Trenton

Hot Wheels collectors and JDM fans, get ready! The second RLC sELECTIONs car of the year is here, and it’s a beauty. The Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34) is a diecast model that’s sure to be a hit, and I’m going to tell you why.

This RLC release is a must-have for any serious Hot Wheels collector. It features a Spectraflame oxblood paint job, NISMO logo, and Real Riders 5-spoke modern wheels. The car also has an opening hood, full-metal chassis, and light smoke-tinted windows. It’s a stunning model that’s sure to turn heads. But there’s so much more to this release than meets the eye!

A “CHOICE” Selection: Designed by the Collectors

What makes this particular release extra special is the fact that it was designed with direct input from RLC members like you! Through a series of polls, collectors were able to voice their preferences on the casting, the paint scheme, and finally the wheel selection. This democratic design process is reflected in the car’s license plate which appropriately reads “CHOICE”. I love that Hot Wheels is engaging with the community this way and I think the final product is a testament to the discerning taste of RLC members.

Carbon Fiber Details and a Premium Pedigree

One of the standout features of this model has to be the carbon fiber hood and rear wing. These details add a level of realism and sophistication that you don’t always see in diecast cars. It’s a nod to the high-performance nature of the real-life Skyline GT-R and a reminder of its racing heritage.

Speaking of pedigree, this casting itself has quite a history. Originally designed by Brendon Vetuskey in 2019, it debuted as a premium model and quickly became a fan favorite. Vetuskey even acknowledged the casting’s popularity, stating, “Maybe it’s because the real cars were never sold here in the U.S., making it that much rarer and more desirable?” He’s got a point!

Skyline GT-R: JDM Legend and Pop Culture Icon

The Nissan Skyline GT-R, especially the R34 generation, holds a legendary status among enthusiasts. Known for its incredible performance and advanced technology, the R34 dominated Japanese touring car championships. Its twin-turbocharged 2.6L RB26DETT engine, all-wheel-drive system, and sophisticated ATTESA E-TS Pro system made it a force to be reckoned with both on the track and the street.

But the Skyline GT-R’s fame transcends the racing world. It became a pop culture icon thanks to its appearances in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise. Who could forget Brian O’Conner’s blue R34 in 2 Fast 2 Furious? These appearances cemented the Skyline’s place in automotive history and fueled its desirability among collectors worldwide.

RLC Exclusivity vs. Made-to-Order Availability

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the made-to-order nature of this release. While it guarantees that everyone who wants one can get one, it also potentially impacts its future value. Unlike traditional limited-production RLC releases, this Skyline GT-R might see a flood of cars on the secondary market, which could keep prices relatively stable. However, the two-week ordering window creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Those who miss out, and new collectors entering the hobby later, might be willing to pay a premium to acquire this model down the line. Only time will tell!

The Nissan Skyline is undoubtedly one of the most popular castings among Hot Wheels collectors. This RLC release, with its collector-chosen design, premium features, and connection to JDM royalty, is sure to be a standout in any collection. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Hot Wheels history!  Pre-order here.

The Hot Wheels Red Line Club (RLC) is about to unleash a diecast beast that’ll have collectors and enthusiasts alike roaring with excitement: the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red. This isn’t just another Mustang; it’s a limited-edition tribute to an incredibly rare, street-illegal monster that only a select few have ever laid eyes on.

The Real-Life Code Red: A Beast Unleashed

The real-life 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red is a collaboration between Shelby American and Fathouse Performance. It’s a heavily modified version of the already potent Shelby GT500, boasting a mind-blowing 1,300 horsepower, thanks to upgraded turbos, a new fuel system, and a host of other performance enhancements. With a price tag north of $200,000, it’s a car reserved for the elite few.

Hot Wheels RLC: Capturing the Essence

Hot Wheels has faithfully recreated this modern muscle masterpiece in 1:64 scale, capturing the aggressive lines and menacing presence of the Code Red. The Spectraflame Slate paint job with Code Red accents perfectly complements the car’s muscular stance. The opening hood reveals a detailed engine bay, showcasing the heart of this beast.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

With only 30 of the real-life Code Reds ever produced, owning one is a dream for most. However, the Hot Wheels RLC version offers a more attainable way to experience this automotive legend. At just $25, it’s a steal compared to its real-life counterpart.

My Take

As a self-proclaimed Dodge Challenger guy, I can’t help but appreciate the raw power and presence of the Code Red. It’s refreshing to see modern American muscle getting some love in the RLC lineup. While JDM and classic muscle cars have their place, there’s something undeniably exciting about the latest generation of high-performance American cars.

I predict this RLC release will be highly sought-after by collectors. The combination of a modern muscle car, limited production, and an attractive price point is a recipe for success. Don’t miss out on your chance to add this beast to your collection!  Goes live on Mattel Creations at 11:00 AM CST on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Hot Wheels has recently announced the first mix of Pop Culture cars for 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a great one! The Pop Culture line is part of the Hot Wheels Gold series, featuring premium releases with rubber tires and more detailed bodies than the mainline cars. This set includes some real gems, with a nice variety of castings and themes. Let’s take a closer look.

Aston Martin Vanquish from James Bond “Die Another Day”: This sleek silver Aston Martin comes equipped with Real Rider Modern 10-spoke wheels and captures the essence of the iconic car from the James Bond film. The Vanquish was a fitting choice for Bond, showcasing cutting-edge technology and performance, much like the DB5 did in earlier films. It’s sure to be a popular choice for both Bond and diecast enthusiasts.

The Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo: This turquoise and orange Mystery Machine is an instant classic. It features orange Real Rider wheels and the classic Scooby-Doo graphics. The Mystery Machine has been a staple of the Scooby-Doo franchise since its inception in 1969, and this Hot Wheels release is a great way to celebrate its enduring popularity.

1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport from Jay Leno’s Garage: This white 1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport with chrome Slotted Real Riders is a beauty. The Cosmo Sport was a groundbreaking car for Mazda, featuring a sleek design and a rotary engine. Its appearance on Jay Leno’s Garage introduced this classic car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Kool Kombi with Mattel 80th Anniversary graphics: This red Kool Kombi with chrome Real Rider 10-spoke wheels is a standout in the set. The Kool Kombi is already a popular casting, and this new livery celebrating Mattel’s 80th anniversary is sure to make it even more desirable. I predict this one will be the big hit from this case.

K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider: This black K.I.T.T. with black Dish Real Rider wheels is a must-have for fans of the classic TV show. K.I.T.T., or Knight Industries Two Thousand, was a technologically advanced car featured in the 1980s series Knight Rider. This talking car captured the imaginations of a generation, and this Hot Wheels release is a great way to relive the nostalgia.

While the Mystery Machine and K.I.T.T. always have a following, they have also been done in very similar releases in the past. The Kool Kombi will likely be more desirable because it is already a popular casting and showing up in a new livery. It’s also worth noting that the Aston Martin Vanquish and the 1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport are both excellent castings that are sure to be popular with collectors.

Overall, this is a strong mix of Pop Culture cars that is sure to please a variety of collectors. I’m particularly excited about the Kool Kombi and the Aston Martin Vanquish. What are you most looking forward to in this release? Let me know in the comments below!

It’s that time again, diecast collectors! The final case of the year has arrived, and it’s time to dive into the Hot Wheels 2024 Q Case. In the past, the Q Case has often been a bit of a letdown, filled with repeats and less desirable models. However, this year’s Q Case breaks the mold and delivers a fantastic lineup of new models, recolors, and even a few surprises. Let’s take a closer look at what this case has to offer.

New Models in the 2024 Q Case: Fresh Metal for Your Collection

The 2024 Q Case kicks off with a bang, introducing several exciting new models. The VW T3 Custom (#227) in a sleek brown and metalflake gold is a standout. This casting captures the iconic VW van with a customized touch, and the color combination is simply stunning. Another new addition for 2024 that caught my eye is the Retro-Active (#237) in a vibrant orange pearl. This futuristic-looking car has a unique design that’s sure to turn heads.

Hot Wheels continues its impressive “HW: The ’90s” series in this case with two fantastic additions. The McLaren F1 (#243) in red is a personal favorite. This legendary supercar is a must-have for any diecast collection, and the red paint job perfectly complements its iconic lines. Joining the McLaren is the ’98 Subaru Impreza 22B STi-Version (#244) in white. This rally-inspired icon is a true legend of the 1990s, and Hot Wheels has done a fantastic job recreating it in diecast form.

Another of the new releases is the Porsche 928S Safari (#245) in red. This rugged take on the classic Porsche 928 is a welcome addition to the Hot Wheels lineup. It also serves as the regular Treasure Hunt for this case, adding an extra layer of excitement for collectors.

More New Models and a Super Treasure Hunt!

The 2024 Q Case keeps the hits coming with even more new releases for 2024. The Tesla Cybertruck (#246) in ZAMAC is a highly sought-after model. This futuristic pickup truck has generated a lot of buzz, and its popularity is reflected in its strong secondary market value, currently selling for around $15-$20.

Hot Wheels introduces another new casting with the Hi-Roller II (#247) in blue. This classic-looking car has a timeless design that’s sure to appeal to collectors of all ages. The Dodge Van (#248) in black is a cool addition, representing the popular Dajiban custom van scene in Japan. These vans are known for their unique drifting style, and Hot Wheels has captured their essence perfectly.

Truck enthusiasts will appreciate the ’83 Chevy Silverado (#249) in blue. This classic pickup truck is a staple of American automotive history, and the Hot Wheels version is a great representation. Keep an eye out for the Super Treasure Hunt version of this model, which features Spectraflame blue paint and Real Rider wheels. It’s already commanding a hefty price on the secondary market, selling for $125-$130.

Finally, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse (#250) makes its debut in a sleek satin blue with black wheels. This new Mustang model is a fantastic addition to the Hot Wheels lineup, and the color combination is spot-on.

Recolors Galore: Familiar Faces in New Hues

The 2024 Q Case also delivers a solid selection of recolors. Some of the highlights include the Loopster (#48) in neon yellow, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0 (#98) in blue, and the ’91 Mazda MX-5 Miata (#120) in yellow. These recolors add variety to the case and offer collectors a chance to add new versions of their favorite castings to their collections.

The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (#122) appears in a striking dark blue with Gulf Oil graphics. This iconic race car is always a welcome sight, and the Gulf livery looks fantastic. Other notable recolors include the Speed Dozer (#147) in dark red, the ’96 Porsche Carrera (#174) in white, and the ’90 Acura NSX (#175) in white, both from the “HW: The ’90s” series.

The Rally Speciale (#179) shows up in blue, while the Bugatti Bolide (#185) gets a red and black treatment. The Bumblebee (#186) VW Bug from Transformers returns in a dazzling metalflake gold. This casting, along with the yellow version released earlier this year, has been a huge hit with collectors.

Rounding out the recolors are the ’67 Lotus Type 49 (#188) in dark green with #4 on the side (a variation of the earlier #5 version), the Track Dwagon (#189) in black and yellow, and the ’66 Triumph Tiger 100 (#190) in white and blue.

Overall, the Hot Wheels 2024 Q Case is a surprising and satisfying end to the year. With a strong mix of new models, recolors, and sought-after Treasure Hunts, this case is a must-have for any diecast collector.