Man, the #Honda S2000 is as popular as ever right now coming fresh off a highly-desirable convention release and now showing up in the latest batch of Fast & Furious cars at Walmart. But back in 2011, when this #Ryu Asada design first appeared as part of the #2011 New Models, the Honda S2000 was easily not as sought after as it is today. As we look back at this #2011 New Models release, you can’t help but assume that it would be flying off of the pegs — especially this yellow colorway.

Hot Wheels Honda S2000 from the 2011 New Models (rear)

Given the clean execution of this release, and details in the form of headlights, taillights and badging, its easy to see why the car enthusiasts love it. The yellow colorway was the first of three colorways for its 2011 New Models release — with the other two being a silver one and then a red one. Demand for all three have soared in the last couple years with any of the three selling for $5, all the way up to $15 a piece (when carded).

This is one of many #Cars featuring names of Mattel Employees as the windshield banner reads “R. ASADA”. This is for Hot Wheels Designer, Ryu Asada who designed this casting as a nod to the yellow Honda S2000 he drives himself. Granted, his is more of the stock variety as it has a black convertible top and lacks the body kit and spoiler the Hot Wheels casting has.

This is just one of many #JDM cars that have seen in increase in value over the years as Hot Wheels was one of the first diecast brands to jump on the #Tuner trend in the early 2000s and have definitely exploited the market on JDM vehicles. With JDM enthusiasts such as Jun Imai and Ryu Asada on staff as Hot Wheels designers, you can bet they will keep producing castings like the S2000 as the demand continues to soar.

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Yellow Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Yellow-Rim, Black PR5 Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# T9690. Released in 2011 as #20 of 50 in the 2011 New Models.