Review: 42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has produced an impressive selection of licensed Technic vehicles in recent years, based upon designs from Ferrari, Porsche and Bugatti. 42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a new addition to the range and seems rather small in relation to past sets, containing 579 pieces and costing £39.99 or $49.99.
Nevertheless, I have been looking forward to building this Technic vehicle as it looks fantastic in official images, capturing the distinctive profile of the original car. Furthermore, the model incorporates several interesting building techniques and appealing functions so I am approaching this review with high expectations.
Construction
The assembly of Technic vehicles consistently begins with the chassis and this model is no exception. The frame is comparatively simple but feels rigid and includes a rear differential which is unusual for a model of this size. A simple steering mechanism runs for almost the entire length of the car and that is integrated neatly with the engine which is driven from the rear wheels.
Orange pieces dominate the car's exterior, potentially drawing comparisons with 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS from 2016. However, this model is less reliant upon large panels around the bonnet, instead employing several standard Technic beams and a flexible tube which has not appeared in this colour before. Building 42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 therefore feels quite different to the majority of recent Technic cars.
Conversely, the curved roof consists of three 3x13x2 panels. These capture the shape of the original vehicle effectively and I like how the doors are mounted at a slight angle, corresponding with the rear section of the Chevrolet Corvette. This structure exemplifies the interesting geometry of Technic parts and feels very robust, despite only being connected to the chassis at three points.
The rearmost bodywork is the final section to be completed. A few System parts are used in this area but there are far fewer than appear in the larger Technic vehicles that have been produced during the last couple of years. A new small wheel arch has been created for this model and has the potential to be extremely versatile in the future so I hope it will appear in some alternative colours.
The Completed Model
This rendition of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 measures 29cm in length, roughly equating to 42022 Hot Rod or 42075 First Responder. A larger scale is generally more effective for licensed models, enabling the designer to include greater detail, but I think this model looks marvellous. Its orange colour scheme, known officially by Chevrolet as Sebring Orange, demands attention and the bodywork panels combine neatly so leave few noticeable gaps.
LEGO vehicles often appear most appealing when viewed from the side and that is definitely the case here. The original Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is distinguished by an angular profile shape which has been replicated with remarkable accuracy as the rear bodywork is angled forwards, creating an elegant and aerodynamic design. However, the tyres are too small in relation to their surrounding arches and that issue cannot be easily solved as no suitable wheels are currently available.
The front of the vehicle is relatively complicated, consisting of several assemblies which are combined to form a reasonable representation of the real car. I like the flexible tube and the orange panels along the bottom edge look brilliant. The narrow trans-clear headlights are similarly impressive but this model lacks the three separate radiators which are an integral feature of the new Chevrolet Corvette.
Furthermore, the bonnet includes an unusual bulge along its centre. That is an authentic feature but it has been exaggerated quite significantly here to provide enough space for the engine underneath. An attractive series of eight cylinders are visible and these move as the car rolls back and forth, albeit in the wrong firing order. Engine functions are always enjoyable but accuracy is important for licensed models so I think the engine cylinders should have been concealed.
Turning the model upside down reveals its steering mechanism. This design feels extremely tactile and is effective, although the turning circle is fairly wide which is an issue that plagues Technic models. In addition, the underside is finished with unusual attention, leaving very few mechanical details exposed.
Two dark bluish grey seats and a rotating steering wheel are found inside. Unfortunately, there are no other controls and the doors cannot open because they are only connected to the rear bodywork. The door mirrors look marvellous though and I like the Technic ball elements which form headrests behind each seat.
Stickers form the air intakes on the doors and two more are placed on the roof, creating an orange and black colour scheme that looks perfect when compared with the original car. The shaping in this area is particularly attractive and I like how these large curved panels have been integrated with basic Technic beams. The rear wing seems high but that configuration corresponds with the source material and can be adjusted quite easily if you wish.
Relatively few System pieces are used across this model but the rear profile includes several, forming the tail lights and helping to generate a smooth curve. Four exhausts are placed beneath a black gear which controls the steering and these look great when compared with the original Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, especially since they stand out against the surrounding orange and black elements.
Overall
42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is an impressive model on the whole, although its comparatively small scale has imposed some notable limitations upon the design. For instance, the nose appears realistic when viewed from certain angles but a number of important details have been omitted. Moreover, the tyres are disproportionately small which detracts from the vehicle's appearance in my opinion.
However, I am satisfied with the broader shape of the model, especially towards the rear. The functions work perfectly too and I like the orange colour scheme which really stands out on display. The prices of £39.99 or $49.99 seem reasonable and I would therefore recommend this set to fans of Chevrolet cars, although those seeking a wholly accurate design might need to introduce some modifications.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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18 comments on this article
I remember my first technic model as a kid. It was so complicated I couldn’t even build it!
This car seems to mirror that of other technic cars, but yet still retains a bit of originality. And it seems to be at a good price too. I especially like the engine showing from out of the hood.
Thanks for the review.
I think it looks nice also, though Sariel was really unimpressed with the appearance in his video review. It does feel like it's a function or two short for a $50 set. If the hood opened to reveal the engine perhaps, and/or if the doors opened with some features inside, it'd feel both more complete and more Technic. The identically priced and similarly sized 42075 First Responder that you referenced packs a lot more functions for the price. Still, this set is my favorite of the first wave of 2019 Technic sets.
Great review, but I still think that this Corvette is horrible.
The A-pillar is too thick; the wheels are too small; the exposed yellow parts on the hood are weird; the rear spoiler is too big and the entire rear-end is awkward. The overall shape of the vehicle reminds me more of 1960s or 1970s muscle cars but definitely not a contemporary car.
It doesn't work in Technic on this scale, maybe in System it would look better.
IMHO I think the best picture of the vehicle in the review is the one without the wheels, the wheels in the set are just too small and seems out of proportion, like the car is ready to go off-road. The Corvette itself is a great display model if fitted with larger wheels, definitely a good move by LEGO for designing smaller licensed Technic cars other than larger sets only. And thanks for the detailed review!
I really wanted to like this set but the tire/wheel size is just too small to look right. All the blue pins poking through the orange detract from the appearance too.
there is one distinct similarity between the real thing and the lego.... both made of plastic :P
Can you add a picture to give a scale size idea between this set and its bigger older brothers?
At first I really wanted this set! I thought, yeah finally a US muscle car built with Technic. But I got disappointed! This ZL1 lacks so many features!
Good review, but why do you speak of "functions" working perfectly. What functions?
Afaik, other than steering, which can hardly be called a "function" rather than a basic necessity, there is none. Not even the doors open.
Technic sets have become a joke in recent years. Either they offer no functions to speak of, like this set, or they offer a few (like the Porsche GT3 or the Bugatti) but hide them so you can't see them.
Where's the "Technic" aspect of Technic sets disappeared to?
Very dissatisfying, and certainly not worth the price.
Technic sets are supposed to be about functions, and visible ones at that. For scale models there is the Creator Expert line of vehicles.
They really need to stop trying to make real cars with Technic pieces.
All their attempts at engines just make me really want a large Technic engine set. Pistons, cams, valves, moving at the appropriate times... pleeeease Lego!
@fulcrumbop - Unfortunately, I am away from home at the moment so cannot photograph this set with 42056.
@AustinPowers - The steering mechanism and moving engine cylinders are functions, by definition, despite their relative simplicity.
@willobee498... 8858 from 1980 is ready for you!!! Yeah, it's dated now, but was really cool back then!
Technic is all about appearance these days, functions are irrelevant. Kind of the inverse of how Technic started.
For a set at similar size and price range as the 42022, I think this set is superb! And I do not want any more of those standard cylinder pieces. Got a bag full of them.
From the pictures, I feel that the headlights are the weak point of the model. Maybe that gap could be filled with a couple more system parts..
For a set this size there has to be a certain compromise between appearance and functionality. Steering +link to steering wheel and this small motor thing (edit: and differential) are enough functionality for this beauty in my opinion.
If the doors would open, that would be great but I think it would add more stuff and take away from the looks.
It has several new pieces as well. I like the smaller wheel arch. Even if not sure if there are any wheels that would look perfect in there.
Just got this one. It's my first technic set in the middle price range. There's some flaws but for the price, and also the fact that this is a licensed product, it's absolutely good for what you get. Just compare it with the forklift from 2018. The corvette has only about 20 pieces less, but is (in sweden) about 100 kr cheaper (about 10 USD). This was the comparison i had when I were going to choose which set i wanted (also the fact that I'm a car lover made me decide to get the corvette..) . I can also see some great possibilities when it comes to customizing or creating MOC's since, IMO, it feels like a good parts set. They should have added an interior or the posibility to open the hood, it would defenitly make this way better. The easiest way should have just been creating a car that only exists in the lego world. No aspects when it comes to making a good replica of a real life vehicle, just free customizing. The second model, the hot rod, looks great in the pics. I love what they did with the steering mechanism for example, it's simple but fully functional and at the same time as realistic as possible. I could even buy this for just the rod itself, but with a lower price or better design solutions I also like that they went for an odd style, like modern but racing looking rod. As if it was a concept from any american car manufacturer (: (Can't build it yet since the instructions aren't available online)
To be honest, do we need the function with moving cylinders on this model? Isn't this just a display model? Then give all focus on interior and front !! Also the tail lights could have been easily improved. And the biggest issue: the wheels. Fix it. Lazy Lego technic designers... However, I still like the car and are looking forward to build the rod. Overall 7/10
Set looks great though i think the hood could use some work:)