I have a seven year-old son — so you know we have Hot Wheels. In fact, he has all of mine from when I was a kid. Back then, we did not “collect” them; we played with them, and mine have the chips and scratches to prove it. Recently, Mattel — the maker of Hot Wheels — signed a multi-year licensing agreement with ToyQuest to launch a new line of electronic motorized vehicles. The new product line will include re-creations of some of the most desired and collected Hot Wheels models including the Twin Mill III, Rat Bomb and Arachnorod. The vehicles’ world-famous styling are highlighted through an array of eye-catching light-up features combined with engine sounds and motorized stunts. ToyQuest recently sent me a few for my geeklet test team to try out.
Roger Dodger
The first on my list is the remake of the 1974 Roger Dodger. Except for the modern chrome wheels and the buttons on top, this version looks just like the 1974 Larry Wood model. In case you are wondering what the buttons on top do: button #1 activates music and a light show from the car, #2 simulates the motion of playing with a Hot Wheel car (slides back and forth like an invisible hand is revving it), #3 accelerates the car ahead and activates a unit to pop a wheelie, button #4 does the same thing as #3 but on the two side wheels, and finally the Hot Wheels logo button on the top does all of these together while zooming straight ahead. Another cool feature is that the engine rocks back and forth like the real car would do.
Rat Bomb
The second car in my review is a smaller unit, the 2008 Rat Bomb. This motorized toy has less features and is smaller in size, but is also a smaller price point. It has three buttons on top: buttons #1 and #2 have the same functions of the first car (activates music/light show and simulated revving), and the logo button sends it flying. My son actually spent most of the time playing with this car because of the simplicity. Press the logo button and it speeds away with sound and lights blaring. Since this version is also minus the stunt apparatus that the larger model has, it is also friendlier to young kids to carry around and enjoy.
Smaller Roger Dodger
The last car for review is the smallest in size and price point. It is another version of the 1974 Roger Dodger. Actually it is not that much bigger than the real die-cast Hot Wheel car. This version plays like a Hot Wheel car in that it is not motorized. Pressing the logo button on top yields screeching tire sounds and flashing headlights.
All of these cars are great toys and suitable for almost any age. I recommend for older children (4+) mainly because the sounds are loud. My three year old daughter was not a fan of the noise, but she also favors Chevy.
Check these cars out at all major retailer for toys.
Size comparison
