Bach Seat

TheDetroitBureau’sPaul A. Eisenstein writes that a life-size Hot Wheels Chevy pony car is debuting at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Chevy and Mattel (MAT) have combined to put the Hot Wheels brand on a special edition 2013 Camaro. General Motors (GM) and Mattel have had a long and prosperous relationship. The toy company has produced matchbox-sized replicas of the pony car since 1968. The Camaro Hot Wheels is inspired by the 1968 “Custom Camaro” Spectraflame 1:64-scale toy.

Camaro Hot Wheels package

Chevy has used the Hot Wheels theme for several years at its SEMA. stand, In 2011 Chevy displayed a bright yellow version of the Camaro at the base of a life-size track. The blog reports that Chevy plans to actually add a Hot Wheels edition to the line-up. It will come as a $6,995 upgrade on both the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro and Camaro Convertible.

For the money, the special edition will get a bright metallic paint scheme that could come from the local toy shop. The Camero will also get special graphics, red-lined 21-inch wheels, and Hot Wheel flame badges on the fenders and trunk.

The Hot Wheels Camaro will feature matte-black touches around the hood and taillight surrounds. The upgrade will also borrow some trim pieces from the high-performance Camaro ZL1 package. That package includes the rear spoiler, front grille, and front splitter.

The black leather-trimmed interior will boast Hot Wheels logos embroidered on the front seats, which are finished in red and black stitching. The Hot Wheels flame will adorn the Camero’s door interiors with special Hot Wheels Edition sill plates completing the package. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment package will come standard.

Engine options

The Hot Wheels Camaro can be ordered with different engine options.  The base will have the Chevy 2LT package with its 3.6-liter V-6, rated at its stock 323 horsepower. For more fun on the track, upgrade to the 400-hp 2SS package featuring the 6.2-liter L99 V-8. The 2SS will be delivered with a dual-mode exhaust system, as will the 2LT equipped with a manual gearbox.

Chevy can only hope to match the success of the 1:64 edition Camaro. Mattel has sold its Camero by the millions over the last 44 years. The pony car was one of 16 original Hot Wheels models. Chevy is returning the favor. The Chevrolet Hot Wheels Camaro becomes the first production car to carry the toy series’ name.

The project was launched in 2010 and initially was focused on the concept model unveiled at the SEMA Show last year. The final production design for the 2013 street car was taken from one of five sketches worked up by Hot Wheels chief designer Felix Holst.

“It’s been nearly 20 years since I started designing cars for Hot Wheels and I have yet to drive one home,” said Mr. Holst. The VP of creative for the Mattel Wheels Division continued, “Personally, I can’t wait to open the doors and see the Hot Wheels Camaro sitting in the garage.”

Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.