All Time Favorite List - 1991 Porsche 930

 For an early 90's casting, this one has the right amount of detail. It feels balanced and heavy with its all metal construction. The Porsche 930 is an awesome car - an icon in the world of sports cars. It has a classic shape regardless of the scale. We have seen this one a lot, it has been released many times since its initial casting, but not lately. I haven't seen it in the Hot Wheels mainline for at least a few years so this is a great opportunity to dig them up and get another look. That is what you get with these 3 models. I like each colour choice; Orange is bold, Blue is racy and Red is classic sports car. It is hard to make such a slick car look bad - see for yourself:

2011 First Editions # 9 of 50 - Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera

I have mentioned here many times before that I am a fan of exotic cars. If you are anything like me, the sight of a Ferrari or Lamborghini can be a stirring experience. To a smaller degree, the same is true when I hold one in my hand. What we have here is a pair of Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera models. This is a faithful reproduction, down to the side graphics and black-out rims, showing that this particular Gallardo is above and beyond the regular model in terms of weight reduction and performance.

2011 First Editions Honda S2000

Here we have 2 variations of the recently release Honda S2000. Compared to its real world source, the Hot Wheels model has some modifications including custom body panels, roof scoop and rear wing. This model fits right in with the "street racing" theme that a lot of recent Hot Wheels have. It is a fitting choice, as the Honda S2000 is a good starting point for performance enhancements. A great sports car and a bargain at its price point. Though Honda ended production in 2009, the racing spirit of this roadster lives on in 1:64 scale.

2011 New Models: Reverse Colour Variations

I have noticed a trend this year for the new models released thus far. The Colours selected for variations seem to be a reverse of the primary and secondary colours. I know there is a history of this with Mattel, but it seem to be more prevalent lately. It is a great way to explore some specific combinations and it makes for some interesting photo opportunities I could not resist:

A pair of Megane Trophy Renault's show well in yellow on black or black on yellow.

 

This pair of '63 Mustang II concept cars applies the colour reverse idea to the interior as well.

Even the Danicar gets a Bizzaro world clone.

Hot Wheels 2011 - New Packaging

In addition to all the new things happening in the world of Hot Wheels, we have a new look to the standard mainline packaging again this year. The rendering of each individual car (complete with actual color and rim variations in most cases) is a great feature added last year and I am glad to see that it will continue to be featured even more prominently this year. What wont be returning are the mystery cars series.

In total it looks like there will be 244 mainline releases including 50 First Editions.

The breakdown looks like this:

2011 Main Line                                                    244 Models

• 50 2011 HW Premiere
• 15 Treasure Hunts
• 15 Track Stars
• 42 Thrill Racers
• 22 Video Game Heroes
  

• 10 segments (10 cars each): 
  • Faster Than Ever™
  • MuscleHeat Fleet®
  • HW City Works™
  • HW Drag Racers™
  • HW Main Street™
  • HW Performance™
  • HW Racing™
  • Muscle Mania®
  • Nightburnerz™
  • Street Beasts®

Hot Wheels 2011 Premieres Update

2011 is barely a month old and so I figure I should post before the new models flood in. As usual, I will make the New Models my focus. So far I have been able to snag 6 different models (with one variation). It is also nice that they are pretty much in order compared to last year when the first models to show up were all over the range. The First Editions I have been able to acquire are all posted on my collection site, and I will show the thumbnail links below:

The Danicar - a nice start for the first of the year

Gran Torino - Inspired by the film, no doubt

What Hot Wheels model year would be complete without a few Mustangs?

Classic Corvette

Looks great in white, but hard to see against my regular backdrop

Where there's a Mustang, a Camaro can't be far behind... or in front?

A modern Musclecar by Dodge, the GM and Ford boys can't have all the fun!

readers should know my preference for Italian exotics.