Chances are, you’ve seen the brand-new #Mazda REPU at retail already as it was released earlier last month in the #2017 Hot Wheels “M” case assortments. To some, it may just be “another light truck”, but to others its the world’s first and only Rotary Engine Pick Up (REPU).

Hot Wheels Mazda REPU from the 2017 HW Daredevils Series (also a 2017 New Model) … opposite side view

Taking it a step further, car enthusiasts that are fans of the drift scene may have a deeper appreciation for this release as its a replica of the real Mazda REPU named “PITBUL” belonging to New Zealand drift racer, “Mad” Mike Whiddett. Look no further than the blister card this #Truck comes on to see Mad Mike’s logo in the upper-left corner along with his signature just below the Hot Wheels logo.

Packaging for the Hot Wheels Mazda REPU from the 2017 HW Daredevils Series (also a 2017 New Model) featuring the Mad Mike logo and signature

That same #Mad Mike logo also carries over to the car itself. Emblazoned on the rear tailgate with some other details, the logo joins what is a fairly detailed rear end for a Hot Wheels mainline car. For starters, the side stripes wraps around behind the Mad Mike logo and above the “ROTANG KLAN” wording, whereas the rear taillights are a nice touch as well.

Hot Wheels Mazda REPU from the 2017 HW Daredevils Series (also a 2017 New Model) … rear view

Anyone that has opened the #Mazda REPU up, has surely noticed that the door deco varies from the side facing out to the side facing the blister card. I am not sure as to (what seems like) a story here, but it almost looks like the doors were pulled from (or made to look like) an old parts truck with the “MAZDA” & “Racing Support truck 1974” on one side and #202 “RENO” on the other.

The graphics aren’t the only asymmetric part of this vehicle as the casting itself features a battery box cast into the passenger side of the bed, just in front of the rear wheel.

Hot Wheels Mazda REPU from the 2017 HW Daredevils Series (also a 2017 New Model) … side to side comparison

This #2017 Hot Wheels #HW Daredevils / #2017 New Models release of the #Mazda REPU is the #First Edition of this casting so its pretty cool that we get a licensed design right off the bat. It will be interesting to see what other kind of design schemes the graphics team cooks up for this casting as it will be hard to compete with Mad Mike’s “PITBUL” design.

RELEASE DETAILS: Matte Dark Gray Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Blue-Chrome Rim, Black Steelie 8-Spoke Wheels. Chrome Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DTX00. Released in 2017 as #1 of 10 in the HW Daredevils series (#286/365 in the 2017 mainline) … also part of the 2017 New Models.

By the sounds of Mad Mike’s Instagram post below, its seems as though this will not be the last one of his cars we see in Hot Wheels form.