At ZENE Bricks, we believe that every great product is shaped not only by design, but also by real user experience. The journey of our 11376 motorized upgrade kit is a perfect example of how feedback drives meaningful improvement.

The First Design: Innovation with Limitations

In our initial version, we introduced a dual-motor rear-wheel drive system. Each rear wheel was powered independently, and steering was achieved by controlling the speed difference between the two motors—similar to a tank-style differential steering system.

While this approach was technically effective, it revealed several challenges in real-world use:

• Unnatural Driving Experience Users found the tank-style differential steering less intuitive, inconsistent with real vehicle operation. The original set had limited front-wheel steering range and outward-tilting front wheels, making traditional front-wheel steering unfeasible in the first design.
  
• Structural Stability Issue
  Under high-speed driving, the rear motor mounting components were prone to loosening or dropping, directly affecting overall stability.
• Installation & Wiring Inconvenience
  No clear phased installation guidance for different players, increasing assembly difficulty. Unoptimized motor wire routing and main control unit (MCU) placement, with no clear port connection prompts.
• Operation Guidance Deficiency
  No detailed instructions for remote control operation, motor switching, and charging safety. No solution for illegal assembly during installation.

The Redesign: A More Realistic and Reliable Solution

Based on user feedback and after-sales verification, we developed the second-generation (V3) design, with steering logic, drive system, structural reinforcement, installation process, wiring layout, and operation guidance as core improvements, all verified by actual usage and instruction updates.

1. Redesigned Steering & Drive System

• We redesigned the steering system using a micro servo motor for independent steering, just like standard LEGO power modification. It is controlled by the corresponding remote-control stick and supports steering while driving.
• The original two separate rear motors are replaced with our exclusive integrated motor, which drives both rear wheels simultaneously, making the chassis cleaner and more focused on stable driving. It is controlled by the forward and backward commands on the remote.
• Thanks to the light weight of the model, the driving speed can reach over 10 km/hr.
• Channel definition: B for front steering, C for left rear wheel, D for right rear wheel; rear wheels support independent or simultaneous control (simultaneous control provides higher speed).
• We slightly adjusted the panel decorative parts to avoid interference with the steering motor installation, keeping steering smooth while preserving the model structure.
• Remote control operation: C port vertical control, D port horizontal control; 45° diagonal toggle for dual-motor synchronous drive, with motor reversing switch for direction calibration.

2. Reinforced Structure (Key Improvement)

• Added 2×1×2 black bricks at the rear axle connection (reallocated from wheel arch parts) to strengthen mounting.

  
• Improved the connection between powered axle and chassis to reduce load-induced displacement.
• Upgraded rear motor to an integrated glued assembly, preventing forced separation and structural failure.

• Added a 1×2×3 brick to the powered axle in subsequent packages for further reinforcement.

  

3. Optimized Wiring & Battery Placement

• We greatly optimized the wiring layout, with all wires running through chassis gaps for a tidier look.
• The battery is hidden in the rear seat area. Although it occupies part of the rear seat space, the black color of the battery does not damage the original model’s appearance.
• We use a compact-sized battery that fits neatly in the designated position. There is still enough room for customization, such as placing a minifigure. The textured surface on the battery also helps fix the minifigure firmly for stable display.
• Split installation guidance: beginners install the steering motor at LEGO step 139; pros can install after full assembly.
• Clarified disassembly rules: Keep removed parts (including jack parts) for reuse; mark new parts with “new”.
• Standardized wiring: Motor wires pass through the chassis to the MCU; left rear motor to port C, right rear to port D, steering to port B.

• Added wiring accessories: 2 new single-hole pins for motor wire fixing, keeping wiring tidy.

  

4. Complete Operation & Safety Instructions

• Charging specification: Use original Type-C cable, no fast charging (risk of battery burnout); 2-second press for power on/off; charging time 45–90 minutes.
• Troubleshooting: Provided replacement part solution for illegal assembly in spare parts bag.

• Added identification parts: Green round tile to mark left rear motor wire, avoiding wrong connection.

  

Staying True to the Original Design

One important principle throughout this upgrade was to preserve the original LEGO set’s visual identity as much as possible. The earlier term “seamless integration” was inaccurate due to cultural and translation differences. Our actual goal is to maximally retain original structural and visual elements, such as 90-degree tubing and chassis details, without altering the core design, keeping the upgraded model consistent with the original build.

Supporting Our Customers: Free Upgrade Kit for All First-Version Users

Quality is our top priority. Even though the first version had already been delivered to customers, we still took full responsibility for product experience. We proactively contacted every user who received the initial version, communicated our product upgrade plan in detail, confirmed their delivery addresses, and shipped free upgrade kits to all customers at no additional cost. Users can follow the after-sales guide to complete the modification and achieve noticeable improvements in performance, stability and driving experience.

Continuous Improvement Is Our Standard

This upgrade is not just a technical revision, but a practical response to user feedback. We fixed steering experience, structural stability, installation convenience, wiring neatness, and operation safety issues one by one.

Every piece of feedback helps us move closer to our goal: creating solutions that are not only functional, but truly enjoyable to use.

If you have any questions or further suggestions, we’re always here to listen.

Comparison Table of Core Differences Before and After