This is a model that leaves us more curious to know what you think than to totally go into what we think. If that makes sense.
The BMW E36 was a bit of a surprise when it was announced at the Hot Wheels Nationals convention back in April. No one knew it was coming. No one except a BMW aficionado who called Mattel late last year and asked the rep who answered if Hot Wheels was doing more BMW's. The rep called him back a couple of days later and said that Mattel would be releasing an E36. That is a true story. When I heard that I just assumed the operator was confusing the E30, but in fact she asked, got an answer, and passed it on. Does that give anyone some ideas? When you do call and ask, find out about the Mazda Cosmo.
Anyway, this model was a surprise, and after a few early images, we finally have it in hand to give it a good look. And...well...we want know what you think.
On one hand, the E36 is a such a great choice. Another legendary BMW, fitting in nicely with recent Hot Wheels releases like the 2002 and E30. For that reason alone we will be thoroughly collecting this one.
On the other hand, something is off. Here is the real thing:
And the Hot Wheels version:
Too long? Too high?
It probably appears too long because it in fact sits too high. So we will fun with the "too high" thing. It is way too high. But why? Well, it has probably been deemed by those in charge a Hot Wheels track car. Meaning, "it's gotta run good" on the orange track. So it sits a bit higher to not get caught on a track connector piece. We have seen those cars deemed racers suffer the same fate, most notable the Lotus Evora and Mastretta MXT. This isn't as bad as those, but the high stance does distort the look of the model a little too significantly.
And yes, that's a bummer. I know, Hot Wheels are toys, meant for the track, I as always I respect that. But obviously others don't get the same treatment. The Porsche 993 GT2 sits appropriately low, but then again it was originally meant for collectors in the Boulevard line. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta sits low. Maybe that was a Ferrari licensing thing. Why the decision was made here, I have no idea.
Which is made further disappointing when you put the E36 next to the BMW M3 GT2 that was released a couple of years ago:
Same pedigree, different stances:
It is crazy how one little detail can make a world of difference.
So are we happy with it? Ultimately yes. It exists, and it is really well detailed. Could it have been better in our books? Yes. But count us fans.
Whether or not you want to riot in the streets, let us know. We are definitely curious...
(Find the E36 and the rest of Hot Wheels Batch N at Wheel Collectors
...)Hot Wheels BMW E36 M3 Race (2014 New Models):
