share on BufferSet to go on sale this October, the line of hot Wheel models inspired by the Star Wars world was presented at the recent 2014 San Diego Comic-Con (July 24-27).
Above: the Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) car and the model inspired by the R2-D2 droid
The models were created under the direction of Hot Wheels designer Bryan Benedict and include models inspired by Star Wars characters Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, R2-D2, Yoda, the Tusken Raider and the 501st Clone Trooper.
Above: the Chewbacca-inspired truck and the small sportscar dedicated to Yoda
Above: the 501st Clone Trooper SUV and the offroad inspired by the Tusken Raider (source: JediNews)
The Darth Vader Hot Wheels Concept
The most distinctive model is the Darth Vader-inspired car, which has been built as a fullsize car and displayed at the Hot Wheels booth in San Diego. The prototype is actually a street legal, high performance car.
Speaking of this project, Bryan Benedict explained to Gary Barnum from Hot Wheels Collectors: “A lot of thought went into the vehicle type and how it was executed. There’s such a following around the world for this property that we really felt like we had to be on top of our game with this. I really wanted to do it right.”
“Some would have liked to see it more literal to Darth. I think that was definitely not the way to go.”
Speaking about the interpretation of the iconic helmet, he continues: “[…] we squished that down to really make it look sinister and foreboding and ominous. I think it works ’cause it’s not just about the visual cues – it’s also about the personality.”
“A car like this that’s really sinister looking and slammed down to the ground is much more menacing and scary looking.”
“In the way I’ve handled the proportions and the surface treatment, I’ve tried to echo some of our heritage from our very beginning – cars like the Twin Mill.”
(Image Copyright: Mattel – Source: Hot Wheels Collectors, JediNews)
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