Autoblog

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

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

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.

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Hot Wheels introduces remote controlled Stealth Rides

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

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.

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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.

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2010 Dana Point Concours: Don "The Snake" Prudhomme tribute

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Celebrities

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

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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Hot Wheels "Speed Machines" dial up the detail

Alex Nunez — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

Hot Wheels "Speed Machines" Mix E - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're a casual die-cast car collector, any mundane shopping trip is an opportunity to grow that pile of toy cars you have taking up space in your house that could probably put to better use. (According to your significant other, at least!) If you have kids, there's that to contend with, too - any unopened toy car they come across will soon be an opened toy car. After all, how do you explain to doe-eyed Junior that really, Daddy would prefer you don't open that green Matchbox Porsche 914 that took two months to find at the store?

Now, the standard buck-a-pop Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars are pretty nicely detailed, but those same castings look a lot better when they're re-decoed and packaged as pricier, step-up subsets sold separately from the regular assortments. Case in point, the Hot Wheels "Speed Machines" cars. These 1:64 scale cars (the same size as regular Hot Wheels) have much more accurate paint and detailing, with better wheels, and yours truly has already succumbed to his inner child on one occasion upon seeing them. Chances are, that won't be a single-time occurrence, either.

As demonstrated above, upcoming Speed Machines range additions like the Ferrari 599XX stand ready to separate disposable income from pocket in $2 increments. It and the other cars in the gallery below are part of Speed Machines "Mix E," which should hit stores in mid-May. Keep your eyes peeled. After all, this is the stuff that makes your desk at work look cooler than the next guy's.

Gallery: 2010 Hot Wheels Speed Machines - Mix E

[Source: Mattel]

Hot Wheels "Speed Machines" dial up the detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hot Wheels lets you choose your own adventure

Alex Nunez — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Racing with Hot Wheels Custom Motors - Click above to watch the video after the jump.

Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure Books from when you were a kid? Awesome, right? Hot Wheels has applied that approach to a web video promoting its new series of Custom Motors vehicles. Basically, the Custom Motors rides all feature interchangeable parts, so ~~you~~ your kids can put together some fun, outlandish stuff. The more cars you buy, the more parts you have to work with. The truck models include pull-back motors, too. We saw these in person a couple of weeks ago at Toy Fair (where they had a Custom Motors version of Batman's Tumbler displayed, in addition to the regular cars and trucks) and can report that they're definitely cool toys.

Anyway, back to the Custom Motors Cup video on YouTube: When you start with the first one, you choose a vehicle and are then prompted to modify it (thus showing off the customizable nature of the toys) before sending your selected car or truck into a series of nifty stop-motion-animated races. How well you fare depends on your mod choices, each of which sends you down a different video "branch." Fire up your own racer after the jump, and check out the Custom Motors toys in greater detail in the photo gallery below.

Gallery: Hot Wheels Custom Motors Toys

[Source: Hot Wheels]

Continue reading Video: Hot Wheels lets you choose your own adventure

Video: Hot Wheels lets you choose your own adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot Wheels sponsors Danica, has her design a car

Alex Nunez — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:23:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Toys/Games, Celebrities

Danica Patrick at the unveiling of the Hot Wheels "Danicar" design - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot Wheels has jumped on board the Danica Patrick NASCAR sponsor train. What does it all mean? Well, other than an TV camera-height embroidered logo on her Nomex suit, it means that Danica's getting a Hot Wheels car of her own. The "Danicar" is apparently Hot Wheels' first celeb-designed car (she's credited as a co-designer along with the HW design team in El Segundo, a group of people who may well have the greatest jobs ever.) It's one of those pie-in-the-sky Hot Wheels originals, featuring an Indy-style nose section and cockpit that leads to a big rear-mounted engine and quad, jumbo-sized drive wheels in back.

We figured it might be a positioned as a more collectible or special-edition car (the kinds that usually retail in the $2 to $3 range), but a Hot Wheels spokesperson set us straight: When it eventually ships, the Danicar will be part of the basic 1:64-scale assortment that tempts you from the toy aisle pegs at around 99 cents a pop. It won't be limited in quantity for collectability's sake, so anyone who wants it should be able to snag one. PR from Mattel (featuring an absolutely cringe-inducing Danica sponsor-speak quote) is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Hot Wheels "Danicar"

[Source: Mattel]

Continue reading Hot Wheels sponsors Danica, has her design a car

Hot Wheels sponsors Danica, has her design a car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attention Kmart Shoppers: Buy 20 Hot Wheels, get a cool '62 Vette by mail

Alex Nunez — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:43:00 EST

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

You know what we like almost as much as real cars? Toy cars. It's gotten to the point where there mere existence of Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and the like seem like an ongoing conspiracy to suck an extra few bucks out of our wallets with every trip to the store.

Furthering that belief is Hot Wheels' new Kmart promo, wherein if you buy 20 cars from the basic assortment (they need to match certain SKUs, just FYI), you can then mail in your stack of receipts to receive the special edition '62 Corvette you see above. (A gallery of more detailed pics can be seen at HotWheelsCollectors.com.) It arrives on a special blister pack that notes its collector's edition status, and is even shipped in a Kar Keepers protective case to help ensure that the heavy-handed employees at your local sorting station don't wreck it in transit.

To qualify for the promotion, you must buy your 20 eligible Hot Wheels cars between Feb. 10 and Mar. 10, 2010. Additional details, official rules, etc. are available at HotWheelsCollectors.com. Now please excuse us - there's a Jackson burning a hole in our pocket, and a Kmart within easy driving distance.

[Source: HotWheelsCollectors.com]

Attention Kmart Shoppers: Buy 20 Hot Wheels, get a cool '62 Vette by mail originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pocketable Play Time: Mattel Stealth Rides are World's First Foldable R/C Cars

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

As a society, we seem to like our possessions as small and portable as possible (unless of course we're talking about food portions). Hence, we buy laptops instead of desktops, MP3 players instead of boomboxes and chihuahuas instead of great danes. Or something like that. As such, it's not terribly surprising to see the World's First Foldable R/C Car, made by the toy-crazy folks at Mattel.

As the company behind the classic Hot Wheels series of toy cars and trucks, Mattel has more than a little experience miniaturizing four-wheelers. This time, though, the vehicles are as small as a credit card and about as thin as a cell phone. In other words, small enough to fit in a kid's pocket. One button press is all it takes for the car to unfold itself into a fully functional remote control car.

Called Stealth Rides, these toys are scheduled to debut in February at the Toy Fair in New York in five different models, one of which is a Batmobile Tumbler. One full battery charge is said to power the toy for up to 30 minutes of play time, though we don't yet know how long that charge will take. Sales will begin in August and each machine will cost about $25.00, says Mattel. Yep, that's just in time for the Christmas season, naturally.

[Source: CNNMoney.com]

Pocketable Play Time: Mattel Stealth Rides are World's First Foldable R/C Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll tell you exactly why, because it's a lot of fun. We know, because we had a similar experience in late adolescence, but we used GI Joe vehicles (even the awesome hovercraft) and firecrackers. But what we didn't have back then was a 600 fps camera, but lucky for us, people do now... and they have YouTube to share it with the rest of us.

After the jump is video of diecast cars getting blown sky high with what appears to be some relatively large explosive. What makes this little experiment so much fun is that our mini pyrotechnician friend captured the carnage 20 times slower than conventional video, giving us a crystal clear picture of every blast. And to make the one minute video that much more entertaining, the creator cut his masterpiece to one of the best pieces of music any aspiring video editor can use in a disaster sequence; Ode To Joy. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself, and keep in mind that blowing things up can lead to blowing off fingers and shrapnel in the eye, so don't try this at home!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels up close and personal

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Ford, Toys/Games

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT by Hot Wheels

Shortly after the LA Auto Show debut of the 2010 Ford Mustang, the automaker announced that Mattel would be releasing its own replica of the new model as part of its Hot Wheels lineup. Somehow in all the running around after the reveal in LA, we missed out on picking up an example and Ford didn't have any press photos available. Fortunately Ford's Dan Jarvis came to the rescue and provided Autoblog with one of the toys for a photo shoot. As you can see, the team at Hot Wheels has made the usual array of tweaks in order to minimize the aerodynamic drag of the new car and maximize fuel efficiency. The exterior mirrors have been removed and the grille has been blanked off to force air flow around the car. The biggest change, however, was deleting the powertrain. Normally, this might be a problem, but like other Hot Wheels editions, this car derives its propulsive force from external sources.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels

2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels up close and personal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Toys/Games

The Ford Mustang has always been about affordable performance and that philosphy goes all the way down to prices under $1. Following the official unveiling of the 2010 Mustang last week in Los Angeles comes the introduction of the least expensive variant of all, the Hot Wheels car. Shots of a loose pre-production sample first hit the web via eBay ahead of the L.A. show. Ford apparently shared CAD data for the body of the updated Stang with Mattel, so the die-cast's body proportions are pretty much spot on, but as usual, the wheels are disproportionatly large. The real Mustang won't be available at Ford stores until early next year, but the super lightweight should be appearing at your local Target/K-Mart/Wal-Mart sometime next week. In L.A., Ford handed out a limited number of specially-marked "Auto Show Edition" Hot Wheels Mustangs. Several of those, predictably, are listed on eBay at a substantial markup for those of you who simply cannot wait another 48 hours for it to hit store shelves. Click the image above for a photo gallery.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT Hot Wheels die-cast

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels

Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot Wheels 2010 Mustang GT hits eBay

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Toys/Games

Click above for a hi-res gallery of Hot Wheels' 2010 Mustang

So, this would appear to be a big weekend for die-cast reveals of cars that are debuting at the LA Auto Show later this month. Yesterday, it was Tomica's 2010 Nissan Cube on eBay. Today we get the new 2010 Ford Mustang GT in the form of a Hot Wheels prototype, again on eBay. There in all its 1:64 scale glory is Ford's pony car with its new fascias and substantial power dome hood, but without mirrors. Hey, shipping's only $8.50 from Kuala Lumpur. If you're a hardcore collector, bid away. Us? We'll keep an eye on the store shelves at Target and pick up the final product for a buck. Thanks once again to Galvin for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT Hot Wheels die-cast

[Source: eBay]

Hot Wheels 2010 Mustang GT hits eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:37:00 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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Official: Mattel will offer Ferrari Dino, err... California model

Chris Tutor — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari, Toys/Games

Click above for high-res gallery of the new Ferrari California

A few months ago we advised taking our post about Mattel leaking major Ferrari news with a big grain of salt. But as that famous toy maker has been known to do in the past (remember the 1969 Corvette?), Mattel was indeed working on a 1:18th scale model of a new, small Ferrari. As we know, however, it won't be called Dino.

A Mattel insider and Autoblog fan has tipped us off that a 1:18 scale Hot Wheels Ferrari California will be available in "late 2008." With the official unveiling of the Ferrari California supposedly planned for the Paris Motor Show in October, we might be able to take one for a, uh, small test drive before the car is even unveiled.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

Official: Mattel will offer Ferrari Dino, err... California model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Another Pontiac G8 ad that goes after our childhood

Dan Roth — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Pontiac

Click above to view the video after the jump.

If the ad campaign is any indication, those of us born in the late 1970s are the demographic Pontiac's aiming at with the G8. First, there was the Spy Hunter themed TV spot, and now this one, which pays homage to the seminal car-guy experience of zooming around on a carpet in 1/64 scale. Hey, we're cool with that. The G8 GT does induce heart palpitations in many of us who still cling to our battle-scarred collection of now-vintage Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars with our initials etched into the underside. Like many of the other tiny cars we racked up miles on, a miniature G8 would have made us wish for either a shrink-ray, or a personal fortune by the time we hit 16 so we could buy a real one. Video embedded after the jump.

[Source: AdGabber]

Continue reading VIDEO: Another Pontiac G8 ad that goes after our childhood

VIDEO: Another Pontiac G8 ad that goes after our childhood originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot Wheels Honda Racer arrives in May. The kid in you is excited

John Neff — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Honda, Toys/Games

Click above for high-res gallery of the Hot Wheels Honda Racer

Last November at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Hot Wheels unveiled a troop of concepts to celebrate its 40th anniversary. These new Hot Wheels cars were not designed by everyone's favorite 1:64 scale model toy maker, but rather were all new designs penned by designers from Lotus, Chevy, Ford, Mitsubishi, Dodge and Honda. The Lotus Concept, Mitsubishi Double Shotz, Dodge XP-07, Gangster Grin from Ford, Chevroletor (GM), and Honda Racer, along with Hot Wheels' own HW-40, are going on tour around the United States in August, so keep an eye out.

The first of these concepts to actually become a toy will be the Honda Racer, the design of which is inspired by the 'H' in Honda's corporate logo. There's room for a driver and navigator in the side-by-side shape of the concept that features a paint scheme inspired by Honda's participation in F1 back in the day. A fictitious Honda V10 VTEC that displaces a theoretical 2.0L per cylinder (that's a 20-liter engine for those keeping score at home) powers the red-and-white racer. The Honda Racer's design, Guillermo Gonzalez, says rather than bean counters and engineers imposing restraints on his creativity, the only parameters when designing his Hot Wheels car were that it had to fit in the trademark orange track and be able to do a loop. With a 20L V10 and the assistance of good old gravity, we're sure a loop is well within its means. You'll be able to buy the Honda Racer next month when it begins arriving on store shelves in May. Until then, check out the high-res shots Honda released of the Honda Racer in our gallery below.

Gallery: Hot Wheels Honda Racer

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Hot Wheels Honda Racer arrives in May. The kid in you is excited

Hot Wheels Honda Racer arrives in May. The kid in you is excited originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The making of the $140,000 Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary car

Chris Tutor — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Earlier this week we brought you amazing photos of a Hot Wheel car Mattel valued at $140,000. "WTF?!," is what we heard from a lot of readers who wondered how a $1 toy could possibly be worth more than their entire collections of late-80s Buicks and/or Mustang IIs.

We asked similar questions, too, and got a series of photos from our buds at Mattel documenting what it took to create what is probably the worlds' most expensive 1:64 scale toy car.

In our previous post, we said most of the value came from the diamonds and rubies on the car's white gold body. We may have been wrong. Studying the photos in the gallery, the amount of patience and painstaking attention to tiny, tiny detail is where at least half the $140k is spent. We get bleary-eyed just thinking about having to place each of the 2,700 jewels in each of those microscopic little holes drilled in the car's 14k body.

So, yeah, $140k is still way too much money to pay for a car you can't even live in, but we now have a little more respect for what it took to create it.

Update: For all you HW collectors out there wondering what model is beneath all that glitter, it looks to be the Custom Otto casting.

Gallery: The making of a $140,000 Hot Wheel car

Gallery: $140k diamond Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Car

[Source: Mattel]

The making of the $140,000 Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$1 Hot Wheels car blinged out to $140,000

Chris Tutor — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games, Celebrities

click above for more high-res pics

A few years ago, Bruce Pascal paid more than $70,000 for a single Hot Wheels car. The car was an extremely rare rear-loading Beach Bomb with an even more rare pink coat of paint. But it didn't have even a single diamond or ruby, which makes us wonder what Mr. Pascal thinks about this jewel-encrusted toy car commissioned by Mattel to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels.

Jeweler to the stars, Jason of Beverly Hills, transformed this $1 toy into a $140,000 dust-collecting bauble. Almost every surface of the car is covered in some type of precious stone. The car's 18-karat white-gold body shimmers with blue diamonds, the base features white and black diamonds, rubies are set in the car's taillights, and black diamonds were used on the car's tires. Even the tiny interior is jeweled as is the engine. There are 2,700 jewels on the car at a weight of nearly 23-karats.

The car was introduced at the 2008 Toy Fair in New York by Nick Lachey (who's sorry now, Jessica?), who will auction off the toy later this year with the proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The lucky (by which we mean having more money than sense) winner will also get a custom-made display box that features 40 more diamonds, one for each year of Hot Wheels production.

Gallery: $140k diamond Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Car

[Source: Gizmodo, Mattel, Photos by Rob Loud/Getty]

Continue reading $1 Hot Wheels car blinged out to $140,000

$1 Hot Wheels car blinged out to $140,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot Wheels celebrating 40 years, planning tour of the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Thinking back to our formative years, there were three defining moments that began our automotive obsession. Our first exotic car poster (Countach FTW!), our first subscription to a buff book (in our own name) and countless hours spent on the carpet with our Hot Wheels collection doing imaginary power slides and performing gravity defying leaps over the abyss of our kitchen sink. Amazingly, Hot Wheels has been facilitating those memories for four decades since it began selling its die-cast toys back in 1968.

For Hot Wheels' 40th anniversary, it commissioned artists to design a few concepts that would celebrate the toys' heritage, and it is now planning a U.S. tour to mark the four billionth miniature sold. You'd have to be a fast food restaurant to claim to have served more people than that. Details about the tour are minimal, but Hot Wheels is planning a stop off in Detroit and an appearance at the historic races at Watkins Glen once things get underway later this summer. And a tour wouldn't be complete without schwag, so Hot Wheels plans on giving out collector cars in a variety of colors during the trip. We are so there.

[Source: AutoWeek via Winding Road]

Gallery: Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Concepts

Hot Wheels celebrating 40 years, planning tour of the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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