Mastretta MXR

Mastretta, being the first Mexican Sports Car, celebrating Mexico Independence Day!

Mastretta MXR

Name: Mastretta MXR
Produced: 2014 First  Editions
Year: 2014
Designer: Ryu Asada / Daniel Mastretta

The story behind: Mastretta Cars is a Mexican car maker and design studio established by industrial designer Daniel Mastretta in Mexico City in 1987.In 2010 MXT is the first developed vehicle to reach international commercial availability.

The 2012 Mastretta MXT was officially introduced to the international motoring press at the Los Angeles motor show in November 2011. In production, it is constructed on a tube-frame monocoque chassis, using double wishbone suspension pieces front and rear, carrying coil springs and monoshocks. Carbon-fiber body elements and aluminum elements in the chassis contribute to a low curb weight of 930 kg.The engine is Ford's Duratec in-line 4-cylinder, with an announced power output of 250 PS (184 kW) and 348Nm of torque connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Pricing for the MXT start at $58,000 USD depending on options, and the equivalent in Euros, Mexican Pesos and British Pounds. Sales began in early 2011 in the United Kingdom and Mexico, followed by other international destinations, such as France and the U.S.

The looks: Mastreta MXR was the first model announced for the 2014 Hot Wheels line , this is kind of achievement considering there is a lot of fandom in Mexico and being the first sports car build here it was a huge news. The model is faithful to the original design detail wise in an out. The model is solid being die cast for most part only the interiors, intakes and of course the chassis is made of plastic. Speaking of which I felt that the chassis was uneventful being only a plate of plastic with little almost no detail at  all. 

As I said before being the first Mexican sports deluxe car I was excited but I didnt find it till late 2014 in my latest trip to Brazil; something very exciting I must add. Overall this high-performance, lightweight sports car built and engineered completely in Mexico. Boasting 0 to 100 km per hour in less than 5 seconds, it's fast, powerful and built to move.

Being the first Mexican Sports car I had to take the chance and celebrate Mexico Independence Day with this review. Have a good day all and Viva Mexico! :D

Rating: ****/2

From left to right: Lamborghini Reventon, Lotus Elise, Mastretta MXR, 09 Corvette ZRI, Ferrari 458 Italia

Carbonic

Carbonic has a solid design with the right color scheme 

Carbonic

Name: Carbonic
Produced: 2014 HW Off-Road - Stunt Circuit
Year: 2014
Designer: -

The story behind: Open roadster with a rear-mounted, turbo charged, 4-cylinder compact engine and gobs of carbon fiber. Sleek, light and powerful,it excels in both on and off road.

The looks: This model reminds me to an updated version of a batmobile. it is black, it is sleek and the front of it reminds me of the intakes from some of the most iconic versions of Batman's wheels. The weight and design are perfect for lets say wall tracks. Overall Carbonic has a solid design with the right color scheme and I am very sure this will be one of the most iconic Hot Wheels in years to come.

Rating: ****

Far Away Cousins

Motorblade

A Hot Wheels casting based on a Reflex Racing car

Motorblade

Name: Motorblade
Produced: 2006 First Editions
Year: 2006
Designer: Mark Jones

The story behind: The Motoblade is a Hot Wheels casting based on a Reflex Racing car. For those of you who dont know what a reflex racing car I will try to sum it up, basically a RC small car. The Motoblade features a removable top which is neat but it doesnt have much detail so the whole gimick is somewhat useless (depends on your liking in the end).

The looks: The main feature of this hot wheel is the driver and the blade that passes through his left side or right depends on how you are looking. As I said the top is removable so it shows the motor and the driver. Most of the car is diecast which is an advantage particulary when you are using it for racing. 

Rating: ***

Detailed view

Fast-Bed Hauler

It goes up , it goes down and it slides in accordance to your hauling needs

Fast-Bed Hauler

Name: Fast-Bed Hauler
Produced: 2014 First Editions 
Year: 2014
Designer: Abe Hugo

The story behind: Fast-Bed Hauler is a 1930's-style single-ton flatbed with dual V-8 engines. It was made for transporting speedy cargo to hot rod events in style. Usually I dont go after 2 reviews per day, it is kind of a own agreement I have but considering this hot wheel I came forward and started writing. Honestly speaking I buy 5 to 7 hot wheels per week and I rarely open them all, probably one or two depending on my urgency. Today was one of those days...

The looks: Fast-Bed Hauler puzzled me because I wasnt sure how functional it was, Hot Wheels has been doing very cheap models lately and my concern was that this model was one of those, thank you Mattel you shut me up! From the start you get a very classy old fashion model with the huge front grill and the headlamps evoking 1930's style. 

The most striking feature is of course the ramp, but would it work? Yes it does, it goes up , it goes down and it slides in accordance to your hauling needs, this model has it all, the model isnt to heavy considering most of it is plastic. Overall this is a very solid model that could easily replace Back Slider as your hauler of choice!!

Rating: ***/2

Guess who's car is that?

Make your choice

Dodge Neon

The name dismisses the real thing for something more hybrid

Dodge Neon

Name: Dodge Neon
Produced: 2004 First Editions
Year: 2004
Designer: Eric Tscherne

Dragster

The story behind: This FWD Import Dragster version of the Dodge Neon was introduced in 2004. It was driven by Shaun Carlson of NuFormz Racing for Mopar. The car was campaigned for just a short time as Shaun moved up to Pro Stock soon after debuting this car. Shaun went on to build the 2010 New Models Drift Charger and has a 3rd Hot Wheels Casting his first, in the Ford Focus Dragster from 2001.

The looks: If you expect this to be a normal Dodge Neon car then you will be very much dissapointed. It does have some resemblence but as a model it doesnt do much to me. It is a dragster and aside from that nothing much. The car is very solid being die cast metal and the weight warrants a good push in drag races.

Hard to recommend considering that the name dismisses the real thing for something more hybrid.

Rating: **

Overview of the Dodge Neon

Hyper Mite

A bizarre little bug of a car

Hyper Mite

Name: Hyper Mite
Produced: 2001 First Editions
Year: 2001
Designer: Mark Jones

Little bug

The story behind: A bizarre little bug of a car, and one of the shortest Hot Wheels castings in terms of wheelbase. From the front, the bubble-roofed vehicle resembles the face of a koala, although this may be unintended. The interior is worth examining, as it appears to incorporate a bicycle seat, handlebars and pedals! The rear-mounted V-twin engine has two exhaust pipes ending in skyward-pointing funnels.

The looks: As stated previously the unfeasible design of this car makes it perfect for display or at least a buy out. The design is so innovative that is just plain fun to watch but not so fun in hot wheel tracks nor related products. The toy is heavy in comparison with other models given the fact the size and the composition of it. 

I believe this is one of those models whom I would only recommend for die hard collectors or lovers of the weird stuff.

 

Rating: **/2

The whole thing

Hot Wheels Truckin Transporter Fuel&Fire

Whether it transports petrol, gasoline or ethanol is your choice. 

Fuel&Fire

Name: Fuel&Fire
Produced: 2014 First Editions
Year: 2014
Designer: 

The story behind:  Today I went to my local WalMart looking for any new hot wheels, while I had the chance of finding none I did came accross the Truckin Transporter line, of course being hot wheels and the fact that I hadnt bought one in some time I was drawn by the design of this particular toy. 

The looks: I have some affectionate passion for truckin rigs. Probably the main reason is the fact that they look like land trains, the other one could be Optimus Prime. Whatever the case this truckin transporter blends classic with modern in this hype design. It is the first one that doesnt involve any kind of transport for an additional hot wheels. 

Fuel&Fire as its name implies is a fuel transport whether it transports petrol, gasoline or ethanol is your choice. The color is very basic going yellow with some additional flames. So far is the only model I had not seen this year so I didnt hesitate when I saw it. Definitively a worth considering that the size is more adhoc to your average hot wheel.

Rating: ****

Sting Rod II

This vehicle is armed and plated like is going to assault or going straight to war

Sting Rod II

Name: Sting Rod II
Produced: 2010 First Editions
Year: 2010
Designer: Jun Imai

Too much weaponry

The story behind:  Sting Rod II is remicent to a AA Battery, it has three rockets (single mould) on the back which can be moved up and down, as with the original Sting Rod.

The looks:  As stated previously the design on this car is very aggressive, it features a three barrell rocket launcher along with a saw in the backside of the vehicle. It also features several rocket pods on the sides and the below. Also mounted machine guns on the sides, wow this vehicle is armed and plated like is going to assault or going straight to war.

 I have mixed feelings about this one, yes its a nice offensive vehicle and it makes a nice addition to your Battleforce 5 or any other propaganda toys but overall I dont feel that the car is appropriate for kids, it just doesnt make sense at all.

Rating: **

Ready to hit town.

Rapid Response

The humpty dumpty syndrome

Rapid Response

Name: Rapid Response
Produced: 2010 First Editions
Year: 2010-2012
Designer: Alec Tam

Set for rescue

The story behind:  This is an obscure model which is very recent and rare. As far as the model goes this was one of my first hot wheels and I am as farfetched as you guys to see that it got discontinued. 

The looks:  As I sought for new reviews today I found it in my way. Based in an ambulance the motif employs a truck front with a translucent back so we can see the emergency bed and the gadgets. The model is nice if nothing special, the whole body is made of plastic leaving the lower part to stabilize it being metal. The front of the model is based in the Hot Wheels freight collection which is a nice detail.

It can be placed in tracks but the performance is so lame it belongs to the sidelines. Shame for this model to got discontinued so soon since it seemed hipped and cool. The humpty dumpty syndrome.

Rating: **

The detailed front