For over five decades, Hot Wheels has held a special place in the hearts of collectors and toy enthusiasts young and old. From the iconic Redline era to the diverse lines of today, these miniature marvels capture the essence of automotive passion and ignite imaginations. So, buckle up as we zoom through the best Hot Wheels models of 2022, a year packed with stunning designs, exciting collaborations, and groundbreaking innovations.
Mainline Mania:
The bread and butter of Hot Wheels, the mainline series consistently delivers a wide range of vehicles at an accessible price point. 2022 saw several standouts, including:
'66 Ford Bronco: A perennial favourite, the Bronco received a refresh with detailed tampo printing and a variety of eye-catching liveries.
'70 Dodge Challenger T/A: This muscle car legend roared onto the scene with multiple variations, including a spectacular Super Treasure Hunt with Spectraflame paint.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The beloved roadster made its long-awaited debut in the mainline series, capturing its charm in miniature form.
BMW M4 Competition: This sleek sports coupe offered a taste of European performance with its sharp lines and aggressive stance.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Representing the future of mobility, the ID. Buzz brought a touch of sustainable style to the mainline.
Premium Power:
For collectors seeking more intricate details and premium materials, the various Hot Wheels premium lines offered a treasure trove of delights:
Car Culture: This series continued to impress with themed sets like "Japan Historics" and "Gulf Oil Collection," featuring iconic Japanese cars and vintage Gulf-liveried racers.
Boulevard: Celebrating pop culture and everyday heroes, Boulevard delivered gems like the "Back to the Future" DeLorean and the "Ghostbusters" Ecto-1.
Red Line Club: This exclusive club offered members a range of limited-edition models, including the highly sought-after '67 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake.
Fast & Furious: The collaboration with the popular movie franchise continued with meticulously detailed recreations of fan-favorite cars like Dom's Dodge Charger and Brian's Nissan Skyline.
Chase the Thrill:
The thrill of the hunt is alive and well with Hot Wheels' "chase" cars, featuring unique variations hidden among regular releases. 2022's top chases included:
Corvette C8.R. (NFT Garage): This futuristic take on the C8.R. boasted a special NFT connection, making it a true collector's item.
Lamborghini Countach LP 5000 QV (Car Culture): A stunning recreation of the iconic supercar with a vibrant spectra flame paint job.
LB-ER34 Super Silhouette Nissan Skyline (Car Culture): This widebody beast turned heads with its aggressive stance and detailed tampo designs.
Special Collaborations:
Hot Wheels partnered with several brands and personalities in 2022, creating unique and desirable models:
Mattel Creations/BAPE: The iconic streetwear brand collaborated on a special 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with a BAPE camo design.
Mobil 1 Sweepstakes: The Twin Mill received a stunning makeover with a chrome finish and special Mobil 1 tampo designs.
Toy Fair: The exclusive Porsche 935 wowed collectors with its intricate details and historical significance.
Innovation Ignites:
Hot Wheels continues to push the boundaries with innovative designs and technologies:
Hot Wheels iD: These digitally connected cars offered an interactive experience with the Hot Wheels app, unlocking new features and content.
NFT Garage: This series integrated Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with unique physical car models, creating a new level of collectable value.
Beyond the List:
This list merely scratches the surface of the fantastic Hot Wheels models released in 2022. From hidden gems in the mainline to exclusive club releases, there's something for everyone in the vast Hot Wheels universe. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, remember, that the best Hot Wheels model is the one that sparks your passion and ignites your imagination. So, keep exploring, keep collecting, and keep cruisin' into the world of Hot Wheels!