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Amalgam Collection has unveiled a stunning new 1:8 scale model of the Porsche Carrera GT, and it’s aimed squarely at collectors with deep pockets and an eye for detail. The model carries a price tag well north of $20,000 US.

The exterior is finished in GT Silver Metallic, a paint that first appeared on the real Carrera GT in 2004, while the interior is trimmed entirely in Terracotta leather. According to the announcement, the interior appears to be the only accessible part of the model – suggesting that doors open to reveal the detailed cockpit. A product number is still to be determined.

Limited Edition of Just 199 Pieces

This is not a mass-market replica. Amalgam is limiting the production run to just 199 pieces at 1:8 scale. Each model is handcrafted by a small team of artisans, using self-derived CAD data obtained from a full 3D scan of an original Carrera GT chassis. Amalgam worked directly with Porsche, receiving colour and material specifications as well as period archive photography. Both engineering and design teams at Porsche reviewed the model throughout development to ensure it accurately represents the real car.

Payment is preferred by bank transfer, with card payments accepted at a 5% surcharge. A four-installment payment plan over four months is also available for interested buyers.

The Real Carrera GT: Engineering Purity

To understand the significance of this model, it helps to look at the car that inspired it. The Porsche Carrera GT was produced from 2003 to 2006 in a limited run of 1,270 examples. It began life as Project 980, an open-top LMP prototype that never raced after regulation changes killed the programme. Porsche, rather than waste the engineering, turned it into a road car. The concept was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2000, and final assembly took place at Porsche’s new Leipzig facility. The first customer car was delivered in the United States on January 31, 2004.

Under the bonnet sat a naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V10 engine originally developed for Formula One. It produced 612 PS at 8,000 rpm, with a redline of 8,400 rpm. The engine was mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission with a lightweight ceramic composite clutch. The car accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 3.6 seconds and reached a top speed over 330 km/h.

The chassis was a carbon-fibre monocoque with aluminium subframes, resulting in a kerb weight of just 1,380 kg. Suspension used pushrod-actuated springs and dampers mounted inboard, derived directly from Porsche’s endurance racing cars. The Carrera GT also featured an automatically deploying rear wing and carbon-ceramic brakes. At the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it lapped well under eight minutes, placing it among the fastest road cars of its era.

Inside, the cabin was trimmed in leather and carbon fibre, with analogue instruments and a distinctive beechwood gearknob inspired by the Porsche 917. Today, the Carrera GT is celebrated as one of the last analog supercars, a driver’s machine that resisted the trend toward electronic aids.

A Collector’s Dream

This 1:8 scale model captures that spirit in miniature. It sports a GT Silver Metallic body with a matching roof panel and a cabin upholstered in Terracotta leather, representing one of the most iconic Carrera GT specifications.

With only 199 pieces being produced and a price above $20,000, this is a serious investment for collectors of high-end automotive scale models. The model is available for order through Amalgam’s website.

The latest addition to LEGO’s Creator 3-in-1 animal lineup is doubling down on one creature. The Wild Animals: Majestic Lion (31386) packs 839 pieces into a box that lets builders create a lion, a lioness, or two playful cubs. That’s four different lion figures from a single set – but does that offer the same variety as other 3-in-1 builds?

The set is part of a continent-themed wave of Creator 3-in-1 animals, focusing on Africa. The primary model is a male lion with a flowing mane, while the alternate builds produce a lioness or two cubs. Each model can be posed standing up or lying down, thanks to movable joints. The largest model measures 30 cm long, 16 cm high, and 8 cm wide.

The set retails for $69.99 in the US, £59.99 in the UK, €64.99 in Europe, and AU$109.99 in Australia. Based on the US RRP, the price per piece lands at about $0.08. It’s designed for builders ages 9 and up. According to Brickfact, the estimated build time is around two hours.

Three Builds, All Lion

What makes this set unusual is that every build option stays in the lion family. The official LEGO product page describes the set as offering three different options with the same bricks. The lion and lioness have posable heads, mouths, and legs, allowing them to be positioned standing or lying down. The two cubs add additional articulation points, including adjustable ears, necks, tails, ankles, and wrists.

Each configuration comes with its own small savanna habitat side build featuring rocks and plants. When playtime is over, builders can create a full safari display scene. The LEGO Builder app provides 3D instructions for zooming, rotating, and tracking progress. It’s worth noting that the set cannot build all models simultaneously – you can only have one configuration at a time.

A Value Question

One early review from Rambling Brick questions whether the set delivers the same entertainment value as other Creator 3-in-1 sets that offer more diverse builds. The reviewer notes that while you can build a whole lion family by buying three sets, the similarity of the builds might reduce the novelty compared to a set that lets you build a lion, a zebra, and a giraffe. The set’s piece count of 839 places it in the mid-range for Creator 3-in-1.

For collectors and builders who love big cats, this set offers a concentrated dose of lion-building. For those who prefer variety, it may feel less versatile. The reviewer described the concept as a bit of a “cop-out” given that all three builds remain within the same animal species.

Part of a Bigger Safari

The Wild Animals: Majestic Lion is one of several continent-themed Creator releases. It follows the pattern of building highly detailed animal figures with display-friendly habitats. The official LEGO product page highlights that the set can be used for role-play imaginative safari adventures and makes a great gift idea for boys, girls, and animal lovers.

The set (number 31386-1) was first available in 2026. According to Rebrickable, the set is expected to be in production until the end of 2027. It was added to the Rebrickable catalog in May 2026. The LEGO.com store currently offers 455 Insiders points for purchases. Brickfact notes that the set is available without discount from official retailers.

Whether you’re after a single majestic centerpiece or a trio of cubs, this set delivers four lion options – just don’t expect any zebras. The set is available now through LEGO.com and other retailers.

There’s a new way to bring the world’s most famous skylines into your living room, and it comes in the shape of a tiny retro television. Arkitec, the new 3D puzzle brand from Maison Battat, has launched its CityVision line, and early reviews are calling it a clever blend of model building, display art, and screen-free relaxation.

What Is CityVision?

Each CityVision kit contains pre-cut wooden pieces that pop out and slot together to form a three-dimensional city skyline. The assembled puzzle takes the shape of a compact retro television, turning the skyline into a display piece. The current collection covers four cities: New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo. Once built, a set of color-changing LED lights can be installed inside. These LEDs cycle through colors to simulate a transition from daylight to evening, adding a dynamic visual effect to the static model. The packaging itself is designed as a retro TV box, and the puzzles include dual-sided cutouts, offering two ways to view the completed skyline.

Designed for Screen-Free Building

Arkitec targets teens and adults ages 12 and up with these kits. The company positions CityVision as an affordable, hands-on activity that gets people away from screens. The kits include instructions and everything needed to complete the build, with no glue or special tools required. The pop-out wooden pieces are designed to fit together snugly.

“Arkitec opens a whole new world of building and discovery,” says Dany Battat, Owner of Maison Battat. “With our 3D puzzles, we’re offering an experience that combines creativity, learning, and fun at a value you won’t find anywhere else.”

Two Waves at Launch

CityVision is one half of Arkitec’s initial product rollout. The brand launched with two waves: CityVision and Miniscapes. While CityVision focuses on city skylines in a TV-shaped display box, Miniscapes brings everyday lifestyle scenes to life. For example, a bustling shopping center is depicted with moving parts and lights, adding a kinetic element that CityVision lacks. Each set in both lines comes with batteries and a USB-C charging cable, so the lights and motion can be powered without hunting for additional batteries.

Pricing and Availability

Arkitec aims for an accessible price point. Each puzzle costs less than $20, making it an easy impulse buy for hobbyists, collectors, or anyone looking for a quiet evening project. According to the February announcement from Maison Battat, online sales were slated to begin at the end of that month, with a Walmart exclusive rollout following in March. Maison Battat also displayed the Arkitec line at its Toy Fair booth (No. 2125) earlier this year.

Display and Features

Beyond the build experience, CityVision puzzles are designed for display. The retro TV shape and dual-sided cutouts allow owners to change the viewing angle or backlight effect. The color-changing LEDs add an ambient glow that can shift from warm daylight tones to cooler evening hues, creating a living-room accent piece. The included USB-C cable and batteries mean the display can be powered continuously without additional purchases. Each CityVision kit includes dual-sided cutouts, LEDs, batteries, and a USB-C cable, and is available now at Walmart and online for under $20.

LEGO is dipping deep into the vault for its next Gift with Purchase. The 40912 Sea Serpent, a modern remake of the 1992 Black Knights classic 6057 Sea Serpent, has been officially unveiled and will be available from July 7 through July 12, 2026. This isn’t just any reissue—it’s the winning design from the LEGO Ideas “A Twist of Nostalgia” challenge, created by community builder HallowedBrick02.

A Nostalgic Voyage Begins

For fans of LEGO Castle, the return of the Black Knights faction is a big deal. The new set updates the original with a fresh fabric sail emblazoned with the dragon sigil. The hull is sleeker, the oars return, and the cabin hides a small treasure compartment containing a cookie, a charming nod to classic LEGO play.

Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the new Black Knights shield. It’s printed on the Legend of Zelda Hyrule Shield element and features a shimmery gold background with a detailed dragon sigil—described as absolutely stunning by those who have seen it in person. The minifigures use scale mail torsos repurposed from the Griffin Knights sets, which work well as a callback to the original Black Knights aesthetic.

What’s in the Box?

The set includes two minifigures. The original 1992 set shipped with five minifigures, so the reduction is a point of discussion among collectors. Still, the exclusive fabric sail and the new printed shields are premium touches that help justify the higher promotional threshold.

Some early critiques note that the prow is narrower and less imposing than the original, and the brown prow lacks the dragon plume that gave the 1992 version its character. The box art is also a departure—modern and minimalistic, trading the vibrant, narrative-driven scene of the original for a stark black presentation. For many, that shift is a missed opportunity.

The pitched design from HallowedBrick02 originally featured 250 elements and three minifigures, but the final retail model’s piece count has not been officially confirmed by LEGO.

The Verdict So Far

Early impressions from reviewers are mixed but ultimately positive. The fabric sail is the standout feature, giving the ship a more authentic, old-school feel. The shield design is a clear highlight, and the ability to clip shields to the sides adds to the playability. The streamlined hull is praised for its clean silhouette, though the proportions are debated.

For anyone who grew up with the original 6057 Sea Serpent or missed out on it, the 40912 remake offers a fresh way to experience a piece of LEGO Castle history. The nostalgia factor is strong, and the set is clearly aimed at adult collectors and AFOLs who remember the Black Knights glory days.

How to Get It

The 40912 Sea Serpent will be available as a free Gift with Purchase during LEGO Insiders Days 2026. To qualify, you’ll need to spend US$180 / AU$295 / £160 / €180 on LEGO.com. The promotion runs from July 7 to July 12, 2026. The threshold is on the higher side for a GWP, but LEGO is betting that the combination of exclusive fabric elements, new printed shields, and pure nostalgia will make it a must-have for castle fans.

Whether you’re sailing into the set for the first time or reliving childhood memories, the 40912 Sea Serpent looks to be a worthy addition to any collection—if you can hit that spend target.

Pro-Line Racing has just released a new clear body for the Traxxas Mini Maxx, giving owners a fresh way to make their truck stand out. The Brute Clear Body, available now for $19.99, is a pre-cut polycarbonate shell engineered specifically for the Mini Maxx platform. It’s designed to be both a durable replacement and a blank canvas for custom paint work.

Aggressive Styling with Scale Realism

The Brute body draws inspiration from full-size truck design. It features pronounced body lines, sturdy proportions, and detailed scale-inspired elements that completely change the look of the Mini Maxx. Pro‑Line describes the styling as “aggressive Brute truck styling,” and the deep contours give the truck a more substantial, ready‑to‑bash appearance. The clear shell lets owners decide the final color and graphics, turning a stock truck into a personalized creation.

Built to Take a Beating

Pro‑Line uses high‑quality polycarbonate for the Brute body, aiming to withstand the impacts, tumbles, and hard driving that come with real‑world bashing. Whether you’re running on pavement, dirt, or a skatepark, the material is meant to handle rough use while maintaining its shape. The body’s construction is described as “durable polycarbonate for long‑lasting bash performance,” and the deep body lines add rigidity as well as visual appeal.

Your Ideas, Your Paint

The clear body gives you total creative freedom. As Pro‑Line puts it: “Paint it subtle, paint it savage, or make it impossible to ignore.” The package includes window masks and a decal sheet to help you achieve a clean, professional finish. To complete the build, you’ll need your own RC body paint—Pro‑Line recommends its own RC Body Paint, but any compatible paint works.

Pro‑Line says the Brute body is “more than just a replacement body. It is your chance to build something completely your own.” The company notes that owners can create anything “from clean race inspired paint schemes to loud bash truck graphics,” turning the Mini Maxx into a full custom creation that reflects their style whether hitting pavement, dirt, or a skatepark.

Engineered for the Mini Maxx

No trimming or guesswork is required. The Brute body is pre‑cut and designed to fit the Mini Maxx’s stock mounting points, providing proper proportions and clean alignment. Pro‑Line says it delivers an “upgraded overall appearance” compared to the stock shell. The body also includes pre‑cut window openings, saving you preparation time.

What’s in the Box

• Brute Clear Body (pre‑cut, ready for paint)
• Window masks
• Decal sheet

You’ll need to supply RC body paint. The decal sheet and masks give you the tools to create a custom look without extra purchases.

Alternative Clear Body Option

For context, Traxxas also offers a clear body for the Mini Maxx under part number TRX10711. That body comes fully trimmed and ready to paint, with a protective overspray film, window masks, a decal sheet, and a set of front and rear clipless latches with mounting hardware. It is designed for the same platform and provides a different starting point for customisation. The Pro‑Line Brute body takes a distinct approach with its aggressive truck-inspired styling and muscular lines, as described by the manufacturer.

Availability

The Pro‑Line Brute Clear Body (part #PRO368117) is available now directly from ProLineRacing.com for $19.99. It fits exclusively the Traxxas Mini Maxx and is a direct, no‑modification upgrade.

FTX RC has announced the 1/10 Outback Fury 3.0 RTR Trail Crawler, the latest version of its popular Fury platform. This ready-to-run model is designed for trail driving and comes with a range of upgraded components.

What’s New on the 3.0

The Outback Fury 3.0 features a servo-operated 2-speed transmission, allowing the driver to shift between low and high gears. The reverse-drive gearbox layout positions the motor behind the axle centerline, a design intended to reduce torque twist. High-clearance locked axles keep both wheels on each axle spinning together while providing extra ground clearance.

Underneath, the model uses a rugged steel ladder frame. Hidden body mounts eliminate visible posts, giving the body a cleaner appearance. The body comes with molded accessories including a roof rack, roll cage, and inner fenders. A multi-mode LED lighting package includes Angel Eye headlights and an illuminated grille light bar.

Power and control are handled by a Hobbywing waterproof ESC and an Etronix 15kg metal gear servo. The model rides on CNC aluminum oil-filled shocks and uses front steel CVA driveshafts.

Pricing and Availability

The Outback Fury 3.0 is available in two color options: red and blue. The part number is #FTX5578V3. The model is priced at £249 (approximately $330 USD). It is listed on the FTX RC website and is available through FTX dealers.

Platform and Lineup Context

The Outback Fury 3.0 is part of FTX’s Outback 3.0 platform, which also includes models like the Outback 3.0 Paso and Outback 3.0 Treka. The earlier Fury 2.0 remains in the lineup and is listed at £239.99 on the FTX website. The new 3.0 version carries a list price of £249.99 on the FTX RC website, reflecting the upgraded hardware.

Detailed Specifications

The Outback Fury 3.0 is a 1/10 scale model. It uses a Hobbywing waterproof ESC and an Etronix 15kg metal gear servo. The shocks are CNC aluminum oil-filled units. The model features front steel CVA driveshafts for durability. The lighting system is multi-mode and includes Angel Eye headlights and an illuminated grille light bar.

Comparison to Previous Models

The Outback Fury 2.0 was listed at £239.99 on the FTX website. The new 3.0 version is priced at £249.99 on the FTX RC website. The 3.0 version includes a servo-operated 2-speed transmission, high-clearance locked axles, a rugged steel ladder frame, and a multi-mode LED lighting package. The 2.0 version did not have these features.

What’s Included

The Outback Fury 3.0 is a ready-to-run model. It includes the vehicle, a Hobbywing waterproof ESC, an Etronix 15kg metal gear servo, CNC aluminum oil-filled shocks, and front steel CVA driveshafts. The body comes with molded accessories including a roof rack, roll cage, and inner fenders. The multi-mode LED lighting package includes Angel Eye headlights and an illuminated grille light bar.

Final Details

The Outback Fury 3.0 is available in red or blue. The part number is #FTX5578V3. The model is listed on the FTX RC website and is available through FTX dealers. The price is £249 (approximately $330 USD).

Nearly 45 years after Steven Spielberg’s beloved alien first touched down on Earth, E.T. is getting a buildable brick makeover. The next set in the LEGO Ideas series is 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a posable figure that captures the distinctive wrinkles, lanky limbs, and gentle expression of the iconic 1982 film character.

Revealed on July 3, the set will launch on August 1, 2026, and it’s already available for pre-order through LEGO’s official channels.

A Fan Design Becomes Reality

Like all LEGO Ideas sets, 21370 started as a fan submission. French designer Lafabrick created the original concept, and after gathering enough community votes, it was greenlit for production. The final model retains the spirit of that design while adding official LEGO polish. It’s the latest in a string of nostalgic pop-culture builds from Ideas, following 21361 Gremlins: Gizmo and the recent 21368 Peanuts: Snoopy’s Doghouse.

Features and Articulation

The finished figure stands 24.5 cm (9.5 inches) tall, making it a good companion to other buildable character sets. LEGO has incorporated several articulation points: the head can tilt up or down and rotate a full 360 degrees, while E.T.’s forefinger is poseable to recreate his famous “phone home” gesture.

A red light brick hidden inside the chest glows when a switch is pressed, nodding to the film’s emotional heart scene. The figure also comes holding a pot of LEGO flowers, referencing the moment he revives wilted blooms. The light brick and flower pot directly reference memorable scenes from the 1982 film.

Like many recent LEGO sets, 21370 supports the LEGO Builder app, offering 3D instructions that let builders zoom, rotate, and track their progress.

LEGO’s product description sums it up: “I’ll… be… right… here.” The set is rated 18+ and marketed as a display piece for adult collectors. LEGO recommends it as a gift for film and E.T. merchandise collectors, and describes the building experience as a “fun, immersive activity” suitable for both new and experienced builders.

“Create a nostalgic piece of alien decor for your home with the LEGO Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial building set for adults.” — LEGO official product description

Pricing and Availability

21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial contains 1,226 pieces and retails at different prices across regions. In the United States, the set costs US$139.99. In the United Kingdom, it is priced at £119.99, and in the European Union at €129.99. Australian customers will pay AU$229.99, while Canadian customers can buy it for CAD$199.99. In Singapore, the set is available for SGD$199.90.

LEGO will sell the set exclusively through its own website and its network of LEGO Stores starting August 1, 2026. Pre-orders are open now at those same retailers, and customers can place orders to secure their copy ahead of the release date.

Previous LEGO E.T. Appearance

This isn’t the first time E.T. has appeared in brick form. The character was previously released as a minifigure in the LEGO Dimensions Fun Pack 71258, where he also served as a playable character in that video game. That Fun Pack was released in 2016, marking the first time the character was represented in LEGO form. The new Ideas set is a much larger, detailed display model aimed squarely at adult builders and film memorabilia collectors.

Pre-orders are open now at LEGO.com and select LEGO Stores ahead of the August 1 launch. The set carries an 18+ rating and is positioned as a display piece for adult collectors and film memorabilia enthusiasts.

The JConcepts Reactor, a purpose-built retro monster truck kit, made its competition debut at the 2026 BIGFOOT 4×4 Open House. The event was supposed to run on dry pavement, but rain fell on and off most of the day. Organizers decided to race anyway, forcing the Reactor’s first competitive laps on wet pavement — a challenging test for any new platform.

Setup Under Pressure

Per the Retro rules in effect, sway bars were not allowed, so the front and rear sway bars were disconnected with four easy-to-reach screws. Shocks were built using the included 30-weight oil and two-hole pistons, and the supplied O-ring grease was applied during assembly — a detail the builder notes many kits omit.

On-Track Performance

According to an experienced Clod Buster racer, the Reactor feels like a major step forward. The steering delivers notable precision, and the turning radius is noticeably quicker than a typical modified Clod Buster. Even with sway bars disconnected, body roll stays well controlled. The truck keeps the characteristic leaf-spring bounce over jumps, but it’s predictable and smooth, matching the retro character JConcepts set out to achieve.

The adjustable slipper clutches are a first for motor-on-axle monster trucks. The driver tightened his nearly all the way, expecting high-grip pavement, only to encounter wet conditions. The overall impression: it feels like a Retro Clod Buster where every aftermarket upgrade — new high-clearance axles, adjustable gearboxes, modern suspension, and a purpose-built performance chassis — has been engineered to work together from the start.

What the Reactor Isn’t

This isn’t a Losi LMT or an Axial SMT10. The Reactor won’t soak up giant jumps like a linked coil-over truck. It embraces leaf-spring character and refines it with modern engineering. For Retro-style monster truck racing, the builder considers it a standout in its class.

A Kit for Experienced Builders

The Reactor rewards careful assembly. The machining and molding quality are excellent, but the manual requires extra study, and using a screw just a couple millimeters too long or short can mean taking a component back apart. The kit is recommended for hobbyists who have a few builds under their belt. The parts fit and finish are in an entirely different league from a Tamiya Clod Buster.

The Reactor Lineup

The Reactor is available in two complete kits. The “Wolf” Classic (part #9008) has a 10.75-inch wheelbase, a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, and a retail price of $645.00 (MAP $537.00). The “Wolf” Racer (part #9009) uses a 13-inch wheelbase for longer jump predictability and a more scale appearance, retailing at $676.00 (MAP $564.00). Both are 1/10-scale 4WD kits that require electronics, body, tires, and wheels.

A third optional wheelbase of 9.75 inches is available as JConcepts Certified Optional parts, catering to those who want a “cartoon” look or to replicate mid-sized 1980s monster trucks. The kits feature a dual-shock leaf-spring suspension, all-aluminum oil-filled shocks, anodized aluminum hub carriers, and a bellcrank steering system with adjustable Ackerman. The gearbox assembly allows the rear motor to run in standard rotation and the same direction as the front, and it includes a dual-pad slipper clutch adjustable front and rear.

Development Story

The Reactor is the culmination of years of passion by JConcepts, founded in 2003 by Jason Ruona. The team previously released the Regulator conversion kit for the Clod Buster in 2019, which became the gold standard for Retro monster truck design. The Reactor, named for its innovative gearbox stay and pivot assembly, started development in 2022 and underwent a complete redesign during 2023 using data from earlier prototypes.

Next Up: Dirt

The driver plans to reconnect the sway bars and spend time racing on dirt later this summer, where he suspects the truck will really begin to show what it’s capable of.

After years of on-road superbikes, LEGO Technic is taking a sharp turn off the pavement. The brand has just revealed its latest licensed two-wheeler, and this time it’s built for mud, jumps, and motocross tracks.

A New Kind of Ducati for the Brick Garage

LEGO Technic 42238 Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory has officially been unveiled. It joins the lineup as the first off-road motorcycle from the Italian manufacturer in the Technic theme for several years. While previous Ducati builds—like the 2020 Panigale V4 R and the 2025 Panigale V4 S—stuck to the tarmac, this set is a complete departure. It replicates Ducati’s first-ever factory motocross machine, the Desmo450 MX, in brick form.

The set packs 457 pieces and is scheduled to hit shelves on August 1, 2026. It will retail for £44.99, $49.99, or €49.99, making it the smallest LEGO Technic Ducati to date in both piece count and price point. The set is aimed at builders aged 10 and up.

Features That Match the Real Machine

Despite its relatively modest 457-piece count, the model packs a surprising amount of mechanical detail. The build includes working front and rear suspension, designed to let the bike absorb bumps just like the real thing. A single-cylinder engine is driven by a chain connected to the rear axle, a core feature for any Technic motorcycle build. The model also features working steering and comes with a display stand so builders can show it off without worrying about it tipping over.

The model faithfully reproduces the Ducati’s signature red-and-gold colour scheme, with sticker fairings that complete the factory-team look. It’s a visual nod to the real-world bike’s racing livery.

Part of a Big August Drop

The Ducati won’t be the only new Technic set arriving on August 1. It lands alongside a wave of other builds, including:

• 42234 Dodge Viper GTS-R (805 pieces, £59.99 / $64.99 / €64.99)
• Ferrari 488 PISTA (882 pieces, £59.99 / $64.99 / €64.99)
• 42236 Custom Garage Ford Mustang GT Car (973 pieces, £79.99 / $99.99 / €89.99)
• 42239 Batmobile Tumbler (719 pieces, £169.99 / $189.99 / €189.99)
• 42233 Mighty Machines Series 1 (44 pieces, £4.49 / $4.99 / €4.99)

This is also not the first time LEGO and Ducati have teamed up. The 2020 42107 Ducati Panigale V4 R and the 2025 42202 Ducati Panigale V4 S Motorcycle both explored sport-bike territory. The new Desmo450 MX expands that collaboration into a completely different riding discipline.

Early Impressions

Early coverage from enthusiast sites has highlighted how much the set achieves with its piece count. The Lego Car Blog called it a decent addition to LEGO’s officially-licensed bike catalogue, while Brick Fanatics noted that the model includes essential mechanical features like front and rear suspension and a chain-driven engine despite being the smallest Ducati Technic set yet. The set’s display stand and working steering add to its appeal as a shelf-ready replica.

The Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory hits stores worldwide on August 1, 2026, priced at £44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99.

Just days after Bugatti unveiled the one-of-a-kind W16 Mistral ‘Blanc Éternel,’ model car collectors have something new to hunt for. MR Collection and its sister brand Looksmart have confirmed they are producing scaled replicas of the hypercar, bringing the intricate, hand-painted design to a more accessible shelf size.

The announcement lands as a high-value piece of news for scale model enthusiasts, combining a freshly revealed full-size car with immediate licensing for die-cast and resin reproductions.

What’s Being Made?

The replicas will be offered in two scales. The 1:18 version, produced under the MR Collection banner, will be strictly limited to just 199 pieces and carries the product code BUG015BE. That’s a low run for a Bugatti model, suggesting serious collector interest. Looksmart will handle the 1:43 scale edition, with the product code LS544BE. No specific production limit has been confirmed for the smaller scale yet.

At the time of writing, no official release date has been provided for either version. Given the typical lead times for licensed resin and die-cast models, enthusiasts should expect a wait, though the exact timeline remains unconfirmed.

The Car That Inspired It

The ‘Blanc Éternel’ itself is a significant send-off for Bugatti’s W16 engine era. Unveiled on July 1, 2026, this one-off roadster is a collaboration between Bugatti and the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM), the same German ceramics manufacturer that worked on the 2011 Veyron Grand Sport ‘L’Or Blanc.’

Where ‘L’Or Blanc’ used flowing blue lines on a white porcelain base, ‘Blanc Éternel’ takes a more modern approach. The design borrows from the digital modeling process: thin black lines map the NURBS surface layout of the W16 Mistral across a pure white body. This isn’t a decal job—Bugatti’s team hand-taped and masked the car to paint each line. Before painting, the body is coated in pure white, sanded smooth, and then every black line is taped and masked by hand. The result transforms the digital surface map into a tangible, handcrafted finish, making the final product as much a handcrafted art piece as an engineering statement.

Inside, the porcelain theme continues with inlays on the shift lever, window buttons, speaker cover plates, center console armrest inlay, and kneepad inlays. Exterior porcelain details appear on the engine cover, gas cap, oil cap, and the EB logo.

Model Specs and Context

Looksmart’s Bugatti page describes the full-size W16 Mistral as having been “designed with adventure in mind,” taking stylistic cues from the elegant Type 57 Grand Raid Usine. That history—victory at the 1935 Chavigny Hill Climb and a legacy of endurance—adds weight to the model’s release. Looksmart also identifies itself as an official supplier of Bugatti for international car shows and world premieres, underscoring the authenticity of the replica lineup.

The MR Collection’s 1:18 model is expected to be a premium offering, given the brand’s reputation for high-detail resin and metal replicas. The 1:43 scale version offers collectors a more compact option.

Where to Watch

For now, collectors should keep an eye on official channels from MR Collection and Looksmart Models for pre-order announcements. Given the limited edition numbers, especially on the 1:18 scale, these may move quickly when they do appear.

Bugatti has also announced a 1,000-unit run of KPM’s To-Drive Cup and Aviator Cup drinkware as part of the Blanc Éternel collection, though pricing for those items—or the model cars—has not been disclosed.

The W16 Mistral ‘Blanc Éternel’ may be a one-of-a-kind hypercar, but thanks to MR and Looksmart, a small number of collectors will be able to park a scaled-down version on their shelves.