Model of the Day: Hot Wheels Speed Machines '09 Audi TTS...

When we featured the latest version of the Matchbox Audi R8 a couple of days ago, we knew it reminded us of something.

Obviously, the main model it reminded us of was the previous blue version of the MB R8 that outside of a few things looks almost identical to the new version.  But there was one more model.  And it is a model that sadly has been underused by Hot Wheels.

That would be the Audi TTS, which was seen in three different colors in the now-defunct Speed Machines line.  We have it in blue, so we thought we would show it off.

Yes, this model has peg-warming potential in some areas, but just look at it.  It is really well done.  The lines are right, the stance tasty, and maybe the best replica of that signature Audi grill that we have seen in $1 diecast.  (Yeah, maybe not the greatest of compliments, but go with it.)

Actually, now that we look at it, maybe we don't need another version.  The blue, red, and silver versions really can't be topped.  Watch what you ask for, I guess.  Do we really need another version with an ill-placed pinstripe and wrong wheels?  Probably not, but this casting should get more of its due at some point.  It is really nice...

Plus, the real Audi TT still looks nice.  When the new Beetle was released years ago, the TT kind of upstaged it.  The TT is destined to be a classic someday.  Maybe the future will see a TT gathering in Moab the weekend after the Miata gathering.  It would deserve it.  While the first design of the TT is probably the more signature model, the newer TT design was a little more sporty, and it looks great as a Hot Wheels.

Underrated, right?

(Find what you can of the Speed Machines Audi TTS on ebay...)


Hot Wheels '09 Audi TTS (2009 Speed Machines):

First Look: 2013 Matchbox Audi R8...

Since its debut in 2007, this has always been one of our favorite Matchbox models.  So we will happily give this new blue version its own post.

Not much to write.  Just pics to show.  Some tidbits:

• It is almost the exact same color as the 2010 10-pack version.  Audi is a stickler on colors used and design, so it is no surprise we see a repeat.  This is the second color repeat, as we have seen two red versions as well.  In both cases the wheels are different on each color.
• This is the 10th version of the Matchbox R8, and 5th with the side blades.  Audi has recently preferred the side blades are tampo printed, so it creates a dilemma for Matchbox with their "two-pass" tampo restraints.  In the case of this latest, the tail lights were the victim.
• There has been talk (including here) that this would be the last time we would see the R8.  I don't think that is true at all.  The most consistent thing at Matchbox is that things change.  I would not be surprised to see this collector favorite appear again.
• My favorite remains the fantastic white and black version.  Somehow the stars aligned and this one got the full tampo treatment, and the dark rims finish it off.  The tough-to-find Superfast silver version with black blades is also up there.

Enjoy the pics...

(And find the Matchbox Audi R8 on ebay...)

Matchbox Audi R8 (2013 Mainline):

The pair of blues:

The other pair:

The entire family, oldest to newest:

2007

2007 recolor

2008 5-pack

2008 Superfast

2008

2009

2010 10-pack

2010

2011

2013

My favorite:

Lamley News: New Matchbox Out in Australia...

We have seen some of these, but others are new.  Our friend Graeme from Australia originally let us know that he game across the Porsche Cayenne, and earlier today went back to the shop to see what else was in the batch.  He came across a few more models.

Now we will admit to not doing any due diligence on this.  We have no idea what batch this is.  It is clearly a ROW batch, as some of the models have already appeared in the US, and other haven't.  And we have no idea if this is a full batch.  The model we would think should be there is the BMW 1M, but considering how popular it has been since its release, it may be that a lucky collector already got to it.

But here is what Graeme found.  A couple of German speedsters (Cayenne & Audi R8, looking great in blue), plus a few other odds and ends, including the new non-licensed car/SUV model.  Keep your eyes open, as these should hit worldwide very soon...

Model of the Day: Tomica Limited Vintage Neo Audi 90 2.3 E...

I don't know if Tomica Limited Vintage branching out into non-Japanese cars is a good thing or a bad thing.

On one hand, there are so many more great Japanese cars for TLV to tackle, and I would hate to see them go by the wayside in favor of other castings.



But on the other, there exists a whole slew of great 80's and 90's cars that would be very worthy candidates for TLV to tackle.

Considering TLV has done one of the best Porsche castings ever in 1:64 (the 911/912), I guess I favor the latter.  And based on the models coming out this year it is apparent that TLV is not replacing Japanese cars at all.  There are plenty on the horizon.  They are just expanding their horizons a bit, and there is nothing wrong with that.

So here we have the car that started my transition as a teenage from not giving a flying flip about Audi to starting to think they were a bit cool, to realizing they were pretty awesome.  Back in the 80's, I knew nothing about the Quattro.  All Audi meant to me was that Kevin's mom drove one, and Kevin was kind of annoying.  But in the late 80's I started to notice the Audi 80/90 looked a bit different than other cars on the road, with its long front and short rear.  They were boxy, but different enough from the other cars on the road, and I started to like them.

I finally decided I liked Audis a few years later while living in Brazil and visiting an Audi dealership, where I fell in love with Audi Avants.  And I still love the Audi Wagons.  Factor in the R8 years later and I became a big Audi fan.

So I like this version of the 90.  And I am glad TLV decided to make, as usual, a near-perfect mini version of their subject...

(Find the TLV-Neo Audi 80/90 on ebay or at Daboxtoys...)


Tomica Limited Vintage Neo Audi 90 2.3 E: