I haven't done a Hot Wheels photo session in a while. I'm thinking of a theme that will fit my surroundings, and then I'll report back with the story. Opting for pickup trucks or SUVs sounds like the best option.
It's April, and we have seen quite a few interesting Hot Wheels releases for 2024. In just over three months, Mattel unveiled several RLC models, plenty of Mainline cars, and a host of Premium collectibles. We even saw glimpses of what's coming up in 2024, including a nearly complete Super Treasure Hunt line-up.
And now, the diecast manufacturer has decided to provide more teasers on the occasion of the 24th Hot Wheels Collectors Nationals Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. I'll analyze the most interesting models for today's story. Right off the bat, the Mainline series will introduce the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. It is a much-welcomed addition to the existing 30+ Hot Wheels Lamborghini castings.
I just reviewed Case H a few weeks ago, and the Sterrato is coming up in Case N, so we'll have to be patient for a few more months. Off-road supercars are all the hype these days, and it is no surprise that Mattel is finally releasing a replica of the Porsche 911 Dakar. The 911 "Rallye" will debut in Case N, featuring the iconic white and blue livery and a roof rack.
The Pagani Zonda R and the '95 Mazda RX-7 are coming as Kroger-exclusive items, but I guess more people are ecstatic about introducing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. I might get one of those for my collection, but I'll primarily be hunting for the new variation of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo.
Photo: Lamley Group
If you're as fascinated by this casting as I am, you'll love to know it will join the Super Treasure Hunt series this year! The Sesto Elemento reached that level first back in 2020. But it's coming back after a one-year hiatus with a ZAMAC finish! One of the main highlights of Case L is an F1 car from 1967: the Lotus Type 49. It gives me hope that Mattel plans to release more of these vehicles soon, and I'd love to see a replica of the 98T!
We already had one Audi STH this year, and Mattel is planning another for 2025: the Quattro! We had the '84 Audi Sport quattro in Spectraflame Red in 2020, but the new model is an iteration of the '87 Audi quattro casting instead. The new Track Fleet series surprised me, especially with the Volvo 240 Drift Camper inside. But we'll dive deeper into the topic once I see the vehicles. Normally, the Pull-Back Speeders series wouldn't have lured me in without the '04 Mazda RX-8 Custom inside.
Still, I've rarely found any of these in stores, so I think I'll leave it at that. Skipping through the Silver Series, I almost fell off my chair, seeing the ZAMAC '78 Porsche 935-78. We haven't seen this casting since 2019, and I'm genuinely sad I don't own one anymore. I've been trying to avoid Mainlines and basic models, as Premium collectibles make much more sense.
And there are plenty of updates here. The big news is that Japan Historics is returning with set No. 4, but it feels underwhelming at first sight. The Datsun King Cab Baja Custom will be debuting in the Terra Trek series, and I'm guessing it's alongside four existing castings. It will serve as a regular vehicle and a Chase one, too, but I'm honestly more excited about the return of the Race Day series!
Photo: T-Hunted
The 2023 Nissan Z GT4 meets the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), and it seems the latter will serve as a Chase model, but not in black as we're used to seeing. Once you get to Modern Classics, you know 2024 will be a good year for collecting Hot Wheels cars.
There are three brand-new castings inside, and it's an All-Japanese party with the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) Pandem, the 2004 Subaru Forester STi, and the Nissan Sileighty turning the heat up to 11. I'm buying at least two sets if we can see a new variation of the Mazda RX-7 FC Pandem inside! Big things are coming with Team Transport, too.
The epic '55 Mercedes-Benz Blaues Wunder is on its way for Mix 3 of 2024. But Mattel has saved what's best for last, as Mix 4 contains four new items. Two stand out, and I can't wait to pre-order the 1994 Nissan 300ZX GTS. Race cars were so cool in the '80s and '90s! I'm sure the '89 Toyota Supra will get just as much love from collectors despite looking like a road-going vehicle instead of a full-on race machine.
I was surprised but happy to see Larry Chen's Toyota GR Supra is scheduled to show up in Boulevard. Larry's one of the hardest-working guys I've ever met, and he's reached a level most automotive photographers can only dream of. Honda guys will probably lose their minds over the new 2023 Honda Civic Type-R, and the Spoon livery is the perfect start for this casting.
Photo: T-Hunted
The RS*R 2-pack caught my attention as it features a drift car that Tetsuya Hibino drove a while ago at the RS*R Drift Festival. With all these sneak peeks, I'd better start setting aside money for all the novelties. If I had to choose a single item, I'd go straight for the yellow 993 GT2, which reminds me of the epic First Edition of this casting from 2013. I'm not interested in 1/43th-scale updates, but you might be.
Things seem to be moving forward for at least another year over at Elite 64, and a Mod Shop is coming up. Some of the RLC cars are downright insane, and I can already imagine a lot of people upset about not being able to buy one from Mattel Creations when they drop. Hopefully, that Overdrive membership kicks in for a few lucky collectors, as the Lamborghini Miura and the Mercedes-Benz 600 look fantastic! Oh, it will be a busy, busy year, and you might have to spend about $1,000 to buy all of the cool cars that are on their way.
The things Dragos enjoys the most in life are, in no particular order: cars, motorcycles, diecast cars, and drifting. He's seen (and driven) many vehicles since he started his writing career back in 2009, but his garage currently houses a 1991 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II and a 1999 Suzuki SV650-S. Full profile
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