2024 Hot Wheels J-Imports Mix Is an Affordable Set of Five Cars

I put this theory to practice again earlier today and walked out of a store that piled up quite a few 2023 models. And now I've come home to see another new set for 2024. It just never ends. Mattel is well aware of how much the new generation loves Japanese cars. So, the J-Imports series is bound to register strong sales.

Sure, it's not a premium set, so there are no Real Riders wheels here. But with a lower price, it will have higher volumes and potentially more profit for the company. But that's not the point I'm trying to make here. As with most new sets, the community has mixed opinions. Some are mad about it and don't want to see recolors upon recolors.

Others will buy these regardless, and I've even heard people who want them for the card art. As for me, I've spotted one or two models inside that I'd like to have on display. But scalpers will probably buy all the sets before I think about it. That's what usually happens with these themed assortments.

'68 Mazda Cosmo Sport

Mark Jones designed the '68 Mazda Cosmo Sport casting for its 2020 Car Culture debut. Until 2023, this was a Premium-exclusive model with two iterations on the market. We saw two variations last year: the basic Orange model and the Spectraflame Orange Super Treasure Hunt.

The latter looks great and can cost anywhere between $30 to $100. By comparison, the new J-Imports variation does not look very appealing. The new Cast 5-Spoke rims are arguably better than the Retro Slow Wheels. But Mattel gave up on the two-tone paint job in favor of an all-orange body and a white stripe running down the middle. We can always wait for the next model.

Nissan Skyline HT 2000GT-X

I'm sure Skyline fans will be all over this one. The Jun Imai-designed casting debuted in 2011, so you're looking at the 21st iteration of the Hakosuka. Even though I'm a rotary enthusiast, I'd choose this item over the Cosmo. Some might look at it and say: "But Dragos, this is very similar to the 2015 HW Road Trippin' iteration!"

And I agree, it has a similar red finish and livery. But the decals are different, and the new item has detailed taillights. Are the Star 5-spoke rims better than the old Manson Cheung 5-spoke ones? I'll leave that decision up to you. One thing's certain: anyone who started collecting Hot Wheels in the past two or three years and loves Skylines will likely consider buying this car.

'81 Toyota Starlet KP61

And the best car of the new set award goes to the '81 Toyota Starlet KP61. This Mark Jones-designed casting has only been around since 2021 and has been a Premium-exclusive model up until now. I regret not buying either of the first iterations, but all is not lost. Even without the Real Riders wheels, picking this new variation up is a no-brainer.

Mattel's choice of going with a seafoam finish is attractive and suits the classic look of this '80 legend. When I see this car, I always think about Steve "Stiggy" Evans and Teruyoshi Iwai; they are two of the most well-known drifters to have ever used the chassis. With any luck, we'll see an extra Mainline iteration of the Starlet by the end of 2024.

1985 Honda CR-X

Ryu Asada designed both the 1985 CR-X and the '88 CRX castings, and I prefer the latter. The '85 model appeared in the 2012 The Hot One series and featured an attractive red and chrome finish. The new variation draws inspiration from the 2013 Boulevard CR-X, minus the Real Riders wheels.

I'm not into the new Plus 4-spoke rim design, and I'd vote for the CR-X as the worst item in the upcoming J-Series mix. The car looked infinitely better with the Aerodisc wheels, as proven by the past two iterations. But other collectors might disagree.

Acura NSX

Kevin Cao designed this version of the Hot Wheels Acura NSX, a replica of the famous GT500 machine. Since 2008, we've only had three epic iterations of this machine. The first two were part of the 2010 Speed Machines series and had Co-Molded 6-spoke wheels. The latest one appeared in the 2016 Car Culture: Race Day, sporting a Yokohama Advan livery.

I still regret selling this one, but I can always get another if I conclude it's necessary. We have been in the dark for three years about this race-ready NSX. Mattel didn't develop any new variation, so it's an unexpected appearance for most. The livery is excellent; there is nothing to complain about here. But the P4 wheels remind me of the dreaded TRAP5 model, which I hated passionately.

I wish Mattel would use this casting for the 2024 Super Treasure Hunt line-up and treat it to some Real Riders wheels. If not, I might have to buy it and learn how to perform custom wheel swaps. Which one of the five new collectibles is your favorite? And please let me know if you're as appalled about the P4 wheels as I am or if I'm overreacting here.