Autoblog

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

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

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.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg revealed in diecast form?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen

Between patent offices, surreptitious shipping company videos, and Marussias being left uncovered on the back of a truck in a traffic jam, lately we've been coming across all manner of ways for new cars to be accidentally revealed ahead-of-schedule. Here's another: a German model car company has let slip images of what looks like the next Volkswagen Touareg, which is actually meant to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

The box is labeled "VW Touareg 2010," but the supplementary text mentions the fourth quarter of this year, and a quick look at the front of the SUV makes it plain that this isn't the current off-roader. In fact, it looks just like the naked spy shots of the 2011 model taken not too long ago.

The model makes the front end look dramatically reduced in a way we hadn't picked up from Touareg spy shots, but saw clearly in the spy shots of its sister, the Porsche Cayenne. We're hoping for plenty of weight loss there to compensate for the loss of those diesel V10 and W12 engines. We'll see the final thing and take its measure from Geneva in about six weeks.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl (translated)]

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg revealed in diecast form? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot Wheels kicks off U.S. tour to celebrate 40 years

Chris Tutor — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Mattel created the Hot Wheels brand back in 1968, and the lives of several Autoblog writers (and readers as well) were changed forever. We're now halfway through the toy line's 40th birthday year, and, coincidentally, halfway through its Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Road Trip.

Fans can see life-size editions of some of the most famous Hot Wheels cars, get autographs from Hot Wheels designers and, while supplies last, get a free 40th Anniversary Edition Custom Otto. You'll also be able to see that bejeweled monstrosity we told you about a few months ago that Mattel says is the most expensive Hot Wheels car ever made.

Earlier this month, the tour made stops in El Segundo, California; Wendover, Utah (pictured above); and Speed, Kansas. But there are still three chances for fans to catch the rolling birthday party. This Saturday, the Hall of Fame Museum at Indy will play host. Next Monday, the celebration is at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan and on Sept. 5, the trip ends at the Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen.

[Source: Hemmings Auto Blogs]

Hot Wheels kicks off U.S. tour to celebrate 40 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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