Autoblog

Are you the next BMW X5?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

Who knew that diecast model makers could be such a good source of leaks? Less than a month after a diecast model 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA in China, someone overseas at Diecast Empire or Jadi Modelcraft could get a bath in boiling oil for leaking uncamouflaged images of the next-generation BMW X5.

Naturally, that assumes that this image from a brochure from a Jadi brochure is indeed the F15 BMW X5 - it was posted to Diecast Empire's Facebook page. In its favor, the lines all add up if we compare it to the most revealing spy shots we have of the coming crossover - the headlight corners, the metal trim separating the kidney grille from the opening just above the license plate, the cut of the swage line, and the fact that the model picture reveals all of the most important character pieces that BMW has kept covered.

There's something written on the door of the model image that isn't in the spy shots, but that could be an xDrive badge. We will see the genuine article soon enough and we'll know for sure. For now, we might have already seen its facsimile in miniature.

Are you the next BMW X5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is the real deal, for SEMA debut

George Kennedy — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Do you remember your favorite Hot Wheels diecast of your youth? Can you imagine how cool it would be if that scale model were a full-size car? Well, apparently the folks at Chevrolet have teamed up with Hot Wheels to create a new Camaro Hot Wheels Edition for 2013, and it's the stuff of childhood dreams. This scale-inspired Camaro is set about to head into production after its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas later this week.

As Chevrolet's Vice President of Marketing, Chris Perry, notes: "Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels. Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages."

The special edition package will be available limited numbers in both coupe and convertible bodystyles. Available trims include 2LT (V6), and 2SS (V8), and the Hot Wheels Edition combines elements of ZL1 styling with an eye-catching Kinetic Blue paint job. Visual updates include ground effects, front splitter, ZL1 front upper grille and ZL1 rear spoiler (for coupe models only). Upgrades also include black 21-inch wheels with redline accents like Hot Wheels of yore. The hood features a matte hood stripe and the obligatory Hot Wheels logos throughout.

One of the first 16 Hot Wheels issued was a 1:64-scale Custom Camaro toy from 1968. It is unsurprisingly now one of the most valuable diecast cars among collectors.

General Motors isn't toying when it comes to pricing, however - the Hot Wheels Edition package will be available in early 2013 for $6,995 on top of the price of a standard 2LT or 2SS Camaro. Check out more on this fetching limited edition Camaro in the press release below.

Continue reading Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is the real deal, for SEMA debut

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is the real deal, for SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hot Wheels gets playful with full-scale advertisements

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Toys/Games

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

[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

Diecast Warfare: Tomica reportedly returning to U.S. to take on Hot Wheels, Matchbox

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

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.

There 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

Video: Sickest model car lighting kits ever

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Modell-Lichtsystem die-cast model lighting kits - Click above to watch video

That's not a real Audi R8 pictured above. That's a 1:18-scale Kyosho die-cast model, fitted with a Modell-Lichtsystem (ML) illumination kit. The ML light packages can turn a model car with photo-realistic detail into something that's almost a smaller version of the real thing. On the BMW M3's lighting, for instance, the cornering lights illuminate when the model car's wheels are turned, and if you stomp on the tiny brake pedal, the taillamps light up.

We can't tell much from the company's website, which is strangely devoid of useful information, but there are more examples on Modell's YouTube channel. If you're looking for the ultimate in verisimilitude for your die-cast endeavors, this is surely it. Follow the jump to see a brace of impressive lighting jobs in 1:18 scale, including the R8, a pair of BMW models (M3 and M5) and a Lamborghini Murciélago. Hat tip to David!

[Source: Modell-Lichtsystem]

Continue reading Video: Sickest model car lighting kits ever

Video: Sickest model car lighting kits ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments