Hot Wheels 2011 Year in Review

One post I never did get to in 2011 was about "the poster". Every Year we can count on a poster depicting the planned releases for the Hot Wheels 1:64 scale. Every series is here, New Models, Treasure Hunts, Track Aces and all. You might have already seen this, but if not, it would help see what 2011 was all about. Check it out, see what you might have missed:

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.