The #JDM reach of Hot Wheels has extended to the point where we are seeing a particular car model redone. This is not a negative thing, however, as I can see you muscle car guys are throwing your fists in the air. Rather, we need to celebrate the fact that JDM appreciation is high these days, and this may be a sign of things to come as other existing tools — not only JDM — could be redone in this fashion.
You may be asking yourself, what the heck is Brad babbling about now?
As you probably have concluded from the name in the title, this article is about the new #Nissan Silvia S15 in the 2018 #Replica Entertainment / FORZA Motorsport series. Its officially the second Nissan Silvia S15 casting that Hot Wheels has done — seemingly replacing the 2006 casting that was unofficially retired after its last release in 2011.
Hot Wheels Nissan Silvia S15 from the 2018 Replica Entertainment / FORZA Motorsport series (on orange track)
Yes, the new #Silvia looks great and that blue is marvelous. Are those new wheels? Why yes, they are, as the casting isn’t the only new tool here. The #Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag Wheels have officially made their debut — along side the new Silvia — and are a perfect fit for this release. The whole set of five #Replica Entertainment / FORZA Motorsport series vehicles is truly fantastic.
All five cars in the 2018 Hot Wheels Replica Entertainment / FORZA Motorsport series: Morris Mini, AMC Rebel Machine, BMW 2002, Nissan Silvia S15 and Lamborghini Huracan LP-610-4
This new, #Nissan Silvia S15 where did it come from? Is it a replacement for the 2006 casting of the same name?
Technically, while the other Silvia casting was unofficially retired after its last release in 2011, I don’t believe this to be a replacement as this new casting will (more than likely) be run exclusively in the premium lines. And, given that it was created by the Marketing Manager for adult Hot Wheels lines, Jimmy Liu, its likely to stay within the premium tool bank.
Hot Wheels Nissan Silvia S15 from the 2018 Replica Entertainment / FORZA Motorsport series with the 2008 Team: Hot Wheels Racing release of the older casting (inverted view)
Yes, a guy from marketing actually designed a car. Known as a S-chassis lover, #Jimmy Liu Designed the #Nissan Silvia S15 under the tutelage of the esteemed Hot Wheels Designer, Mark Jones.
With the 2006 casting of the Nissan Silvia S15 seemingly retired, passionate #JDM collectors had requested a casting that was more true-to-form. There wasn’t a huge outcry of dislike for the older casting, but there was an opportunity to hone in some dimensions and build a casting that could be a hit in adult collector lines. You have to understand that the older version of the #Silvia was a casting that was created in the days of Hot Wheels trying to dabble in 1:55 scale with the Hot Imports Nights (HIN) — and really, “tuners” in general. The 1:55 scale car looked pretty decent, but some detail (and proportions) were seemingly lost in its translation to 1:64 scale. Also, keep in mind that the 1:64 scale basic cars have to be trackset compatible (for the most part), so the design couldn’t sit as low as it did right off the bat.
In the end, it isn’t about one casting being better than the other as they were clearly done in different Hot Wheels eras — despite the gap being a difference of 12 years. The 2006 casting is essentially what collectors refer to a “G-Machines” casting, even though it appeared in the HIN D-Force series. It was scaled for, and adapted to basic/mainline use, whereas the new #Nissan Silvia S15 was designed specifically for premium use from the get-go — where reflecting car culture is one of the largest requirements.
So where does the #Nissan Silvia S15 go from here? Well, pictures have surfaced of this casting being part of a new, premium #Fast & Furious line from Hot Wheels. I’m not talking about the stand alone line that wasn’t Hot Wheels branded, but rather a new line for Hot Wheels in 2019. Its looks as though this casting will receive the famous Han’s “Mona Lisa” Silvia deco seen in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006).
How about Marketing Manager, Jimmy Liu and his new design career? Well, I don’t see Jimmy giving up those spreadsheets just yet, but he made sure to include an Easter Egg in the interior of this casting. Anyone drill one apart yet?
RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Blue Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Gold Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag Wheels. Unpainted Metal Base. Made in Thailand. Toy# FLD19. Released in 2018 as #4 of 5 in the Replica Entertainment / FORZA Motorsport series.
Categories: Showcase
ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
I’d love to see a Silvia S14 in either purple or black. The Muscle Machines S14’s were cool, but given HW Premium treatment, I think it would be a winner.
do you know which stores carry these?
Walmart, Target, Walgreens.