Full-size ‘Hot Wheels’ Camaro debuts at SEMA Show

Las Vegas - If you were a fan of Hot Wheels cars all those years ago, you may want to have a look at the Chevrolet Camaro version available early in 2013. Though, this special edition will not arrive in a blister pack and it certainly will cost a pretty penny more.

For the first time ever, a full-size and drivable Hot Wheels vehicle will be available for sale. Life-size sections of orange track will not be included. “Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels,” says Chris Perry, Chevrolet’s vice president of marketing. “Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages.” The special-edition Hot Wheels Camaro made its debut on Oct. 29 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, in Las Vegas. A limited number of the cars will be available in coupe and convertible models will tack on just under $7,000 to the price of the vehicle. Manufacturing on the vehicle will start in the first quarter of 2013. Exterior features of the Hot Wheels Camaro include ZL1 front grille and rear spoiler (on the coupe models only), black 21-inch wheels with red outline stripe, fender “flame” graphics and Hot Wheels logo on the front grille and rear deck lid. Among the interior appointments is the embroidered Hot Wheels logo on the front seats and Hot Wheels-style flame decals on each door. Like other Camaros, the Hot Wheels version can be powered by either a 3.6-litre V6 or a 6.2-litre V8. Manual or automatic transmissions are available. The Custom Camaro was one of the original 16 Hot Wheels cars marketed in 1968 and remains a favoured item for toy collectors. The full-size car will incorporate features from its miniature version, including a vibrant metallic paint scheme, red-lined wheels and the familiar “Hot Wheels” logo on the grille. “It’s been nearly 20 years since I started designing cars for Hot Wheels and I have yet to drive one home,” says Mattel Wheels Division vice president Felix Holst. “Personally, I can’t wait to open the doors and see the Hot Wheels Camaro sitting in the garage.” The SEMA Show is an annual showcase for automotive specialty and after-market products. The show, which is not open to the public, attracts more than 100,000 visitors yearly from countries around the world.