Mattel has announced a special edition Pauline Hot Wheels vehicle, inspired by her appearance in Mario Kart, available for pre-order at $22, arriving in September 2025, featuring a Rhodamine red body and premium packaging.
Jon M. Chu is set to direct a live-action Hot Wheels movie for Mattel, Warner Bros, and Bad Robot, inspired by the popular toy car brand, with a script by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier. The film aims to showcase the brand's themes of imagination and thrill, and is part of a broader collaboration involving multiple toy brands and media projects.
Mattel has announced plans to open a new theme park, Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City, in 2026 in Bonner Springs, Kansas in partnership with Epic Resort Destinations. The park will feature attractions such as a Hot Wheels roller coaster, a Barbie beach house, a Barbie-themed flying theater, a rooftop restaurant and bar, and a He-Man Versus Skeletor laser tag arena resembling Castle Grayskull.
The second Mattel Adventure Park is set to open in the Kansas City area in 2026, featuring Hot Wheels roller coasters, a Barbie Beach House, Thomas the Train attractions, He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag, and mini golf inspired by beloved Mattel games. The park aims to bring iconic brands to life through state-of-the-art technology and engaging experiences, providing infinite fun for the whole family.
Hot Wheels, the iconic toy cars that have been popular since their debut in 1968, continue to captivate both children and adults. With their low price, appealing design, and nostalgic appeal, Hot Wheels have become a beloved collectible item. The diecast cars, known for their performance and visually stunning appearance, have evolved over the years while maintaining their affordability. Hot Wheels enthusiasts, including passionate collectors and customizers, enjoy the thrill of finding rare models and even reselling them for a profit. The enduring popularity of Hot Wheels is a testament to their timeless appeal and ability to evoke childhood memories.
Mattel reported a 9% increase in net sales to $1.92 billion in Q3 2023, driven by the success of Barbie and Hot Wheels toys. Barbie sales rose 27% to $885 million, while Hot Wheels sales increased by 18% to $519 million. However, the company expressed caution about its outlook due to the challenging macro-economic environment and higher volatility. Mattel's net income for the quarter was $146.3 million, down 50% from the previous year. Despite the overall positive performance, Mattel shares fell by up to 8% in after-hours trading.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a highly polished and fast-paced racing sequel that addresses the criticisms of its predecessor. With new core mechanic modifications, diverse terrains, and the removal of loot boxes, the game offers a fun and robust experience. The addition of obstacle immunity skills and a wide range of vehicles further enhances gameplay, while the sublime presentation and excellent music contribute to the overall enjoyment. Milestone has created a fantastic follow-up arcade racer that captures the essence of Hot Wheels nostalgia.
Mikey Brown, the builder behind the Paper to Pavement custom build channel on YouTube, fulfilled his childhood dream by creating a Harley-Davidson Shovelhead-powered custom BMW Isetta flip-up funny car called "The Big Dill." He also built a custom BMW Isetta hauler named "The Pickle Jar" to transport the Big Dill. Brown documented the entire build process on Instagram and YouTube, with the goal of showcasing his creation at the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour. If selected, the Big Dill will be immortalized as a die-cast vehicle sold worldwide.
Mattel Creations has released a new Hot Wheels 4-Pack featuring Barbie's movie-inspired convertibles, including Ken's horse-themed Corvette. The pack includes four Corvettes driven by Barbie, Ken, and other movie characters, with elevated deco, all-metal construction, and Real Riders wheels. The set also includes a premium-edition yellow Corvette that is exclusive to this pack, along with a Barbie Land scene backdrop. The Barbie Hot Wheels 4-Pack is available for purchase on the Mattel Creations website for $30.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour event in Romeoville has been canceled following a shooting that occurred in the area on Friday night. Organizers hope to reschedule the event once they can ensure the safety of attendees.
Harry Bradley, the professional car designer from Detroit who created the original "Sweet Sixteen" Hot Wheels cars for Mattel in the 60s, has died at the age of 84. Bradley's designs included the Dodge Deora showcar and an Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, which was based on his 1995 version.
NBC has announced its summer lineup, including new seasons of America’s Got Talent and American Ninja Warrior, as well as the premieres of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge and docuseries LA Fire & Rescue. America’s Got Talent Season 18 and Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge will premiere on May 30, while American Ninja Warrior will debut on June 5. LA Fire & Rescue will bow on June 21. All programs will stream on Peacock the day following their NBC telecast.
NBC has announced its summer schedule, which is all-unscripted. The lineup includes the return of America's Got Talent, the debut of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, the 15th season of American Ninja Warrior, and the premiere of LA Fire & Rescue, a new docuseries from executive producer Dick Wolf. AGT will kick off six weeks of live shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium beginning Tuesday, Aug. 22. Results shows will air Wednesday nights.