Lego Carbon Racers: Powder Blue Powerhouse

Lego didn't often make Tiny Turbos with rearview mirrors. Granted, I also don't do it that much with my Carbon Racers series, but here's an exception: the Powder Blue Powerhouse! I'll try to not talk so much about the rearview mirrors; this car has other cooler features too.

For instance, let's take a look at that hood intake. The piece existed at the same time as the Tiny Turbos line, but I don't think it was ever used like this. What's up with that? Also, take a second to admire this car's little hood ornament.

It's pretty easy to rebuild this car so the wheels are level, not with the rear jacked up like a dragster. Let's hope I remember to point that out again when the blueprints are underway.

Like all my cars, this one spins really well.

Here's the original Tiny Turbo I had in mind while making the Powder Blue Powerhouse: Lego set 8643, Power Cruiser. I've never owned the actual set, but now that I'm seeing a blown-up, up-close picture of it, I almost think I'm lying about that. I mean, look at that black piece sticking out under the grille! The Powder Blue Powerhouse has that too!

OK, here's how you make this car into a level-wheeled model: Use a 2x4 plate in Step 1 instead of a 2x6, and attach the wheel chassis to the 2x1 plate and bracket in Step 2 instead. Make sense? Bah, if you want it, you'll figure it out.

Hey, if you have a powder blue 2x6 plate, swap it in for the black one in Step 3. I don't have one, but I think it'd look pretty good to maintain a blue stripe at that level.

Building the front chassis. If this didn't end up more firmly attached to the front of the car, it would have really bugged me.

Mostly just adding plates and a wheel arch here . . .

One way this model improves on the Power Cruiser is the headlights behind the grille--and the addition of a hood ornament. Classy.

If you stop building here, that's OK too! Enjoy your big slab.

Look at Step 13! See the rearview mirrors! Revel in the level of detail not often seen in Tiny Turbos!

Look at Step 15! See the pointy intake piece! Revel in the cool stylings of the Carbon Racers!

Look at Step 17! See the . . . wheels! Revel in a joke I'm pounding into dust! (Also revel in the fact that the blueprint has ended.)

Build it flat-style or dragster-style, I hope you enjoy the Powder Blue Powerhouse! I certainly do, and the same applies to the upcoming Carbon Racer . . .