At Hot Wheels, Brian Benedict and the designers are always thinking of every scale model as a full-size car. Even a fantasy car, no matter how crazy it is, they don't want to design something that looks fake. Of course, turning a toy into a real, life-size car is every kid's dream come true.
The 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show has a bit of everything. But, the emphasis is clearly shifting to new technology. Can the designs keep pace and fairly represent these new advances? Or, is the industry happy with the way things are?
Celebrating the first half-century of its existence, the Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary at its corporate HQ in El Segundo brings out the big cars. The full-size reproductions of Hot Wheels past and present remind us that a little kid’s dreams can indeed become a big kid’s reality.
In honor of its tenth year at the SEMA Show, Lexus brings the highly-anticipated and all-new LC 500 Inspiration Series and the RC-F GT3 race car to the LA Auto Show.
Kia Motors America (KMA) transforms dreams into reality at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with custom vehicle builds and opportunities to experience the all-new Stinger GT.
"I played with Hot Wheels as a kid, my first toys were Hot Wheels - my first car was the Hot Wheels. You know, it's always really nice to come full circle working in the industry." - Adam Berry
You don't know what's happening in your brain. But, it sets up a catalyst for all sorts of creativity. And I think when you see the freedom in toys... I'm witness to this, you see direct effect on vehicles like this!
By no means is it easy to separate one form of creativity from another. Every form feeds off of another, absorbing new ideas and giving birth to others. Certainly, the NAMM Show is as fine an example as one can find anywhere.
Being able to look at cars differently led to so many wonderful and crazy designs, you had to be in awe of George Barris. His talent has inspired countless others to pursue their dreams. For more than 75 years, it was really passion that motivated George more than anything else. And, that fire still burns within those he’s touched along the way.
While OEMs have the money and manpower to develop next-gen cars that are technical wonders, they aren't the only ones. Both Hyundai and Kia are turning to tuners that may not have ultra deep pockets, but they have moxie! The results are a blend of production car perfections, and aftermarket insanity. But, don't let us sway your opinion, check this out for yourself.