Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ken Block's latest Gymkhana vid goes small scale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/ken-blocks-latest-gymkhana-vid-goes-small-scale/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/ken-blocks-latest-gymkhana-vid-goes-small-scale/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/ken-blocks-latest-gymkhana-vid-goes-small-scale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you've been waiting for someone to combine R/C cars and Ken Block's brand of gymkhana, you'll want to pay a visit to Hot Wheels. The toy maker has produced a replica of Block's rallying Ford Fiesta, and after you load the required eight AA batteries you'll be drifting it around corners WRC-style in much less time than it took Block to learn his craft.

We won't mention the center-mounted wheel under the car that makes it all a bit easier. Instead, you can scroll down to see a video of Ken Block writ small for yourself.

Continue reading Ken Block's latest Gymkhana vid goes small scale

Ken Block's latest Gymkhana vid goes small scale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestaford fiestahot wheelsken blockken block rc carmattelradio controlradio controlledrc carvideoFri, 20 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/ken-blocks-latest-gymkhana-vid-goes-small-scale/20220320/article-detail.xml 20220320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/kenblockhotwheelscar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/kenblockhotwheelscar.jpg <![CDATA[Are you the 2013 SRT Viper?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/are-you-the-2013-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/are-you-the-2013-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/are-you-the-2013-srt-viper/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As is the way these days, Chrysler has begun an achingly slow striptease for the 2013 SRT Viper, with zoomed-in closeups and shadowy shots that are difficult to glean much from. But just as they did during your childhood, Hot Wheels may have a quicker way for you to get your hands on the Pentastar's super coupe. The hyper-pixelated image shown above appears to be the 2013 Viper wrought in diecast 1/43 scale. Reportedly from a poster showing the toymaker's 2012 line of vehicles, this could just be our best look at the big snake yet.

While the wheels appear to be exaggerated in typical Hot Wheels fashion, the greenhouse and the long hood all seem to fit what we would expect for a new Viper, including an aggressive hood that appears to have at least three vents. The gaping lower fascia and headlamps look to be new forms as well, and if we squint a little, the roof looks like it could be a double-bubble. If this image is correct, it would seem to be clear that Chrysler has not forgotten about the car's heritage. Will it be modern enough while retaining the Viper's stock-in-trade rawness? We hope to know more soon.

Are you the 2013 SRT Viper? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge viper2013 srt viperchryslerdodge viperhot wheelssrtsrt-10viperviper srt-10viper srt10Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20177689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/are-you-the-2013-srt-viper/20177689/article-detail.xml 20177689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-dodge-viper-hot-wheels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-dodge-viper-hot-wheels.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block gets own line of Hot Wheels in time for holiday season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/ken-block-gets-own-line-of-hot-wheels-in-time-for-holiday-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/ken-block-gets-own-line-of-hot-wheels-in-time-for-holiday-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/ken-block-gets-own-line-of-hot-wheels-in-time-for-holiday-season/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ken Block Hot Wheels black Ford Fiesta WRC

Like floods, wildfires and tsunamis, the Ken Block marketing machine is a force of nature. The exhibition driver has partnered up with Mattel for a special line of Hot Wheels toys that include 1:64-scale die cast versions of Block's WRC Ford Fiesta in either black or white liveries. As with most Hot Wheels toys, the cars are priced at $1, which means that just about everyone can afford to find one of these in their stocking this year.

Mattel has also unveiled two different remote controlled Ken Block cars, starting with the radio-controlled Nitro Speedsters Ford Fiesta. The pint-sized R/C car is a self-contained controller and racer unit, perfect for stuffing in your pocket. We imagine the tiny wireless car would be ideal for disrupting class or the occasional office meeting. The whole kit will set you back $25.99.

Those of us who demand a slightly larger R/C experience may opt for the Ken Block R/C Fiesta Stunt Car. The toy allows just about anyone to execute either wide or tight drifts with little more than a press of a button, and with a scale speed of 0-80 mph in two seconds, the toy should be plenty of fun for $45. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ken Block gets own line of Hot Wheels in time for holiday season

Ken Block gets own line of Hot Wheels in time for holiday season originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordford fiestaford fiesta wrchot wheelsken blockken block hot wheelsmatteltoytoysTue, 22 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/22/ken-block-gets-own-line-of-hot-wheels-in-time-for-holiday-season/20111852/article-detail.xml 20111852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ken-block-hotwheels-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ken-block-hotwheels-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept fulfills a childhood fantasy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-concept-fulfills-a-childhood-fantasy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-concept-fulfills-a-childhood-fantasy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-concept-fulfills-a-childhood-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept

If you played with Hot Wheels as a kid (or as an adult, as some on the Autoblog team have admitted to doing), then you've probably imagined what it would be like to have the thing in full size. Chevrolet has tried to make that a reality, creating a Camaro concept car inspired by the "Custom Camaro" 1/64-scale model that was part of the original Hot Wheels collection released in 1968.

Making its debut at SEMA today, the Camaro Hot Wheels Concept features chrome green paint, ghosted Hot Wheels logos on the fenders, satin black wheels, a Euro-style rear fascia and taillights and black aluminum hood insert with milled heat extractors. Under the hood is the standard LS3 V8.

You can read a full list of the car's features after the jump, and be sure to check out our live photos in the gallery above.

Continue reading Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept fulfills a childhood fantasy

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept fulfills a childhood fantasy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletchevrolet camaro hot wheels concepthot wheelssemasema 2011Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20096197/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-concept-fulfills-a-childhood-fantasy/20096197/article-detail.xml 20096197 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Mother of all Hot Wheels tracks leaves us speechless, if real [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/mother-of-all-hot-wheels-tracks-leaves-us-speechless-if-real/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/mother-of-all-hot-wheels-tracks-leaves-us-speechless-if-real/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/mother-of-all-hot-wheels-tracks-leaves-us-speechless-if-real/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We'll admit it, this video isn't exactly new, but it's the first time we're seeing it and, honestly, we're stunned. The creators have dubbed this "The Mother of All Hot Wheels Tracks," and after sitting at our desks with wide eyes and dropped jaws, we're inclined to agree. And not just because it's amazing to watch a little toy car run a claimed 2,000-foot gauntlet of orange plastic - it's remarkable from a construction standpoint, too. Think about it: How many times would you design an elaborate Hot Wheels track only to have the whole thing come apart around Turn Four?

Consider this thing the Nürburgring of the Hot Wheels world.

Being the skeptics that we are, we so have to question the authenticity of this race course, only because the changing camera angles leaves some wiggle room for building the sections separately with much less track. You can vote yea or nay in our poll below, but frankly, we want to live in a world where this is 100 percent real.

Regardless, it's an amazing feat of Hot Wheels engineering, and we highly encourage you to take four minutes out of your day to watch the full video, posted after the jump.

View Poll

Continue reading Mother of all Hot Wheels tracks leaves us speechless, if real [w/poll]

Mother of all Hot Wheels tracks leaves us speechless, if real [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot wheelsmatchboxtoystrackvideoWed, 19 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20085365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/mother-of-all-hot-wheels-tracks-leaves-us-speechless-if-real/20085365/article-detail.xml 20085365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/hot-wheels-mother-of-all-tracks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/hot-wheels-mother-of-all-tracks.jpg <![CDATA[Metropolis II diecast kinetic art installation gets the mini documentary treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/metropolis-ii-diecast-kinetic-art-installation-gets-the-mini-doc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/metropolis-ii-diecast-kinetic-art-installation-gets-the-mini-doc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/metropolis-ii-diecast-kinetic-art-installation-gets-the-mini-doc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

metropolis ii installation

For us, one of the few nice parts about commercial flight is being able to look out of the window shortly after takeoff and see just how small and genuinely insignificant we all appear from just a few thousand feet in the air.

One glance can swallow the whole of a thousand families and all of their innumerable multitudes of problems. It's the difference between trying to make sense of a photograph by the pixel and stepping back to appreciate the whole. That and the fact that all of the cars and trucks look like Matchbox toys.

You may recall the kinetic sculpture Metropolis II by Chris Burden. The work, which took four years to complete, features 1,500 Hot Wheels diecast cars and a host of electric trains all bustling around a matrix of steel and plastic. If that sounds like a snapshot of your morning commute, you're not alone.

Burden recently sat down with directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman for a quick chat on what's behind Metropolis II and what it means to the artist. Those of you in Southern California may be able to see the exhibit in person at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the fall of 2011. For the rest of us, the mini documentary is well worth checking out and can be seen after the jump.

Continue reading Metropolis II diecast kinetic art installation gets the mini documentary treatment

Metropolis II diecast kinetic art installation gets the mini documentary treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel schulmanchris burdenhenry joosthot wheelshot wheels videokinetic sculpturemetropolis iimodel carstoy carsWed, 03 Aug 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20008216/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/03/metropolis-ii-diecast-kinetic-art-installation-gets-the-mini-doc/20008216/article-detail.xml 20008216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/metropolis-ii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/metropolis-ii.jpg <![CDATA[Creator of Hot Wheels dies at 95]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/creator-of-hot-wheels-dies-at-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/creator-of-hot-wheels-dies-at-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/creator-of-hot-wheels-dies-at-95/#commentsFiled under:

elliot and ruth handlerElliot Handler provided countless hours of joy to young men and women around the world. He is one half of the team that founded the Mattel toy company in 1945. Elliot (shown at right with his daughter, Barbara), along with his wife Ruth and Mattel co-founder Harold Matson, established a business that's now a multi-billion dollar company employing over 30,000 people.

Elliot and Ruth created toys that are cherished by millions. Ruth is credited with bringing the Barbie lineup to life, while Elliot built Hot Wheels so that boys would also have a toy of their own.

Elliot Handler was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 9, 1916. His wife Ruth passed away on April 27, 2002. Elliot passed away on Thursday at the age of 95.

Our condolences go out to his family, and we'd just like to thank Handler for all the happy memories.

Creator of Hot Wheels dies at 95 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elliot handlerhandlerhot wheelsmattelmattel toysruth handlerMon, 25 Jul 2011 14:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19999780/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/25/creator-of-hot-wheels-dies-at-95/19999780/article-detail.xml 19999780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/elliott-handler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/elliott-handler.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the near-disaster Hot Wheels world record practice jump you've never seen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tanner Foust's near-disaster Hot Wheels jump
Tanner Foust's near-disaster Hot Wheels jump - Click above to watch the video after the break

If you were tuned in to the Indy 500 this year, you probably saw Tanner Foust, also known as the rather ambiguous Yellow Driver, set a new world record by flying 332 feet through the air from ramp-to-ramp in a custom-made pickup truck. This Hot Wheels-sponsored event was a pretty spectacular feat, and it went off without a hitch.

Well, at least the actual, official record-setting jump went off without a hitch.

As you'll see in the video after the break, not all of Foust's practice runs were nailed with such grace and perfection. As a matter of fact, at least one of them nearly sent both truck and driver end-over-end. We'd say equal parts of luck, driver skill and safety precautions ended up keeping Foust and the specially prepared truck from an impromptu test of the roll cage.

See for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading Watch the near-disaster Hot Wheels world record practice jump you've never seen

Watch the near-disaster Hot Wheels world record practice jump you've never seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidenthot wheelshot wheels jumphot wheels stuntindy 500jumpstunttanner fousttruck jumpFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19969832/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/19969832/article-detail.xml 19969832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hot-wheels-jump-disaster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hot-wheels-jump-disaster.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels Video Racer gets tested, allows for nausea-inducing fun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/hot-wheels-video-racer-gets-tested-allows-for-nausea-inducing-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/hot-wheels-video-racer-gets-tested-allows-for-nausea-inducing-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/hot-wheels-video-racer-gets-tested-allows-for-nausea-inducing-f/#commentsFiled under: ,

hot wheels video racer
Strap in and check out the Hot Wheels Video Racer in action - Click above to watch video after the jump

Someone over at DadDoes got their hands on the new Hot Wheels Video Racer toys. If you're not familiar with the latest from Mattel, allows us to explain. This newest Hot Wheels car is basically a rolling video camera. A lens sits up front, and it's covered up by a Hot Wheels body. Out back, a USB port allows you to download your footage...um, we mean your kids footage, of course.

The DadDoes reviewer tests out the camera by running the car down a few tracks. The resulting footage is both fast and furious. If you're prone to motion sickness, you may want to skip this one, but if not, then click past the jump to see the Hot Wheels Video Racer in action. Also, be sure to head over to DadDoes.com for the full write-up on the $59.99 toy-version of a GoPro camera.

Continue reading Hot Wheels Video Racer gets tested, allows for nausea-inducing fun

Hot Wheels Video Racer gets tested, allows for nausea-inducing fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daddoeshot wheelshot wheels video racermattelmini cameraminiature cameratoysvideovideo cameravideo racerThu, 09 Jun 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963182/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/09/hot-wheels-video-racer-gets-tested-allows-for-nausea-inducing-f/19963182/article-detail.xml 19963182 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hot-wheels-video-racer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hot-wheels-video-racer.jpg <![CDATA[Tanner Foust completes record-setting Team Hot Wheels jump at Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/#comments Team Hot Wheels
Team Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record jump attempt - Click above for high-res image gallery
Prior to the start of today's Indy 500, fans finally got to see the long-awaited Team Hot Wheels world-record jump attempt. The mystery "Yellow Driver" piloted specially-prepared truck down the 90-foot ramp that had been under construction in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's infield over the last several weeks. The neat gimmick behind Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" event was that the launch ramp itself was built to simulate that orange track we all grew up with, hung from a giant 10-story door. Talk about pandering to a guy's inner child...

Anyhow, the stunt itself was a success, and fans at the Brickyard watched the truck sail, ramp-to-ramp, 332 feet through the air, setting a world record for four-wheeled vehicles in the process. Upon landing, the mystery driver doffed his helmet to reveal himself as American Top Gear host Tanner Foust. If you want to see the jump yourselves, be advised that ABC will air the stunt at 3:30 PM Eastern time today, following the conclusion of its Indy 500 race coverage. Check out the first few photos from the event below, and follow the jump for the press release.

UPDATE: Video of the jump now added after the break as well.

Gallery: Team Hot Wheels "Fearless at the 500" Jump

Continue reading Tanner Foust completes record-setting Team Hot Wheels jump at Indy 500

Tanner Foust completes record-setting Team Hot Wheels jump at Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fearless at the 500hot wheelsindy 500record jumptanner foustteam hot wheelsSun, 29 May 2011 14:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19953076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/19953076/article-detail.xml 19953076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/hwjump1lo-1306694616_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/hwjump1lo-1306694616.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels world record jump at Indy 500 starting to take shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Indianapolis 500 jump

The ramp designed to propel Hot Wheels' mystery driver to world record glory at the 100th Indianapolis 500 is starting to take shape. The ramp doesn't look quite like it did in Hot Wheels' original rendering, but it's still an enormous and terrifying structure. Don't believe us? Check out a full gallery of the ramp on the speedway's Flickr page.

Hot Wheels' goal is to propel a winged off-road truck 302 feet through the air, which would clinch the world record for distance. The death-defying stunt will kick off the excitement at next weekend's Indy 500.

Hot Wheels world record jump at Indy 500 starting to take shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 May 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100100th anniversary100th indianapolis 500500anniversaryhot wheelsindianapolisindianapolis 500indianapolis 500 world record jumpindyindy 500indy carSun, 22 May 2011 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946496/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/19946496/article-detail.xml 19946496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-jump_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-jump.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels to attempt World's Longest Jump at Indy 500 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot Wheels World Record Jump attempt

We all did it as kids - grabbing one end of an impossibly long stretch of plastic track, heaving it up and attaching one end to the highest object we could find (usually a door) and creating a ramp at the other end with a carefully planned trajectory to score the longest possible airborne distance, then finally setting our favorite Hot Wheels car on a journey of no return.

Team Hot Wheels, a newly created group of stuntmen and extreme sports addicts, are setting out to recreate those childhood memories in the real world. To get there, the group is assembling a 100-foot-tall starting ramp in the shape of a door that leads to - you guessed it - a giant jump. The resulting flight has a goal of reaching 302 feet, which would be a new world record distance.

We don't know who's piloting the machine just yet (we suspect we'll find out for sure if it's an official record). In any case, it's the actual off-road truck, which features rear fins reminiscent of a '59 Cadillac, and the giant Hot Wheels V-Drop replica track that are the real stars here.

Are you asking yourself why Hot Wheels is going to all this trouble to promote kids toys? Well, therein lies the issue. These don't have to be just toys for kids - Hot Wheels is hoping to attract the attention of adults (males mostly, as you'd imagine) that grew up with these little cars and have fond memories of them. Collectors, take note.

Click past the break for a little teaser video of the event that's scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 29th. You'll also find the complete press release for your reading pleasure, if you're so inclined.

[Source: Hot Wheels]

Continue reading Hot Wheels to attempt World's Longest Jump at Indy 500 [w/video]

Hot Wheels to attempt World's Longest Jump at Indy 500 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car jumphot wheelshot wheels v-dropindyindy 500team hot wheelsworld record jumpTue, 12 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19910839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/19910839/article-detail.xml 19910839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hot-wheels-jump-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hot-wheels-jump-1.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels gets playful with full-scale advertisements]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/hot-wheels-gets-playful-with-full-scale-advertisements/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/hot-wheels-gets-playful-with-full-scale-advertisements/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/hot-wheels-gets-playful-with-full-scale-advertisements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

hot wheels loop advertisement
Hot Wheels throws Columbia for a loop - Click above for image gallery

Diecast cars are a fun distraction regardless of your age, in fact, we've got a few on our desk at this very moment. Hot Wheels may be the king of scale-car fun, but its marketing department likes to think big.

Recently, we saw how it turned a historic Australian building into a 3D racetrack. Now it's apparently focused its creative attention on Bogota, Colombia. Going low-tech this time, Hot Wheels has placed a giant 'loop' in the middle of an overpass.

It's certainly more eye-catching than a traditional billboard, and it still gets the message across that Hot Wheels are all about fun. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!


Gallery: Hot Wheels Full-Size Outdoor Advertisement

Hot Wheels Full-Size Outdoor AdvertisementHot Wheels Full-Size Outdoor AdvertisementHot Wheels Full-Size Outdoor AdvertisementHot Wheels Full-Size Outdoor Advertisement

[Source: Paper-Plane.fr (translated)]

Hot Wheels gets playful with full-scale advertisements originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbillboardcolumbiadie castdie-castdiecasthot wheelsmarketingoutdoor advertisingscale carstoysWed, 06 Apr 2011 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19904768/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/06/hot-wheels-gets-playful-with-full-scale-advertisements/19904768/article-detail.xml 19904768 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hot-wheels-1302103412_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hot-wheels-1302103412.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hot Wheels holds 3D race on side of historic Aussie building]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/video-hot-wheels-holds-3d-race-on-side-of-historic-aussie-build/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/video-hot-wheels-holds-3d-race-on-side-of-historic-aussie-build/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/20/video-hot-wheels-holds-3d-race-on-side-of-historic-aussie-build/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot Wheels 3D Ad
Hot Wheels 3D advertisement - Click above to view video after the jump

Hot Wheels teamed up with an Amsterdam-based company called Muse Digital to create a 3D commercial that can be projected onto buildings. In this case, Hot Wheels had Muse make them a 3D, computer-generated race between four of its iconic models.

The race was projected onto the side of the historic Sydney Customs House. So advanced are the projected 3D graphics that the building appears to get destroyed throughout the course of the race, as familiar orange track bursts through the walls and a number of other calamities ensue.

The video itself is pretty campy, but the technology behind it is seriously cool. Click past the jump to see the clip in its entirety.

[Source: YouTube via MotorworldHype]

Continue reading Video: Hot Wheels holds 3D race on side of historic Aussie building

Video: Hot Wheels holds 3D race on side of historic Aussie building originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiahot wheelsmuse digitalsydney customs houseSun, 20 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19885401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/20/video-hot-wheels-holds-3d-race-on-side-of-historic-aussie-build/19885401/article-detail.xml 19885401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/hot-wheels-commercial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/hot-wheels-commercial.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels Video Racer coming this Fall for $60 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/hot-wheels-video-racer-coming-this-fall-for-60-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/hot-wheels-video-racer-coming-this-fall-for-60-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/hot-wheels-video-racer-coming-this-fall-for-60-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot Wheels Video Racer
Hot Wheels Video Racer in action - Click above to watch the video after the break

In case you hadn't noticed, we're firmly entrenched in the year 2011. Clearly, it's high time for the little 1:64-scale cars your fathers were playing with when they were your little boy's age to get an update, and Hot Wheels has just stepped up to the plate in a big way.

Come Christmas time, you'll be able to fill stockings with the Video Racer, which, as its name suggests, adds a tiny camera to the front of your favorite little micro-sized motorer. Even cooler is the itty-bitty LCD screen you see when you flip to the bottom of the car, where you can then watch up to 12 minutes of recorded footage.

You can also use a USB connection to hook the Video Racer to your computer, and the little cars come equipped with attachments that allow them to be worn on the wrist (for covert spy work?), helmet, bicycle, skateboard or anything else that suits your fancy.

For $59.99 (we'll let you be the judges on the value proposition), you'll be able to purchase one of these little jewels this fall, and that price includes video editing software that works on Windows-powered PCs. Well done, Mattel. Check out a video of the Video Racer after the break.

[Source: Pocket-Lint, YouTube via Inside Line]

Continue reading Hot Wheels Video Racer coming this Fall for $60 [w/video]

Hot Wheels Video Racer coming this Fall for $60 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot wheelsHot Wheels Video Racerhotwheelsmattelmattel hot wheelsmattel hot wheels video racermattel video racervideo racerWed, 26 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19812861/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/26/hot-wheels-video-racer-coming-this-fall-for-60-w-video/19812861/article-detail.xml 19812861 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/video-racer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/video-racer.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Diecast rush hour is the art of our childhood dreams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/video-diecast-rush-hour-is-the-art-of-our-childhood-dreams/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/video-diecast-rush-hour-is-the-art-of-our-childhood-dreams/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/video-diecast-rush-hour-is-the-art-of-our-childhood-dreams/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chris Burden's Metropolis 2
Chris Burden's Metropolis 2 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Like most normal Americans, thoughts of exactly what we'd do if we had all the money in the world and not a care to burden us occupy a fair portion of our mental capacity each day. Chances are that if we slept on a bed of Benjamins, our daylight hours would be spent crafting a mechanized achievement akin to the contraption in the video after the jump. In one fell swoop, the creators have combined two our true passions: diecast cars and convoluted, yet pointless machinery.

The diecast traffic jam is fittingly called "Metropolis 2," and it was created by artist Chris Burden. Built using 1,500 Hot Wheels, the installation is headed to LACMA for a long-term loan in the near future. Art and toy fans alike can catch the mesmerizing miniature action at the museum soon. Hit the jump for a mesmerizing preview.

[Sources: Unframed, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Diecast rush hour is the art of our childhood dreams

Video: Diecast rush hour is the art of our childhood dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris burdenchris burden metropolis 2die-castdiecasthot wheelslacmametropolis 2model carsTue, 23 Nov 2010 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19730545/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/23/video-diecast-rush-hour-is-the-art-of-our-childhood-dreams/19730545/article-detail.xml 19730545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/chris-burden_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/chris-burden.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels Vintage Racing Line not for the kids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/hot-wheels-vintage-racing-line-not-for-the-kids/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/hot-wheels-vintage-racing-line-not-for-the-kids/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/hot-wheels-vintage-racing-line-not-for-the-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

Vintage Hot Wheels

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means it's time to loosen the purse strings and buy gifts for friends and relatives. And if your spouse insists on getting your nephew a new outfit, you can still maintain your status as the cool aunt or uncle by throwing a few Hot Wheels in the box with that crap-tastic gift of school clothes. But as gift recipients get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to spruce up the gift bag for a few bucks. That is, of course, unless that someone special is into vintage racing cars.

If that's the case, Hemmings has the scoop on some nifty new Hot Wheels with a decidedly retro flair. The 2011 Hot Wheels Vintage Racing Line includes Pro Stock, Trans AM and NASCAR vehicles of yesteryear. According to Hemmings, the Pro Stock miniatures will include "the Hemi Darts of Dick Landy and Shirley Shahan, Dick Landy's '70 Challenger, Dave Strickler's '70 Camaro RS, a '73 Sox & Martin Duster, and more; the Trans-Am brigade will include Dan Gurney's '68 Cougar, AJ Foyt's '65 Mustang, George Follmer's #16 '70 Boss 302 and an AAR Cuda."

Sounds like the perfect gift for the man with an office but not enough clutter on his desk. Now if we can only persuade Hot Wheels to make more stock sports cars and exotics without the annoying stickers, ridiculous wheels or garish wings we might be truly excited.

[Source: Hemmings Blog]

Hot Wheels Vintage Racing Line not for the kids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hot wheels vintage collectionhot wheelshot wheels pro stockhot wheels trans amvintage toysFri, 19 Nov 2010 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19719036/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/19/hot-wheels-vintage-racing-line-not-for-the-kids/19719036/article-detail.xml 19719036 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/hot-wheels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/hot-wheels.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels introduces remote controlled Stealth Rides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/hot-wheels-introduces-remote-controlled-stealth-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/hot-wheels-introduces-remote-controlled-stealth-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/hot-wheels-introduces-remote-controlled-stealth-rides/#commentsFiled under:



Hot Wheels has just rolled out two new R/C cars in the Stealth Rides line. The collapsible racers fit into their own cases which double as infrared remote controls. At the moment there are just two vehicles - one with wheels and another with treads - but in October Batman's Tumbler joins the party. The good news is they fit in any pocket, run for about 45 minutes and cost just $25. The not so good news is that when that 45 minutes is up you'll have to replace five watch batteries - three in the car, two in the remote - to get them going again. Click the link for the video at CNET. Hat tip to Sea Urchin

[Source: CNET]

Hot Wheels introduces remote controlled Stealth Rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot wheelsHotWheelsrcrc carrc racerRcCarRcRacerremote controlremote control carremote controlledremote controlled carRemoteControlRemoteControlCarRemoteControlledRemoteControlledCarstealth ridesStealthRidesTue, 21 Sep 2010 08:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19639688/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/21/hot-wheels-introduces-remote-controlled-stealth-rides/19639688/article-detail.xml 19639688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/hotwheelsstealthrides_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/hotwheelsstealthrides.jpg <![CDATA[Diecast Warfare: Tomica reportedly returning to U.S. to take on Hot Wheels, Matchbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/diecast-warfare-tomica-reportedly-returning-to-u-s-to-take-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/diecast-warfare-tomica-reportedly-returning-to-u-s-to-take-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/diecast-warfare-tomica-reportedly-returning-to-u-s-to-take-on/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tomica diecast playset

Finally, something from our youth returns in a good way, not another Incredible Hulk reboot or power balled Cure cover. Tomica (or Tomy), which left the U.S. in the Eighties after some financial troubles, is coming back next month - and almost just like it was before. A line of miniature diecast cars will be sliding into an as-yet-unnamed retailer next month on their little plastic wheels. They'll be sold alongside playset combinations like the Hypercity Gas Station, pictured, so your child can learn to spend his or her money just like you did.

Tomica Mitsuoka Orochi diecastThere will be models such as the Daihatsu Mira and Mitsubishi i-MiEV from which to choose, as well as the eternally popular Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Queen bus. They'll be paired with a mat that has roads and buildings drawn onto it. Step up to the floor-hogging world of the Hypercity, Super Big Set and Mega Station, though, and you'll find more familiar models like the Subaru Legacy sedan, Mazda's Axela/Mazda3, and Toyota's Harrier/Lexus RX. Non-Japanese models may come in the future, but come September, it'll be JDM-only dreamtime, at $4.99 and up. Here's hoping they bring over the Mitsuoka Orochi (right).

[Source: Hemmings | Image: Sir09 via CC 2.0]

Diecast Warfare: Tomica reportedly returning to U.S. to take on Hot Wheels, Matchbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>die castdie-castDieCastdiecast carDiecastCarhot wheelsHotWheelsmatchboxmatchbox carsMatchboxCarsmodel carsModelCarsmodelstomicatomytoy cartoy carsToyCarToyCarsWed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19597910/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/18/diecast-warfare-tomica-reportedly-returning-to-u-s-to-take-on/19597910/article-detail.xml 19597910 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/tomicausagain_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/tomicausagain.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Dana Point Concours: Don "The Snake" Prudhomme tribute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/2010-dana-point-concours-don-the-snake-prudhomme-tribute/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/2010-dana-point-concours-don-the-snake-prudhomme-tribute/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/2010-dana-point-concours-don-the-snake-prudhomme-tribute/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Don Prudhomme's 1974 Army sponsored Chevrolet Vega funny car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 28th Annual Dana Point Concours d'Elegance took place this past Sunday and once again found the Monarch Beach Golf Links at the St. Regis Resort to be a perfect venue. As beautiful as the resort is, though, we were a bit perplexed to hear visitors talking so openly and enthusiastically about all of the snakes they had been seeing there.

"Did you see The Snake? There are four snakes up on the hill! The Snake was riding around in a golf cart a few minutes ago, make sure you go see him."

The well-traveled Reptilia was none other than Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, the honorary chairman of this year's concours. "The Snake" didn't come empty-handed to this party either. No, he brought with him a quartet of his funky funny cars from the 1970s, including the sole remaining Mattel Hot Wheels 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Funny Car that became famous during the "Snake vs. Mongoose" match races between Prudhomme and Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen. Back in the day, these two warriors famously squared off in match races across the country while also making countless appearances at toy stores, retail outlets and other locations.

The Barracuda was parked atop the same 1967 Dodge D-700 crew cab Hot Wheels Ramp Truck that was used to transport the race car on that promotional tour. The gorgeous yellow duo emerged from frame-off restorations just in time for SEMA last year, and seeing it there instantly transported us back to our youths, when our Hot Wheels checklist included not only this screaming yellow Plymouth, but Prudhomme's red, white and blue Hot Wheels and ARMY cars as well. Imagine our delight, then, when we saw some of those cars parked right alongside the Baracuda and transport in Dana Point on Sunday.

Front and center sat the white 1972 Hot Wheels sponsored Plymouth 'Cuda funny car, to its left the 1974 Army sponsored Chevrolet Vega funny car and to the right the 1978 Army Plymouth Arrow funny car which proudly carries the "Number 1," reflecting Prudhomme's fourth consecutive NHRA World Championship season. The Snake himself was also part of the attraction on Sunday, recounting old racing tales and signing autographs for the masses. He even took a few minutes to visit with the Cagahys, a couple who happened to bring their own Prudhomme car to the event - a 2009 Shelby Mustang Prudhomme Edition. We took lots of pics, which you can check out in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Dana Point Concours – Don Prudhomme


Photos by Frank Filipponio/ Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

2010 Dana Point Concours: Don "The Snake" Prudhomme tribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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