Set Review ➟ 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE
2021 brings the continuation of LEGO’s mid-sized supercar series, featuring the 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE. LEGO certainly appears to be on to something with its Technic race cars. Ever since they released the premium 42056 Porsche 911 GT3RS in 2016, supercars have had a prominent place and there appear to be 3 different sizes LEGO is aiming at. When I refer to supercars, I mean licensed LEGO Technic sets of high end cars. After the aforementioned 42056 in 2016, LEGO brought out the 42083 Bugatti Chiron in 2018. The next set in this series, though in a smaller size, was the 42096 Porsche 911 RSR last year (2019), followed by another “full size” 42115 Lamborgini Sian this year (2020). The 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE is what could be called med-sized and is this year’s offering in the segment. It is the same size as the 42096 and uses the same tires although on different rims.
These mid-sized models don’t come with the same premium packaging as their larger siblings, but the box is still has a very distinct design, partly due to the IP.
With a piece count of 1677 it is very close to the 1580 of the Porsche, and just like the Porsche it comes with 2 large sticker sheets to decorate the model
In order to preserve the instruction book and sticker sheets, LEGO has chosen to use a sturdier and more environmentally friendly solution: a cardboard envelope.
With two such large sticker sheets, I was already dreading the build. The hood is a good example of one of those sticker explosions. But to be honest, applying the stickers turned out to be less cumbersome than I anticipated.
The build
The mid-sized super cars are all about shapes and angles. In this respect, the set is a beautiful exercise placing panels and other elements at the required angles
As you build the model you go from a sturdy frame to placing wing panels at different angles and using flex tubes to create contours. The final result is very good—a real looker, although mechanically poor. At this size and with the given number of elements that is only to be expected. Adding complex mechanisms would increase the piece count considerably, and the price too, making this a top range model. However, the shape of the car is very well represented and it is a pleasure to look at
As far as mechanisms are concerned, the car is fairly simple. A view from the bottom shows how the rear axle is connected to the V8 engine in the back of the model. The front wheels are linked to the steering wheel and there is no HOG to or other easy way to steer the car.
This is easier to see in the pictures of the chassis building stages. The set starts out with the rear axle assembly to which the engine is added, as well as the suspension.
The focus then shifts to the front , building the steering axle with suspension. As you can see in the image below, the steering assembly is linked to the steering wheel, but there is no HOG.
The car has a single seat (it i a race car after all) and after widening the base it is time to start on the bodywork.
As I mentioned before, there is plenty of detail in the set, for instance in the cockpit.
The set makes good use of angle connectors to get the panels at the angles necessary to represent the curves of this Ferrari
Flexible axles are also used in several places to accentuate the curves
New elements
This set contains a few new elements. Specific to this set are the printed headlights. These curved panels really make the front of the car come alive and feel like the perfect solution to recreating the original feel of the car
Another exclusive new element in this set is the mudguard supplement that is used for the rear wheels
Since the element is not printed, we will likely see it again in future LEGO Technic sets.
A recurring new element in many of the 2021 LEGO Technic sets is an addition to the range of panels. You can find an example of the use of this piece under the spoiler, serving as a bridge between two small wing panels.
Conclusion
The 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE is a worthy addition to the series of LEGO Technic supercars. It is an entertaining build and the finished model looks really appealing.
The V8 engine is easy to see through the window/opening in the back.
And the many stickers, printed headlight and new panels make this a great looking car that's a worthy addition to any Technic collection.
We wish to thank LEGO for providing this set for review. The opinions in this review are not supported or endorsed by LEGO.
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