VizualBusiness: Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition: Orange Racetrack Sold Separately [2012 SEMA Show]

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition: Orange Racetrack Sold Separately [2012 SEMA Show]

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition: Orange Racetrack Sold Separately [2012 SEMA Show]:

Hot Wheels have been a hit with kids of all ages since the first models were launched in 1968. Modeled after full-size cars in a more or less accurate manner, they are often characterized by outlandish colors and exaggerated surfacing. Now, for the first time, these toys have inspired a series production vehicle: Chevrolet will offer a largely cosmetic $6995 option package on V-6– and V-8–powered Camaros, turning them into “the first full-size, production Hot Wheels car offered for sale by any manufacturer.”Last year, Chevrolet used the SEMA show to launch its Hot Wheels Camaro concept. Jointly designed by Chevrolet and Hot Wheels’s design teams, the concept was painted in Over Chrome Green and featured a lot of unique additions in line with the Hot Wheels theme. With the official package, both partners have taken the collaboration a step further.

For nearly $7000, you get the spoiler and the upper grille from the ZL1—convertibles won’t get the ZL1’s spoiler, however—a body kit, a matte-black hood decal that apes the ZL1’s, blacked-out taillights, 21-inch wheels with the Hot Wheels–themed red-striped rims, and a bespoke black leather interior featuring Hot Wheels logos and flames throughout the cabin. Those logos aren’t limited to the interior, either; they feature in the grille, behind the front fenders, and on the trunk.
Although Chevrolet has kept a number of features and themes that make this car recognizable as a toy car, we lament the disappearance of some of the cooler elements of the show car. The rectangular quad exhaust outlets and the black aluminum hood insert with milled extractors both have disappeared—two features we felt could’ve really set this car apart from the rest of Chevy’s pony-car lineup. But some elements—namely, the wheels—still are truly unique, and they will no doubt resonate well with Hot Wheels collectors all over the country.

The Hot Wheels package will be available for 2LT-trimmed, 323-hp, 3.6-liter V-6–powered Camaros with automatic or manual transmissions; cars featuring 2SS trim and the 400-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with an automatic; and equally trimmed, stick-shifted Camaros powered by the 426-hp, 6.2-liter V-8. Each V-6–powered Hot Wheels Camaro and V-8s with stick shifts get active-exhaust systems. The you-car treatment is available for both coupes and convertibles. The Hot Wheels Edition Camaro will go into production in the first quarter of 2013 and supplies are limited so order now. Orange racetrack sold separately.