Back in July, I was walking through a small toy store in La Jolla, California and noticed a couple new 5-Packs that I had not seen before. Of course, the one car that stood out to me was the bright orange #Scion xB. Being a collector of this particular casting that was designed by Raffy Gonzalez, I have sought out all the #Variations. A couple weeks prior, I was perusing eBay and was able to score a prototype in a very similar translucent orange color. My first thought was CRAP! Did I fall victim to someone finding this new release, removing the tampos, and selling it loose as a “prototype”?

Of course, upon further inspection, I realized the wheels & windows were different and this new release of the xB featured the body fastened to the base whereas the prototype I have has the original base that features a switch on the bottom to allow for the body to “pop-off”. Phew! …crisis adverted.

Hot Wheels Scion xB from the 2016 X-Raycers 5-Pack featured with an early prototype of the casting

Part of the reason I collect the Hot Wheels #Scion xB casting is that I love the proportions Raffy instilled upon this casting. I’m not sure if I would go so far to say that they are of the ‘tooned variety, but they are definitely exaggerated a little bit while the roof is partially chopped — ultimately giving this car model a sporty edge.

The other reason I initially started collecting this casting was for its #Pop-Off Body. Unfortunately, it seems as though that function is gone as every release of it since 2010 has the fastened base. This may not bother all collectors of this casting but I know a few that strongly dislike the rivet post that you now see through the translucent hood — a spot that had traditionally showcased the casting’s tuned 4-cylinder engine. On this release, I wish they would have put the graphics on the hood instead of the sides so you could at least see through the sides of this #X-Raycers casting.

I’m not sure how many of the orange prototypes are out there but since many collectors don’t have that one, this orange release in the #X-Raycers 5-Pack (2016) adds a new color to the Scion xB rainbow for most. Sounds like a good time for a casting family photo!

RELEASE DETAILS: Translucent Orange Body (plastic). Clear Windows. Chrome Interior. Gold-Chrome Open-Hole 5-Spoke (OH5) Wheels on Translucent Smoke Tires. Unpainted Metal Base (fastened). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DJD26. Released in 2016 as part of the X-Raycers 5-Pack.