10/4/2025 — While in town for the LA convention, I finally had the opportunity to check out one of the many fantastic Hot Wheels events at Race Service — a local ad agency dedicated to the automotive industry. I was told there would be an unveiling of a Hot Wheels collaboration with Mercedes and the event did not disappoint! Immediately upon walking into the space, you were greeted by a 1:1 Mercedes-Benz CLA and this beast, wrapped in “orange track” paper.

This was one of several collabs Mercedes-Benz is doing with celebrities/brands to promote the new CLA. The Hot Wheels take on the #Mercedes-Benz CLA HW was to make it as “playful” as possible by adding an exaggerated body kit which included an aero package, large wing, and rear diffuser. And, in true Hot Wheels mainline fashion, a youthful, modern deco designed by Hot Wheels graphic designer, Andrés Andrieu.

Hot Wheels design manager, Craig Callum was also in attendance, announcing that the Hot Wheels 1:64 version of the #Mercedes-Benz CLA HW will be released in the 2026 mainline as one of the #2026 New Models. Only 26 earl production models were said to have been brought over by the Hot Wheels team and could be won via a claw machine found in the corner of the merch store.

As a “skilled claw machine aficionado” — and determined Hot Wheels collector — I was able to win one to add to my collection. The claw machine was also filled with previous Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz releases from Car Culture and the mainline. It was clear though, that the car to win was the star of the show, the #Mercedes-Benz CLA HW.

There were quite a few influencers, models, and celebrities at the well-attended event. There were many opportunities and spots to take photos. One a the “garage spaces” on site included a full city-scape diorama that you could walk into and serve up your best impression of Godzilla. The city was interweaved with the Hot Wheels orange track for both, 1:64 and 1:18 scale models that were in attendance. Below is the 1:18 (ish) scale model.

Thank you to the Hot Wheels Dream Team for the invite to the event; and thank you to Race Service for for hosting a beautifully-planned, and perfectly-executed, event. I’m grateful that I was able to share with you. Look for the #Mercedes-Benz CLA HW to be released next year in the Hot Wheels mainline.