2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition Now on Track for Production

Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the launch of Mattel’s Hot Wheels toys, and Chevy is using the 2012 SEMA Show to get the celebrating started early—with the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition.

Now, if that sounds a little familiar, it’s because Mattel and Chevy teamed up to develop a Hot Wheels Camaro concept that debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show and went on to garner serious attention from enthusiasts. In fact, interest in the vehicle was so high that this year’s model will be going into limited production and is slated to arrive in dealerships during the first quarter of next year.

“Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet 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.”

2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition: The Style

The original Hot Wheels Camaro Concept from 2011 was based closely on the original Hot Wheels Camaro toy from 1968, right down to its unique “Spectraflame” exterior paint scheme. But while the production car will rely on a different color, it will be one that still provides the traditional Hot Wheels metallic finish—in this case, in a shade known as Kinetic Blue. Designers then complemented the look of the 2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition with a bold two-tone hood stripe, fender flame graphics, a ground-effects body kit, red-lined wheels that mimic those found on classic Hot Wheels toys, and a number of add-ons from the hi-po Chevy Camaro ZL1.

The car’s cabin is done in black leather with red accents, and also features Chevy’s MyLink infotainment and connectivity system, premium floor mats, embroidered Hot Wheels seat logos, and “flamed” Hot Wheels door decals.

And yes, the 2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will be offered in both coupe and convertible configurations.

2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition: The Substance

Although production of the 2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will be limited, its powertrain choices won’t be. The cars will be offered in Camaro’s 2LT and 2SS trims, providing access to both V6 and V8 power and both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Specifically, drivers who opt for the 2LT package get Chevy’s LFX V6, capable of leveraging its advanced technologies to squeeze 323 hp and 278 lb.-ft. of torque from 3.6 liters of displacement. Those who move up to the 2SS configuration will welcome a potent 6.2-liter V8 that provides 400 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to its automatic transmission, and 426 horses/420 lb.-ft. of twist when hooked to the DIY gearbox.

Either way, the 2013 Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition should appeal to toy collectors of all shapes and sizes, including one with a particular interest in the car’s success: “It’s been nearly 20 years since I started designing cars for Hot Wheels and I have yet to drive one home,” said Felix Holst, vice president of creative for the Mattel Wheels Division. “Personally, I can’t wait to open the doors and see the Hot Wheels Camaro sitting in the garage.