To understand the Pontiac Aztek, you kind of have to remember the early 2000s. Pontiac designed the SUV to be a crossover before “crossover” became a household name. Targeting young generation X’ers, this funky vehicle was to be the look of those chasing an active lifestyle. The versatile vehicle even came with a tent that affixed to the rear so you could roam the world freely in your own freedom machine. The launch was heavily promoted in the 1st and 2nd seasons of the reality TV show, Survivor — and was even given as a prize to the winners. In fact, I still remember Richard Hatch (the season 1 winner), picking up the yellow Aztek he won on Good Morning America along with his $1,000,000 check — and subsequently bragging about not paying taxes on it, and going to jail — but I digress…

Since then, the vehicle has taken on it’s own legendary status in the world of pop culture. By the end of the 2000s, the vehicle started appear on “most ugly” and “worst” car lists put out by automotive journalists. What most people these days seem to remember the Aztek from is it’s role as Walter White’s vehicle in the TV series, Breaking Bad. Walter, this unlucky chemistry teacher from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is diagnosed with cancer and looks to apply his chemistry skills to make a quick buck making a product and selling it on the streets in order to leave some money behind to his family. Over the course of 5 seasons, the sheep becomes the wolf as Walter becomes known by his street name, “Heisenberg”. Terrific show that I’d recommend if you’ve never seen… Why is that noteworthy? Well, it seems the Hot Wheels designers who worked on this release included a few “Heisenberg Easter Eggs” as part of #Pontiac Aztek Custom.

Before we get to the Easter eggs, let’s understand the casting first. You got the quick rundown on the Aztek. Look up the Pontiac Aztek if you don’t know what one looks like. When Hot Wheels designer, Craig Callum took this one on, he thought to slam it and make it into race car that resembles the Group A rally cars from the ’90s. He even gave it a large “whale tail” wing — one like those you found the the Ford Sierras and Escort RS Cosworths in Group A.

This Hot Wheels #Pontiac Aztek Custom features an aero kit that includes a front chin spoiler, fender flares, and a rear diffuser.

While presenting the basics sneak peeks at the Hot Wheels Convention in October, Craig mentioned that there may be a few Easter eggs in this vehicle for fans of the show. Immediately, collectors looked to the trunk and noticed Heisenberg’s iconic black hat and his glasses. You can see those below. They are pretty obvious.

The Easter eggs don’t stop there. Fans of the show will notice that Heisenberg/Walter’s product, “Blue Sky“, is also worked into the color & deco of this unassuming race car. The “crystallized” blue side deco is very reminiscent of patterns seen on modern day race cars — and obviously the metalflake sky blue (or Blue Sky) paint is not by accident.

Sparco, K&N, Yokohama, and Hot Wheels sponsor logos round out the livery that is topped off with the famed Hot Wheels #68. The tampo’d headlights and Pontiac logo really pull together the front end which is part of the “charm” attributed to the Aztek. The stacked headlights have a “spider-eye” look to them and the shut-offs in the grille and rear window provide a great color break — especially in this color scheme.

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As far as any more Easter eggs, I am not sure. Perhaps someone that has drilled the rivet posts can share if there are more in the interior. What are your thoughts on the #Pontiac Aztek Custom? I, for one, love this type of design for the Hot Wheels brand. The Easter eggs are nice, but the more impressive factor here taking a vehicle that is widely considered ugly, and giving it a custom look that makes you turn your head.

The #Pontiac Aztek Custom will be appearing at retail in the United States very soon! This #2024 New Model will be part of the #2024 Hot Wheels “E” case. You can view the CASE REPORT HERE or watch the unboxing below.