New Hot Wheels Rally Set Is a Mix of Three Iconic Cars and More

The story's moral is that either the law of attraction works or that Mattel has managed to ship its products even to the world's most remote corners. Either way, my Hot Wheels addiction is almost back in full swing. As a big-time Group B rally racing fan, I was happy to see the newest premium collector set on the market.

The company first developed the concept in 2020 with an all-Nissan set. You can buy four different items every year, with three vehicles inside and an additional hauler. If you choose not to open the package, you get a basic diorama as a backdrop for your prized possessions. But you can always build your garage, racetrack, or parking lot using basic skills and tools.

2023 started with a Track Day set containing the '84 Audi Sport Quattro, Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, Sauber-Mercedes C9, and the Euro Hauler. An all-Nissan set was up next, so this new release is the third one for the year. That means the upcoming Jay Leno's Garage model will conclude the series for 2023.

Ford RS200

The Ford RS200 is the first item inside the Collector Set, and most people will say it's also the most iconic one here. I've only seen two or three of these live, but they were always on display rather than racing. If you can find one for sale, it can cost more than half a million dollars, which isn't accessible for most people. While the Hot Wheels version can't give you the thrills of the real thing, it will still look fantastic in your diecast display area.

Mark Jones designed this casting for its 2020 Car Culture: Thrill Climbers release. That same year, Mattel used it for its now-defunct iD series. The 2021 Period Correct edition can cost over $100 today, so the Team Transport variation is much more affordable. No new RS200 variation showed up in 2022, so seeing it back on the market is good.

There are a few differences in livery and decals compared to the previous release, but the wheel choice stands out the most. The Real Riders European rim design has been in Mattel's portfolio for almost 20 years. But the diecast manufacturer uses them sparingly, which might cause some collectors to hoard the new RS200 once it comes out.

Lancia Delta Integrale

By now, you've probably realized this Group B-themed collector set isn't revolutionary. There's no new casting here, just variations of existing models. Like with the RS200, we've seen the Lancia Delta Integrale before. But here's the twist. Whereas the RS200 is a premium-exclusive casting, we've only seen the Delta Integrale in the mainline series.

That's right; this is the first time the iconic Italian rally car gets a Metal base and Real Riders wheels! Ryu Asada designed the casting a few years ago, and all four previous variations have had a plastic base and regular wheels. But the new Delta Integrale sits on Real Riders Aero rims, and everything looks stunning from every angle. Suddenly, the focus has shifted. And this item could become the highlight of the new collector set.

MG Metro 6R4

The MG Metro 6R4 is one of the rarer castings here, as there is only one other variation on the market. You might remember seeing it in the 2022 Car Culture: Team Transport series. Mark Jones designed this one, and most people have probably never seen the actual car live. If you are familiar with the Team Transport series, you might have spotted a connection between the RS200 and the Metro 6R4, but we'll get to that in a minute.

The First Edition of this vehicle was a replica of the car that Didier Aurol drove in the '80s. Mattel has created a Rothmans-inspired livery for the latest release, arguably even better. I'm happy this new version also uses the Real Riders 8-spoke wheels, as it is the perfect choice for the tiny pocket rocket.

HW Rally Hauler

Last but not least, you can't have a Premium Collector set without a hauler inside, right? The Hot Wheels Rally Hauler is steadily becoming a classic design, and the best part about it is that it also comes with a trailer. Mark Jones designed both items; you'll find only three previous releases. For its first appearance, the Rally Hauler was in charge of carrying the RS200, and then it went on to handle the Metro 6R4. And that's the connection I was talking about earlier. If you plan a photoshoot with this set, you can always alternate between cars. But again, you should start making your dioramas for extra realism.