly of the various mechanical elements and the stages of finishing using the large body parts makes it possible not to get bored. We move quickly and we can test the few features planned before having finished assembling the model. This is the ideal combination for the youngest who want to know what a particular set of gears can do without having to wait until they reach the last page of the instruction booklet, and then regret not seeing the mechanism. concerned which is found hidden under some panels and other meta-pieces.

If we could legitimately blame the Porsche of the set 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (299.99 €) its aesthetic approximations, difficult to be so demanding here. It is not a model as ambitious as the 911 which was sold in a luxurious cardboard box. This set is more of a mid-range product that will allow those new to the LEGO Technic range to place a few gears, then a few body panels, quickly and inexpensively. The Corvette will then find its place on the corner of a shelf to fill an empty space and complete a collection of supercars in LEGO Technic version. Except for the ladder freaks who might not want to pair this mini-Corvette with their Bugatti Chiron ...

Turning the vehicle over, we see that the finish is rather successful even on this invisible part without completely concealing the mechanism which allows the engine to start moving and the steering to operate. A good point, which allows you to really understand how the different movements are transmitted from the rear wheels to the engine placed in the front.

This Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 definitely has a good face, but this is especially the case depending on the angle from which you observe the vehicle. Some positions are less flattering and the profile view reveals the aesthetic limitations of the model with wheels that look really undersized (or raised) under the new fenders and a few slightly empty spaces between the doors and the front fenders. The real Corvette ZR1 has different sized wheels at the front (19 ") and rear (20"), the LEGO version overlooks this detail. No ceramic blue Brembo brake calipers visible through the rims either. For 40 €, you shouldn't ask for too much.

The stickers representing the air intakes at the front of the doors almost duplicate the gaping holes in the bodywork which in fact perform this function ... The doors do not open, the rear spoiler is fixed, the 'front is a bit too messy for my taste and while the purists of the LEGO Technic range won't necessarily agree with me, I think the visible blue pines detract from the overall rendering of this supercar a bit. Even if it means trying to offer a successful model that visually conforms to the vehicle it claims to reproduce, a few orange pins would have been welcome to ensure the connection of the various bodywork elements.

Lots of stickers to stick in this set, but the orange tint on the roof and door covers is relatively faithful to the base color of the body parts. Too bad once again that the brand's logo is also placed on simple stickers stuck at the end of the front cover and at the back. Licensed products deserve at least the luxury of offering a pad-printed logo of the brand they are promoting.

In summary, this small unpretentious set offers a good compromise between functionality, admittedly rather limited, and aesthetics. The end result may seem rather rough from some angles, but we recognize the model that served as a working basis for the LEGO designer in charge of adapting and simplifying the thing. It is quickly assembled without spending long hours to have the impression of placing only pins, the result is solid and playable, the eight movable cylinders bring a little movement. I say yes.

Note: The set shown here is put into play as usual. To participate in the raffle, simply post a comment on this article before January 3, 2019 at 23:59 p.m.. You have every right to disagree with me, this is not eliminatory.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.