Since its initial release a couple months ago, I’ve been wanting to pick up the Hot Wheels Aero Pod. Obtaining one has not been a problem as they are plentiful and everywhere, AND have already been released in three colors with a couple wheel variations. So why did I wait to pick one up until now?

Well despite being a rather large casting (top half is plastic), the Aero Pod just has a hard time fitting in most collectors’ collections — including mine! I am definitely not one of those collectors that needs only realistic castings in my collection either. I have my fair share of fantasy castings including one of my favorites in the Hot Wheels #Cool-One. So collection aside, I finally decided to pick one up, if not for anything other to feature it here — for you to enjoy!

The Hot Wheels Aero Pod casting itself looks like some kind of DAKAR support truck crossed with a futuristic vehicle from the movie, Avatar. Last year’s releases looked a tad pedestrian in their “Jungle Rally Support Team” graphics, however, this new one looks great with an #X-Raycers (see-through) body. My only complaint? Those graphics on the side. I’m not saying this casting should have come free of graphics but a minimalist approach for graphics would have been better to truly showcase the cool factor in this one — its futuristic internal structure!

While I’m not sure what the kids think of it yet, the Aero Pod is truly a casting that captures your imagination. Kudos to playsets designer, Glenn Yu for designing this one. Now that we’ve seen more of a futuristic approach to this one in this X-raycers version, hopefully we’ll see a version with graphics that play to more of its “DAKAR support team vehicle” side.

RELEASE DETAILS: Translucent Blue Body (plastic). Yellow Window. Chrome Interior. Chrome Open-Hole 5-Spoke (OH5) Wheels with Green Tires. Black Base (metal). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DHP51. Released in 2016 as #9 of 10 in the X-Raycers Series.