Review: 42137 Formula E Porsche 99x Electric
Posted by Huw,42137 Formula E Porsche 99x Electric is one of two Technic cars with pull-back motors and premium prices that have just been released. We reviewed the other one, 42138 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 last month.
It's the third Technic Porsche and the first electric car from any manufacturer to be recreated as a Technic model.
Summary
42137 Formula E Porsche 99x Electric, 422 pieces.
£44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99 | 10.7p/11.8c/11.8c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
A reasonable looking vehicle but it lacks functionality.
- Colourful livery
- New Technic panels
- Stickers
- No functionality beyond pull-back motors
- Price
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The vehicle, which first raced in the 2019-2020 Formula E competition, has a maximum speed of 280Km/h and reaches 100Km/h in 2.8 seconds.
The most obvious visual difference between Formula 1 and Formula E cars is that the latter have covered wheels, which I suspect improves the vehicle's aerodynamics and thus efficiency.
Images from the Porsche newsroom.
Large sticker sheets are par for the course for Technic sets, particularly licensed ones, and there are enough here to cover virtually every panel on the car.
The set introduces three new parts, including two new mirrored panels:
Like other Technic panels they are numbered on the inside to ease identification: 60 and 61.
A 5-long curved beam/shell piece, shown here with the 3-long one that came out last year, appears in this and another 2022 set.
- 80286 SHELL 5X1X2, W/ CROSS HOLE
Like the Shelby, there are two pull-back motors mounted on the rear axle and a ratchet mechanism between them that prevents the car from launching forward until the lever -- the large red appendage protruding from the back -- is pressed. The system and its performance is much the same as that in the Shelby, and you can see how it works in its review.
The completed model looks to be a very good representation of the real thing. It definitely benefits from having an interesting livery rather than being a single colour.
The new panels are utilised to create the distinctive shape of the rear tail fins, and it's understandable why a new design was needed. They are a versatile shape, so I suspect they'll be cropping up in a lot more sets this year.
The real car does have a red appendage at the back, but it's not as prominent as the lever that releases the ratchet. When in the up position, the car remains stationary after pulling it back, and it's released by pressing it down, perhaps with your foot.
The mechanism is better integrated into the design of the car than in 42138 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which requires bodywork to be removed to operate it.
The Porsche is 5.1m long x 1.7m wide and this model 30cm x 12cm which makes the scale 1:17 lengthwise and 1:15 widthwise, so it's slightly wider than it should be, although the discrepancy is not particularly noticeable.
This is an attractive display model with the added bonus of five minutes of fun with the pull-back motor. Beyond the motors, though, there's no other functionality and not a gear in sight, which will disappoint Technic traditionalists.
The AR app which accompanies this and the Shelby which allows you to stage virtual races is now available and might add to the excitement, but I must admit that I've not tried it yet.
I can't help thinking that it doesn't look like it's worth the asking price of £44.99 / $49.99 / 49.99€, particularly when compared to other similarly priced sets such as 42106 Stunt Show Truck & Bike and 42122 Jeep Wrangler. It's not yet listed at Amazon, but I'm sure once it is it'll be reduced soon after to something more reasonable. If you can't wait, then it's available at LEGO.com now.
It's commendable that LEGO is producing more models of electric vehicles nowadays and I think it's reasonable to assume that the trend will continue in the coming years given that the days of vehicles powered by fossil fuels are numbered. Wouldn't it be cool if the next Technic supercar was an electric one...
Thanks to LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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30 comments on this article
I'd completely agree. These are £35 sets at best. Even with the App (which isn't great) there's no way these are worth £45.
Having built them both, if you were only going to buy one, I'd say it depends what you want it for. If it's for display, the Mustang probably just edges it. If you want to play with it, however, the Porsche gets it because the ratchet release is built into the car, whereas the Mustang requires you to remove part of the tailgate and 'plug in' a lever, which is a bit clumsy in my opinion.
*Has been corrected*
The dimensions of a Formula E car are 5.1 meters long and 1.77 meters wide. So the widthwise scale is about 1:15. Still not perfect but a lot closer than your calculation.
Solid meh. Omg this is Technic in name only.
@jaap3740 said:
"The dimensions of a Formula E car are 5.1 meters long and 1.77 meters wide. So the widthwise scale is about 1:15. Still not perfect but a lot closer than your calculation."
Thank you. I misread my scribbled notes. I've corrected the article.
How is this a Technic model? No functionality at all, just a kids pullback toy. Did I miss something?
^ Welcome to the new world of Technic...
Great review as always Huw.
Is it just me or is the halo, the thing above the driver's seat, way too low?
@brickengineeringdude said:
"Great review as always Huw.
Is it just me or is the halo, the thing above the driver's seat, way too low?"
It is, but I kinda prefer it that way.
Five minutes of fun, for only $10 per minute!
Get yours today!
While I think this one is quite a bit better then the Mustang (still way too many stickers obviously, but it might even look presentable without most), I still don't think it's a good set. And definitely not for this price.
But I feel there's a much bigger problem with these sets: I can't help but keep wondering what Lego expects the target audience to be. I don't mind the cheaper pullback sets, while the functionality is obviously limited, the play value is great for younger kids, and therefore a perfect entry into the world of Technic. These new sets however are 9+.....but which 9 year old is still interested in pullback toys? If I gave one of these to my 9 year old nephew, he would probably ask if I've gone mad. He's not a little kid anymore! Put in a RC system, or don't even bother. And I'm pretty sure his younger brother would take two Monster Jam sets (still cheaper...) over either the Mustang or Porsche any day of the week.
But as a direct result of these being pullback sets, there's no other functionality whatsoever, and the looks are somewhat crude since it has to be sturdy. So for anyone not using it as a pure play set, this is a huge step back compared to sets like the McLaren, Jeep and Vette.
I guess the marketing department of Lego knows something I don't....
Thank you for providing a comparison image!
I think the back half looks really good (even if the halo is too low) but the front half looks really bulky. The colour scheme doesn't help either because the front has no contrast so it's a white mess.
It's a set of a subject I'm interested in but I have a feeling it's only the price it is because of the two motors.
That's why I only have system Lego in my collection. Technic has lost it's way a bit in my opinion especially when it comes to the cars. I think the best Lego cars made today are the Creator Expert and Speed Champions ones. Much cheaper, more fun to build and has enough play features that don't reflect on the price. I had Technic sets but sold them all - only one I have kept was my Technic Control Centre 2 brought by my dad for £120 back in the 90's. That pretty much sums up my view on Technic lego
Enjoyed this review, especially since Technic as all things technical are my domain, though I'm dismayed by the lack of technical functionality in this Technic design. But good for TLG to expand to new markets.
I'm hoping for a new must-have flagship, such as the 8480 or 42030, though this set is obviously not the flagship of the year.
@WizardOfOss said:
"But I feel there's a much bigger problem with these sets: I can't help but keep wondering what Lego expects the target audience to be. I don't mind the cheaper pullback sets, while the functionality is obviously limited, the play value is great for younger kids, and therefore a perfect entry into the world of Technic. These new sets however are 9+.....but which 9 year old is still interested in pullback toys?"
A very good point and now you mention it I wonder that myself. It's too simple and 'toyish' for aduits and too expensive for kids who as you say can have just as much fun with the monster Jam sets for 1/3rd the price.
Was there anything on last year's technic survey that could have hinted towards this? I remember questions about more licensed sets, but was there anything about more pullbacks?
I wonder how well that larger truck+bike pullback set sold? Maybe that told them there was a market for this.
@Wavelength said:
"Was there anything on last year's technic survey that could have hinted towards this? I remember questions about more licensed sets, but was there anything about more pullbacks?
I wonder how well that larger truck+bike pullback set sold? Maybe that told them there was a market for this. "
In the survey I did mention new sorts of functionality, like camshafts, McPherson struts and clutches. So this is the result...
If if were a kid, and could pick a set of the same price, and wanted a big car I'd definately go for something like 71776 : Jay and Nya's Race Car EVO or 80031 : Mei's Dragon Car.
I think such cars as Speed Champions would've been more interesting.
As a kid I used to think Technic cars with steering , alternate models, or helicopters, even with manual gearing, etc are cool, but Technic was also very much System-based still so a lot of the parts pile could be used in system.
But in 2022 for pullback, there are the much cheaper monster truck, or City Stuntz bikes with flywheel.
I'm not hating on the set, just seems in a weird place.
If I wanted a technic vehicle , 42140 : App-controlled Transformation Vehicle is of course like 2.5x more expensive then this, but seems a lot more interesting.
(I’m a technic fan boy.) No way I’d pay $50 for this set. You can get 3 speed champion sets on sale right now for $50. If it gets to $29.99 I’d probably buy one for the car hauler.
Thank you for adding the original photos, as shows that formula-e cars are very difficult to do at this scale in Technic as the nose cone is too pointed and the front wheel arches too curved. I do like the new 'tail fin' panels though.
It's also difficult to compare against the previous pull back motors, as the size and piece count is more akin to two $20 single pull-back sets combined. Which asks the question does there need to be two pull-back motors, when one has worked well enough for the last 10 years?
I will admit the new launch mechanism has gained my attention, but I may see if there are no special parts whether I can retro-fit my existing pull back motors to see what impact two vs one motor gives!
@ambr , these sets are quite heavy, and have relatively small wheels so as it is they don't go very far with two motors. They'd be even more disappointing with just one.
Is it a great pullback? Yes.
Is there a target audience for pullback-models this size? Not sure. We will see next year I guess ;).
About the review:
If a model is all about 'racing'/playing and 'AR-interaction' maybe add a video-clip. Texts that describe how you guess it should be used are kind of pointless. Or atleast play with it and describe your experience in textform. :|
I fear, like many others, that LEGO have lost their way with the smaller Technic seats.
I’d be keen on the Shelby Mustang (love the green, and it goes nicely with the orange Corvette!), if it had proper working Technic features (replacing the pullback motors & stupid thing sticking out the back!), and slashed 20-30% off the price!
Such a pity.
I am keen to see what this Porsche looks like without all the stickers on it?…..
@Gimmick said:
"Is it a great pullback? Yes.
Is there a target audience for pullback-models this size? Not sure. We will see next year I guess ;).
About the review:
If a model is all about 'racing'/playing and 'AR-interaction' maybe add a video-clip. Texts that describe how you guess it should be used are kind of pointless. Or atleast play with it and describe your experience in textform. :|"
Some sets are better served by video reviews, I agree, but as several people already do an excellent job of making them, that we would not be able to match or surpass, so we'll leave it to them. We don't need to be a one-stop shop for everything.
Another way to look at it is, would providing a video review, which could take at least 2-3 hours to produce, add significantly to the readership of the review? I don't think so.
You'd have thought that this would have been the ideal candidate for the electric system a la buggy and Top Gear car.
Lets be honest, a kid would probably have more fun with both monster trucks - 42135 , 42134 and you could have 42132 the little motorbike as well for the same money as the Porsche.
Hopefully we DONT get any electric car Technic models because all the gears and functions of a real car will be eliminated! Why waste a Technic set on that?
Am I the only one that saw "electric" and "app" and was thinking this was a remote controlled model using the PoweredUp app? Needless to say I was disappointed to find out it is just a pull-back. I too, am not sure if there is a market for pull-back Technic set at this price point.
@lemish34 said:
"I fear, like many others, that LEGO have lost their way with the smaller Technic seats.
I’d be keen on the Shelby Mustang (love the green, and it goes nicely with the orange Corvette!), if it had proper working Technic features (replacing the pullback motors & stupid thing sticking out the back!), and slashed 20-30% off the price!
Such a pity.
I am keen to see what this Porsche looks like without all the stickers on it?….."
As for having actual functions on the Mustang, you can try this free Rebrickable mod to add steering and the engine https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-96351/nguyengiangoc/42138-manual-version/details
or stay tuned for instructions of this steering/engine mod by the original set designer: youtube.com/watch?v=YHinuTRIpa8
@gorf43 said:
"Hopefully we DONT get any electric car Technic models because all the gears and functions of a real car will be eliminated! Why waste a Technic set on that? "
Only thing that would be eliminated is piston engine. Transmission, suspension, steering and gears are still a part of a car, whatever it's engine consumes as fuel.
Easy, easy pass. It doesn't even have steering, which feels like a basic essential in any Technic car.