The Fast & Furious Car Culture line from Hot Wheels has been a consistent presence in the diecast world for some time now, and while it’s certainly a popular series, I can’t help but feel a bit of fatigue setting in. Mattel seems content to milk this cash cow for all it’s worth, but I often find myself wondering if they’re starting to test their luck with collectors. The latest release, Fast & Furious Car Culture Mix 2 for 2025, is a perfect example of this. Don’t get me wrong, there are some gems in this mix, but there are also a couple of head-scratchers that leave me wondering, “Why?”
A Closer Look at the Cars
1. Mazda RX-7 FD: This white RX-7 with HKS graphics from the original Fast & Furious (or Fast & Furious 4, depending on how you’re counting) is a decent addition to the lineup. It’s not the most exciting casting, but it’s a solid representation of the car from the movie and the black Real Rider 5-spoke Modern wheels are a good choice. I remember seeing this car in the theater back in 2009 and thinking how cool it was that they brought back some of the original cast. I do love this casting, as well as the real life RX-7 so this one is nice to see in this set.
2. Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR32): You can’t go wrong with a Skyline GT-R, and this black BNR32 from Furious 7 is no exception. The silver Real Rider 6-spoke Modern wheels look great, and the overall execution is well done. I have a feeling this one will be the first to disappear from the pegs. I’ve always loved the R32 Skyline. All that being said, I feel like Hot Wheels is starting to overdo the Nissan Skyline, but at least it’s an R32.
3. 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat: This grey Charger Hellcat from Fast X is a nice model, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking. The black Real Rider 5-spoke Modern wheels are fine, but I wouldn’t have minded seeing something a little different. I’m not sure how I feel about the newer Fast & Furious movies. They seem to have gone a bit over the top with the stunts and the CGI. I prefer the earlier movies when the focus was more on the cars and the street racing….and family. You never turn your back on family.
4. Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA: This is where I start to scratch my head. This orange Alfa Romeo with black racing stripes from Fast X is almost identical to the 2023 release. The only difference is the wheels. This one has silver Slotted Real Rider wheels, while the 2023 release had grey steelies. Is this really necessary? I’m not so sure. Especially when you can still find the 2023 release warming the pegs at many Wal-marts. But I know they have a loyal following, so maybe this one will appeal to some collectors.
5. 1966 Chevy Impala: Finally, a new casting (sorta)! This lavender ’66 Impala from Fast X is a beauty. The chrome Real Rider 5-spoke mag wheels are a perfect choice, and the overall execution is top-notch. This is the first time this casting has been done as a premium. It debuted last year in the Silver series (Fast & Furious: Racing Series). For fans of classic American muscle cars, the ’66 Impala is sure to be a hit. I’m glad to see Hot Wheels giving this car the premium treatment.
Some Thoughts on the Future of Fast & Furious Diecast
While I appreciate the occasional new casting like the ’66 Impala, I’d love to see Mattel take some more risks with the Fast & Furious line. Instead of constantly rehashing the same old cars, why not introduce some new vehicles from the franchise? Or maybe even some fantasy castings based on the movies? I’d love to see a Spacefaring Fiero, for example. I think it’s time for Mattel to inject some new life into this line before it becomes completely stale. What are your thoughts on the Fast & Furious Car Culture Mix 2 for 2025?