Aurelia Butler

Lego’s partnership with Formula 1 racing now sees all 10 teams represented at the Minifig level.For the grownups, there are also highly detailed 1:8 scale sets from Technic that cost more than $200 each.Lego has also launched an online F1 portal with explainers about the racing and the teams.Formula 1 entering into a partnership with the world’s largest tire manufacturer is something you expect. Not so obvious is the fact that the tiremaker in question is Lego. It’s true: producing about 300 million tiny rubber wheels each year makes Lego the leader in tires. Now the toy legend is rolling out a huge number of scale-sized Formula 1 cars this year.LEGO LEGO Speed Champions Ultimate Formula 1 Collector’s Pack – Contains 10 Sets in 1 – Includes Exclusive Poster – Collectible F1 Model Car Kit – Exciting Gift for Adults and Racing Enthusiasts – 66802There’ve been many Lego racing sets over the years, including a partnership with Ferrari that produced a scale model of the F310 F1 car back in 1998. More recently, the Speed Champions series brought everything from Mustangs to Countachs to Lego’s Minifig scale, complete with steely-eyed little drivers.The new Speed Champions series of F1 cars includes scale models from all 10 teams, including the Red Bull RB20, Ferrari SF-24, Aston Martin AMR24, Mercedes-AMG W15, and even cars from Haas and Alpine. These are really fun sets for the budding F1 enthusiast, built for play rather than display, and with fun little details.LEGO LEGO Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 Model Car Kit – Building Set for Adults, Ages 18+ with Realistic Features – Ferrari F1 DIY Craft for Display – Gift Idea for F1 Fans – 42207For the adult Lego fan, there are currently two new sets in the range at the 1:8 scale: the Ferrari SF-24 and the Red Bull RB20. Both are under Lego’s Technic line and include built-in features like functional steering and suspension, working DRS, and even a two-speed gearbox. It’s a display model you build yourself, marveling at how Lego’s designers manage to turn little plastic bricks into a working F1 power unit with moving pistons.Also worth a mention, though not part of the new release, are the two Icons display sets featuring Ayrton Senna’s MP4/4 and Nigel Mansell’s Williams FW14B. Look! Little Lego minifig Mansell moustache! Gotta have that for the bookshelf.Beyond the sets, Lego will also be present at 13 races throughout this year’s calendar, offering young fans the chance to build at the track. There’s also a virtual component, where kids can log on to practice their own racing skills or learn about the F1 teams through the eyes of Lego world. It’s kind of like Lego Star Wars, but for Formula 1.This partnership leverages two of the most well-known brands on the planet, and grows both of them. Lego gets to appeal to F1 fans both young and old, and F1 gets to open even more access to fans who might be new to the sport. There are more sets coming in the pipeline, but right now, if you want to play out this season’s racing between Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari at the Minifig level on your desk, it’s just a couple of clicks away.The Excitement Is BuildingBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The 280SE might be peak Mercedes cruiser, with effortless V-8 power and graceful good looks.These cars were famously over-engineered, and this example ticks all the boxes with optional extras and a great color combo.This is one collectible that’s truly joyous to drive.No offense to the car, but you know Janis Joplin wasn’t praying for a 220D. She was after something divinely bestowed, one of those capital-M Mercedes from the company’s golden age of glory. Perhaps something like this gorgeous 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE convertible, currently up for sale at Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos). Bring a TrailerThat really is an excellent shade of green. Officially called Moss Green, it’s a hue that contrasts perfectly with the buttery cognac leather and wood-trimmed interior of this big Merc droptop. With the top down and that three-pointed star pointing its crosshairs at the horizon, it’d be less like driving a car and more like piloting a luxury motor launch around the French Riviera.Bring a TrailerUnder the hood is a 3.5-liter V-8 good for 200 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque, transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. You can forget about any kind of AMG-infused restomod powerboat shenanigans; this 280SE is built for elegant, relaxed cruising, and few cars do it better.Bring a TrailerMercedes-Benz built the 280SE between 1969 and 1971, and it embodies classic grace with robust engineering. The V-8 models are relatively rare, which makes them particularly prized. This is very much a car that presaged the current Mercedes credo of “The best or nothing.”Optional extras here include air conditioning and power windows. The W111 chassis was fairly advanced for its age, with double wishbone suspension up front and disc brakes all around. The wheels are 14 inches in diameter, running modern rubber and wearing color-matched covers. Bring a TrailerThrow in the torque of that unstressed V-8, and you’ve got classic looks matched with performance that’s easily capable of handling modern roads. All you’d really need to add would be some proper vintage sunglasses. Dial up some Joplin on that Becker AM/FM stereo and hit the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s what Janis would have wanted.The auction ends on March 14.Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

Experience peak 1980s excess today with this special-order Porsche 911 Turbo.Formerly owned by the colorful founder of Hawaiian Tropic, it was built by Porsche’s spare-no-expense Special Wishes department.This car combines slant-nose bodywork and old-school performance with a turbocharged and intercooled 3.3-liter flat-six, a four-speed manual transmission, and a whale-tail spoiler.There’s a scene at the end of Dumb and Dumber when Harry and Lloyd are dejectedly walking along the side of the road and the Hawaiian Topic bikini tour bus rolls up, the windows open, and the “Hallelujah Chorus” rings out. Here’s a car that has that same effect: a glorious 1984 911 Turbo flachbau—or slant nose—in metallic red on black. It was custom built for the founder of Hawaiian Tropic by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department, and it’s for sale right now on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos).Bring a TrailerLife had to be pretty good if you were the founder of the largest sunscreen manufacturer in the U.S. in the 1980s, and Ron Rice made the most of his success. A high-school chemistry teacher who mixed his first batch of sun protection in a garbage can, he grew his company to the point that he could afford to lend his Lamborghini Countach to the production of The Cannonball Run. Hawaiian Tropic was also one of the sponsors on Paul Newman’s red Porsche 935 that finished second at Le Mans in 1979, and it’s perhaps here that Rice got his inspiration for a special 911.Bring a TrailerSonderwunsch translates to “Special Wishes,” and it’s Porsche’s most exclusive division. Never mind optioning the key fobs for your Cayenne to be the same color as its paint, the Sonderwunsch team will perform requests like building the one-off 911 Classic Club Coupe, a 996-chassis version of a 1998 GT3 Touring that never existed. Cost? Over a million.Fewer than 1000 slant-nose 911 Turbos were built, including cars that were reworked by Porsche after leaving the factory, which makes them rarer than a Ferrari F40. Losing the characteristic round Porsche headlights in favor of the 935-look pointy front end isn’t to everyone’s taste, but in terms of embodying the 1980s, the look is iconic. Further, since most of these cars were special order, the specifications can vary widely.Bring a TrailerThis example is finished in a paint-to-sample metallic red that’s deep and luxuriant, with handcrafted front fenders. The interior is classic black leather, optioned with sports seats and an electric power sunroof.Mechanically, the turbocharged 3.3-liter flat-six was good for 300 horsepower when new, as this is originally a European-market car. The transmission is a stout four-speed manual, and there’s a limited-slip differential out back. Porsche 911 Turbos of this era were considerably more demanding than a modern ultra-capable executive express, but with modern Michelin tires mounted, this car should offer both an involving and exhilarating drive.Bring a TrailerWith 48,000 miles showing on the odometer and a comprehensive refurbishment within the past 10 years, this is the ideal 911 Turbo for some fun in the sun. Harry and Lloyd might have directed the bus to the next town, but some lucky bidder isn’t going to be dumb enough to miss out on this special wish of a Porsche.The auction ends on March 12.Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

It is very much a buyer’s market. The tables have once again tilted in favor from dealers to consumers thanks to the glut of new-vehicle inventory leading to surprisingly low prices not just on EVs but on gas-powered vehicles as well. Even in March, half of the best leases on our list are 2024 models—and there are thousands of them in stock, not just a few dozen. May the best buyer win!Check Our Leasing GuideMake sure you first read our leasing guide. We’ve covered everything that may get glossed over in the showroom: advertising fees, money factors, residuals, legal implications, and all the other fine print that could cost you thousands more than you’d expect. When comparing similar cars, be aware that a lower monthly price often demands more money up front. As with any national lease special, enter your ZIP code on an automaker’s website to check if these deals apply to your area. Prices do not include taxes or fees and may be higher or lower depending on your location. Research is always your friend. SUV Lease DealsChevrolet$299 per month/$3879 at signing24 months/20,000 milesElectric cars selling slowly? Give ’em a Costco push! Chevrolet is offering rebates on the Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV of either $1000 or $1250, dependent on the buyer’s Costco membership tier. That’ll help sweeten the lease on the 2024 Blazer EV—there are more than 2500 sitting on lots as of March—for anyone currently on a non-GM lease. This special is for the all-wheel-drive 2LT. With the Costco deal, the EV is cheaper than the gas Blazer and is one of the more affordable mid-size electric SUVs.Ineos$849 per month/$8544 at signing36 months/30,000 milesThis is hardly cheap, but for anyone who’s been lusting after a Mercedes-Benz G-class, it’s a deal. The Grenadier, from a U.K.-based startup, is a modern mashup of a G-class and the classic Land Rover Defender. The total package is compelling. You’ll never see a discount on a G550, and while a new Defender 110 is cheaper to lease, the Grenadier has a rugged, crude charm that the newer version has largely shed. Ineos will knock off another $2500 if you own a Defender. Rivian$599 per month/$7000 at signing36 months/30,000 milesEvery Rivian is fast and full of technology, including the R1S Dual Standard in this lease. It boasts 533 horsepower and an air-spring suspension. The unique design stands out among EVs that look like eggs and SUVs that blend into the background. Cold-weather efficiency is poor even with the Max battery, but for most multi-car households, an R1S will be a delight in all seasons. Jeep$229 per month/$4209 at signing24 months/15,000 milesFor two decades, Jeep rarely offered incentives on Wranglers, which left the lot as soon as they arrived and earned both their maker and their dealers fat profit margin. For the past couple years, though, Jeep has quietly lowered lease prices on the Wrangler to the level of ordinary compact SUVs and even smaller sedans. The Willys 4xe on this special is the lowest we’ve seen since the plug-in-hybrid Jeep—subsidized by $7500 in federal lease credits—was introduced for 2021. A gas-only Wrangler is now at the price the 4xe was last year (roughly $400 per month), and for those financing, Jeep is automatically taking 10 percent off certain 2024 models. The only catch for this cheap lease is the mileage, which is 5000 miles less than leases on other Jeep models. Marc Urbano|Car and Driver$329 per month/$329 at signing36 months/30,000 milesIn Subaru country, otherwise called New England and the Pacific Northwest, no one drives a Solterra. It has the body cladding, all-wheel drive, and the ground clearance, but the real-world range and slow charging speed diminish the appeal of Subaru’s first EV. In response, Subaru—which rarely discounts its cars that steeply— asks for nothing down other than the first month’s payment. However, the Toyota bZ4X, the Solterra’s twin, is $2200 cheaper even with a $3999 signing payment. Truck Lease DealsFord $399 per month/$5231 at signing36 months/31,500 milesEvery so often, a full-size pickup truck can be picked up at the price of a compact crossover. At Ford that moment is now, and for once we’re not talking about the Lightning. This special is for the STX SuperCrew 4×4 with the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6. With a 36-gallon fuel tank, range won’t be an issue. The STX can tow 8000 pounds and comes with 20-inch gray wheels and enough tech to make it more appealing than the base XL. Car Lease DealsMichael Simari|Car and Driver $219 per month/$3999 at signing36 months/30,000 milesWhat car can hit 52 mpg, travel 600 miles in one sitting, and achieve better efficiency than most EVs? This car, the Prius Prime, is why plug-in hybrids are a smart choice for so many buyers. With 220 horsepower and a shapely body, the fifth-generation Prius is neither sluggish nor ugly. The SE in this lease is the Prime’s most efficient trim. (For 2025, to make the Prime’s capabilities plainly obvious, Toyota is renaming it to Prius Plug-in Hybrid.)Honda $299 per month/$3599 at signing36 months/30,000 milesYou won’t find a lease special on the Civic Si, but the Sport Hybrid delivers an equal 200 horsepower (and quicker acceleration), albeit without a stick shift. Handling, steering, interior quality—it’s all there in spades, plus fuel economy that’s nearly as high as the Prius Prime (47 mpg in our tests). If you’re leasing a Honda or another competitor, knock off $200 from the signing payment and $10 off per month. Clifford Atiyeh is a reporter and photographer for Car and Driver, specializing in business, government, and litigation news. He is president of the New England Motor Press Association and committed to saving both manuals and old Volvos. More