Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Take the Race of Champions, keep its wide-ranging motorsports disciplines but replace national teams with duos called Red Outrageous, Yellow Powerful, Blue High Tech and Green Superfast. Give them rides from a toy store shelf and the cockiness of Top Gun, put them on courses from Mad Max and mix in a vibe and radio chatter from the attack on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, and what do you have? The Hot Wheels short film World's Best Driver.

The maker of little diecast cars got some big cars together - some you've seen before, some are from other planets - as well as some wild drivers and moto-crossers, and put them to the test at a 'secret' location called the Hot Wheels Test Facility, where things get quite a bit wilder than they do at the Nürburgring.

We have no idea why this movie exists, and we don't care - it's 22 minutes of camped-out fun and you'll find it below.

Continue reading Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver

Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron rossbryce hudsoncasey curriediecastgeoff aaronhot wheelshot wheels worlds best driverluke johnsonronnie rennervideoworlds best driverThu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/20571586/article-detail.xml 20571586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment series memorializes your favorite Hollywood cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hot-wheels-retro-entertainment-series-memorializes-your-favorite/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hot-wheels-retro-entertainment-series-memorializes-your-favorite/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hot-wheels-retro-entertainment-series-memorializes-your-favorite/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hot Wheels Retro

Hot Wheels has rolled out a new series of die-cast toys aimed directly at our nostalgic hearts. The Retro Entertainment Series plucks iconic cars from movie and television past, shrinks them down to 1:64 scale and packages them up for your buying enjoyment. The collection includes machines like the 1932 Ford from American Graffiti and DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future to the Ecto 1 from Ghostbusters and The Bandit's '77 Firebird from Smokey and The Bandit. There's even a 1971 Plymouth Satellite from The Brady Bunch. All told there will be seven mixes, each with five distinct vehicles.

The sets won't just be land bound, either. Hot Wheels also plans to produce a few aircraft, including the Island Hopper from Magnum P.I. and Cylon Raider from Battlestar Galactica. Awesome.

If you want one, expect to pay around $3 for the privilege. Just be prepared for the quotient of badly-sung theme songs in your household to increase exponentially.

Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment series memorializes your favorite Hollywood cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diecasthot wheelshot wheels retro entertainment seriesretro entertainmenttoysFri, 12 Apr 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/hot-wheels-retro-entertainment-series-memorializes-your-favorite/20536422/article-detail.xml 20536422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hot-wheels-retro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hot-wheels-retro.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels Camaro to make big debut at Indy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Festival Cars

Chevrolet handed over the keys to 33 Hot Wheels Camaro Convertible Indianapolis 500 festival cars this week. Race directors get the luxury of driving the droptops around Indianapolis in an ongoing tradition with roots all the way back to the 1960s. The stunt is supposed to remind area residents that the Indy 500 is right around the corner. The cars are our first look at the special Camaro Hot Wheels Edition in convertible form, and they are slated to head to dealers after a one-time production run. The cars also represent the first time in history full-size Hot Wheels have been offered for sale by an automaker.

The cars will be available in both the previously seen coupe bodystyle and this convertible configuration, and will feature metallic blue paint and special wheels with the iconic redline accent. Buyers will be able to choose between the V6-powered 2LT trim and the V8-powered 2SS guise.

Hot Wheels says the original Custom Camaro toy was one of the original 16 1:64-scale diecasts, and it remains one of the company's most valuable collector items today.

Hot Wheels Camaro to make big debut at Indy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet camaro hot wheels editionchevroletchevrolet camarofestival carhot wheelsindianapolis 500indy 500Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/20531616/article-detail.xml 20531616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hot-wheels-chevrolet-camaro-indianapolis-500-festival-cars-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hot-wheels-chevrolet-camaro-indianapolis-500-festival-cars-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels' Twitter-enabled vending machine coughs up free Camaro diecasts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/hot-wheels-twitter-enabled-vending-machine-coughs-up-free-camar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/hot-wheels-twitter-enabled-vending-machine-coughs-up-free-camar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/hot-wheels-twitter-enabled-vending-machine-coughs-up-free-camar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



There are still plenty of companies that haven't gotten the whole social media thing down pat yet, but Hot Wheels isn't one of them. During the recent Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Hot Wheels created a lot of buzz for itself by using a vending machine filled with Chevrolet Camaro models, but instead of money to get the cars, show attendees just had to use Twitter.

To get the free car, people were asked to send a tweet to Hot Wheels Canada saying what they liked about the new Hot Wheels Edition Camaro, and including the #ChevyCIAS hashtag. This seemed to be a popular marketing tool, too, as AdWeek reports that the @HotWheelsCanada account more than tripled in followers during the course of the 10-day show. Looking ahead, this could open up even more innovative marketing possibilities using social media.

Check out the video posted below to watch how it works, and while the auto show has ended and the free-car giveaway has too, we're almost certain that some of the 1,500 freebies will make their way onto eBay.

Continue reading Hot Wheels' Twitter-enabled vending machine coughs up free Camaro diecasts

Hot Wheels' Twitter-enabled vending machine coughs up free Camaro diecasts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian international auto showchevrolethot wheelstwitterWed, 27 Feb 2013 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20479656/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/hot-wheels-twitter-enabled-vending-machine-coughs-up-free-camar/20479656/article-detail.xml 20479656 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/chevrolet-hot-wheels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/chevrolet-hot-wheels.jpg <![CDATA[Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a fun truck for all ages, and not just when it comes to blasting over rough terrain at high speeds. Ford says that its off-road performance truck has performed just as well on the shelves of stores as it does on real-world trails with the truck being used as the inspiration for everything from kids toys to video games.

For proof of this, we have to look no further than the Raptor Power Wheels from Fisher-Price or the Traxxas Raptor remote-controlled truck. The Raptor has even started showing up in video games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and Ford says that it is one of the most popular downloads in Forza Motorsport 4. This isn't just an American phenomena either. The life-sized Raptor might be commanding a 300-percent markup in China's grey market, but Raptor toys are also popular in the country, as well as in Japan, Germany and Brazil.

Scroll down for more info about toy versions of the Raptor.

Continue reading Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing

Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car toysf-150 svt raptorfordforza motorsport 4hot wheelsmatchboxneed for speed most wantedpower wheelsraptorraptor toysvideo gamesSun, 23 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409423/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/20409423/article-detail.xml 20409423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ford-raptor-toy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ford-raptor-toy.jpg <![CDATA[Automakers score 8 out of top 20 most-watched ads on YouTube [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Who would have ever thought there'd be a day where people are able to skip television commercials only to go to websites to watch them later? Such is the joy of a DVR and YouTube. AdWeek tabulated the 20 most-watched ads on YouTube, and found that nine were car-related including eight coming from automakers.

Volkswagen continued its Star Wars theme with two ads in the top 20, including the highest-ranking car commercial The Bark Side spot at number three with almost 18 million views, which doesn't even have a single car in it. Some of our favorites are from Chrysler with Clint Eastwood in It's Halftime in America and House Arrest with Charlie Sheen for the Fiat 500 Abarth. Chevrolet, Honda, Audi and Toyota were the other automakers in the top 20, but we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention one of the coolest ads on the list, the Hot Wheels corkscrew jump.

Of all the car videos, only the Fiat ad wasn't played during a Super Bowl. Check out all eight videos - in order - after the jump. Nike took the top spot with its My Time is Now ad that has been seen online more than 20 million times with Pepsi's Uncle Drew posted up in the runner-up; some of the other videos include four Old Spice commercials and an ad in which Snoop Dogg is pedaling Hot Pockets.

Continue reading Automakers score 8 out of top 20 most-watched ads on YouTube [w/videos]

Automakers score 8 out of top 20 most-watched ads on YouTube [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingaudicar commercialschevrolethondahot wheelsmost popular commercials of 2012toyotatv commercialsvolkswagenyoutubeFri, 14 Dec 2012 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20403133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/20403133/article-detail.xml 20403133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volkswagen-the-bark-side-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volkswagen-the-bark-side-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you ever thought your car was as cool as one sold by Hot Wheels, then a parking lot at Shopping Center Norte in São Paulo, Brazil had your name all over it. Mattel's ad agency there, AGE Isobar, placed a giant rendition of Hot Wheels packaging at the front of the lot for one day last month. Instead of putting a giant Hot Wheel inside, however, the 'box' was empty, and customers could drive their cars inside and then have their pictures taken.

As with the miniature cars themselves, the marketing activation was just that simple and just that awesome. Now we'll have to ask again, how come we don't see this when we go shopping?

Hot Wheels advertises microcars with life-size monuments originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingage isobarbrazilhot wheelsmarketingsao pauloWed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/20398235/article-detail.xml 20398235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is not kidding around]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition live at SEMA 2012

Many a lifetime of car-love has started with a single Hot Wheels model. The diecast cars gave us early access to dreamy metal that we might not otherwise ever see, along with crazy versions of vehicles that we already knew and loved.

The brand offers a perfect fit for the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro, then, as the model's throwback-meets-modern looks and enthusiast driver-appeal already speak to the young at heart.

Red-accented, chunky five-spoke wheels set off this rather electrically blue paintjob (it's actually called Kinetic Blue, but you get the idea), and Hot Wheels badging completes the grownup-toy vibe. The best part is that, as we reported earlier, this Hot Wheels Camaro will be a model that you can actually buy, albeit for a hefty price. Get a better look in our live image gallery above.

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is not kidding around originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet camarocamarochevroletchevydiecasthot wheelssemasema 2012Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-sema-2012/20365695/article-detail.xml 20365695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/03-chevrolet-hot-wheels-camaro-sema-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/03-chevrolet-hot-wheels-camaro-sema-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is the real deal, for SEMA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/chevy-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-is-the-real-deal-for-sema-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/chevy-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-is-the-real-deal-for-sema-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/chevy-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-is-the-real-deal-for-sema-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition with scale model

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]]>2013 chevrolet camarocamarocamaro concept hot wheelscamaro zl1chevroletchevrolet camaro hot wheels editionchevydie castdiecasthot wheelssemazl1Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20363792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/chevy-camaro-hot-wheels-edition-is-the-real-deal-for-sema-debut/20363792/article-detail.xml 20363792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-edition_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/chevrolet-camaro-hot-wheels-edition.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels nails big boy world record corkscrew jump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/hot-wheels-nails-big-boy-world-record-corkscrew-jump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/hot-wheels-nails-big-boy-world-record-corkscrew-jump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/hot-wheels-nails-big-boy-world-record-corkscrew-jump/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hot Wheels real-life corkscrew world record jump attempt

If you're anything like us (adult men with a love of cars, reasonable amounts of disposable income and way too much time on our hands during the day) you might have anywhere from five to 500 feet of orange Hot Wheels track in your basement. If you do, you've likely twisted, suspended, stapled and/or taped that track around your living quarters, trying to make tiny cars do amazingly sweet tricks.

What you haven't done, nor we, is ramp up (heh) the whole business to life-size scale. That's why the good folks at the Hot Wheels Test Facility have jobs we suppose - where else would we get videos like the one below?

A huge Hot Wheels track, a pretty wild-looking dune buggy and driver Brent Fletcher flying 92 feet in a corkscrewing fashion to claim a world record... it all sounds like a pretty great day job to our inner 10-year-old selves. We'll shut up now and let you watch the video below the fold.

Continue reading Hot Wheels nails big boy world record corkscrew jump

Hot Wheels nails big boy world record corkscrew jump originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brent fletchercar jumpcorkscrew jumphot wheelshot wheels test facilityhot wheels videostunt videovideoworld recordThu, 13 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20323055/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/13/hot-wheels-nails-big-boy-world-record-corkscrew-jump/20323055/article-detail.xml 20323055 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/hot-wheels-corkscrew-jump-628-1347564936_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/hot-wheels-corkscrew-jump-628-1347564936.jpg <![CDATA[Icon, Mattel speak on FJ40 trademark claims]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/icon-mattel-speak-on-fj40-trademark-claims/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/icon-mattel-speak-on-fj40-trademark-claims/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/icon-mattel-speak-on-fj40-trademark-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Icon FJ45 Emblem

Things are looking up for Icon. The company just moved from its tiny original location to a sprawling new facility, and every machine its craftsmen produce is sold before the final bolts are tightened. There's even talk of finding ways to triple production in order to keep up with demand. In addition to the off-road titans and clever Derelict models we know and love, Jonathan Ward, CEO and Lead Designer with the company, is busy working to expand his business with corporate partnerships and new products that go beyond old metal. But Icon recently made headlines for another reason altogether.

As you may recall, Icon recently accused Hot Wheels and parent company Mattel of infringing on the customizer's design and naming trademarks. Jonathan Ward, CEO and head designer for Icon, says the trouble started in September, 2010 when he pitched the idea of a die-cast Icon model to Alec Tam, the design director for Hot Wheels. Ward sent an email with the full Icon product book to Mattel to no avail. Six months later, he received a note from a customer congratulating him on scoring a deal with Hot Wheels. The client had spotted a rendering on the Hot Wheels future product page that looked awfully similar to a promotional shot Icon uses for the company's FJ40 model.

Continue reading Icon, Mattel speak on FJ40 trademark claims

Icon, Mattel speak on FJ40 trademark claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fj40fj40+iconfj40iconhot wheelsiconicon fj40icon fj40 hot wheelsjonathan wardland cruiserlawsuitmatteltoyotatoyota land cruisertrademarktrademark+-patenttrademark-patentThu, 21 Jun 2012 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20262629/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/icon-mattel-speak-on-fj40-trademark-claims/20262629/article-detail.xml 20262629 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/icon-fj45-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/icon-fj45-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels to attempt a different type of double loop at ESPN's X Games]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hot Wheels X Games

Well now, it looks as if we know what Hot Wheels has planned for its next big stunt. As you may remember, the toy company recently released a video suggesting it planned to take on another public stunt. The last time the company put on a spectacle, Tanner Foust set a world-record jump at the Indianapolis 500. This time around, two drivers will tackle a massive double loop. How massive? Try 60 feet in diameter. Unlike the loop that the Top Gear crew recently dominated, this ramp design puts two drivers side by side before funneling them together onto the same track.

Sounds hairy.

Drivers will take to their cockpits during the 2012 X Games in Los Angeles. Those of us who can't make it to the West Coast can watch the action on either ABC or ESPN on June 30th. The Hot Wheels Green and Yellow teams will hit the track at around 11:20. Check out the teaser video below.

Continue reading Hot Wheels to attempt a different type of double loop at ESPN's X Games

Hot Wheels to attempt a different type of double loop at ESPN's X Games originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot wheelshot wheels x games loophot wheels x games videoteaservideox gamesx games videoWed, 20 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261511/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/hot-wheels-to-attempt-a-different-type-of-double-loop-at-espns/20261511/article-detail.xml 20261511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-x-games-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-x-games-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai Veloster gets the Hot Wheels stunt treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/hyundai-veloster-gets-the-hot-wheels-stunt-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/hyundai-veloster-gets-the-hot-wheels-stunt-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/hyundai-veloster-gets-the-hot-wheels-stunt-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hot Wheels Hyundai Veloster

Hot Wheels has chosen the Hyundai Veloster as the chariot of choice for the company's most recent stunt video. Team Blue is tasked with pulling off a tricky wall ride with mixed success, leading the head of Team Hot Wheels to turn to BMX guru Aaron Ross to show them how it's done. Ross executes the move without so much as breaking a sweat, and with the help of some special tires (and a little computer-generated animation) Team Blue quickly follows suit.

The Head of Team Hot Wheels then congratulates Team Blue before suggesting his crew take their stunts before a larger audience. Does that mean we'll see another live Hot Wheels stunt show in the near future? We can't help but hope so. Watching insane drivers pull off similarly unhinged stunts ranks among our favorite pastimes. Check out the video below to see the hijinks for yourself.

Continue reading Hyundai Veloster gets the Hot Wheels stunt treatment

Hyundai Veloster gets the Hot Wheels stunt treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron rossbmxhot wheelshot wheels velosterhyundaihyundai velostervelostervideowall rideSun, 17 Jun 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/17/hyundai-veloster-gets-the-hot-wheels-stunt-treatment/20260236/article-detail.xml 20260236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-veloster-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-veloster-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels accused of stealing Icon FJ40 Baja design [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/hot-wheels-accused-of-stealing-icon-fj40-baja-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/hot-wheels-accused-of-stealing-icon-fj40-baja-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/hot-wheels-accused-of-stealing-icon-fj40-baja-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hot Wheels Icon FJ40 Baja Edition

In a perfect world, all of our favorite companies would get along merrily. But sadly, we do not live in a perfect world. Icon, the company behind some of the most lust-worthy vintage off-roaders and street machines in existence, is accusing toymaker Mattel of stealing the FJ40 Baja Edition design for a Hot Wheels die cast toy. According to the most recent Icon newsletter, Hot Wheels lifted a photo of the heavily modified FJ40, slathered a quick Photoshop job over the image and called it a day. Except Mattel reportedly never asked Icon for permission to use the image or the vehicle design in its marketing or products.

Icon reportedly reached out to Mattel to no avail. That's about when the custom builder turned to its lawyers, prompting the attorney for Hot Wheels to say the company wanted to settle the matter out of court. A month went by before Icon once again tried to reach out. Mattel allegedly dismissed Icon, effectively challenging the smaller company to try to sue the toy monolith if Icon thought it stood a chance.

Hot Wheels hasn't spoken out on the issue. With five of the tiny diecasts on our desk and five hundred in a box downstairs, we've had a life-long relationship with the toymaker. But that doesn't excuse the reported bully tactics. Here's hoping this one gets squared away sooner rather than later. Check out an excerpt from the Icon newsletter below.

UPDATE: Designer, Founder and Owner of Icon 4x4, Jonathan Ward, released the following statement to Autoblog.

The issue is that they stole the image, took many unique design details and trade dress elements unique to ICON, and used the Federally filed Trademark without permission, then tried to play bully to make the issue disappear. They offered us $1,500 dollars to go away. I know big fish like to dine on little fish, but I do not feel this is good business ethics. I reached out to HW about six months before they released the range of models and launched the series with my image on their website. After our cease and desist letter, they promptly removed the image. They never replied to my email, which had included that very same copy protected image. Also, I am not a rich man. My wife and I built this brand from nothing but sweat and tears. I am proud to employ skilled American workers and provide them a great place to work with fine benefits, and we take pride to build our vehicles with the best possible content. It adds up and they are expensive. I wish they were cheaper but we build the best we can, and then sell it at a fair and reasonable business margin. Plenty of companies start with a price target, then build to meet that. A lot of design and quality value gets lost that way.

- JW ICON


UPDATE 2: Hooniverse has received a response from Hot Wheels.

Continue reading Hot Wheels accused of stealing Icon FJ40 Baja design [UPDATE]

Hot Wheels accused of stealing Icon FJ40 Baja design [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot wheelsicon hot wheelsicon hot wheels fj40icon toyota fj40 baja editionmatteltoyota fj40Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20252062/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/hot-wheels-accused-of-stealing-icon-fj40-baja-design/20252062/article-detail.xml 20252062 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-icon-fj-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/hot-wheels-icon-fj-628.jpg <![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 -1 2