First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime

Friday, May 3rd, 2024 9:42AM CDT

Categories: Cartoon News, Toy News, Collectables
Posted by: Emerje Views: 63,869

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Following initial word of an assortment of Hot Wheels cars in decidedly non-Transformers based vehicle options we have our first look at two somewhat more accurate takes on two recognizable characters.

First up we've got a listing for Hot Wheels Track Fleet Optimus Prime straight from Big Bad Toy Store. This isn't just a random semi truck painted up like OP but a new model complete with the instantly recognizable removable trailer design. This is a 1/64 diecast vehicle and at least BBTS has it priced at $10 and shipping in July. This is a new line launching in 2024 so it's hard to tell just how well it'll be distrubted.

Then we've got Bumblebee who may or may not be the same one from the initial listing above. It's a classic yellow BW Beetle, not the scrunched up one we know and love from G1. The photos are posted by rj_nighthawk on Reddit who says he received it from a local Facebook pre-order listing not expecting it to not only be a leaked copy but also unriveted. As the photos show the car shell may very well be a generic body that is used regularly by Hot Wheels, but the underside features Bumblebee's face and Hasbro copyrights.

It'll be interesting to see exactly how this Bumblebee will be released and if we'll see more figures alongside him. And who knows, maybe there's a Track Fleet Motormaster on the horizon as well? Let us know what other characters you'd like to see or if this line is a total pass for you in the Energon Pub forums!

Credit(s): BBTS, TFW2005, rj_nighthawk on Reddit

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Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2179967)
Posted by Dino-Snarl on May 3rd, 2024 @ 10:52am CDT

Cute!

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2179968)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on May 3rd, 2024 @ 12:36pm CDT

Reminds me of the spy changers from the early 2000s, it was always exciting to upstage my friends at the hot wheels roller coaster set with a Transformer compatible with those sets. I still have a translucent green Mirage on my desk from that time.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2179969)
Posted by DISCHARGE on May 3rd, 2024 @ 2:09pm CDT

Stormshot_Prime wrote:Reminds me of the spy changers from the early 2000s, it was always exciting to upstage my friends at the hot wheels roller coaster set with a Transformer compatible with those sets. I still have a translucent green Mirage on my desk from that time.

I love me some Spy Changers, but these are more reminiscent of Speed Stars to me.

I have seen reported elsewhere these may have different color tires to increase collectability. At least Bumblebee

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2179978)
Posted by steve2275 on May 3rd, 2024 @ 8:32pm CDT

I would've waited an eternity for this

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2179994)
Posted by Till-all-R1 on May 4th, 2024 @ 12:08pm CDT

I like em! I was actually wanting 1/64 scale alt mode versus having their images splashed all over like for Marvel and Star Wars!

The only trouble is in tracking them down because I've yet to ever find Robocop's Cruiser in store.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2179998)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on May 4th, 2024 @ 2:06pm CDT

I have Prime POd and it looks good. These might be hard to find unfortunately, above and beyond the normal Hot Wheel craziness. I've heard that Bumblebee is part of something called a K assortment which is a rarer, harder to find grouping.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180001)
Posted by Emerje on May 4th, 2024 @ 3:46pm CDT

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I have Prime POd and it looks good. These might be hard to find unfortunately, above and beyond the normal Hot Wheel craziness. I've heard that Bumblebee is part of something called a K assortment which is a rarer, harder to find grouping.

I wonder if that's just speculation, seems like a really dumb way to use a new license when they have an entire Pop Culture line that includes the BTTFIII Delorean and the Thundercats Thundertank this year. I think they're going to get a lot of milage out of these (no pun intended) since they can mostly use existing car models. Checking the (unofficial) Hot Wheels Newsletter they haven't posted any K assortment cars yet and they appear to be the authority.

Emerje

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180319)
Posted by william-james88 on May 14th, 2024 @ 5:21pm CDT

Mattel creations is doing something unheard of, they are releasing a licensed Transformers toy that actually transforms. Hasbro had put a stop to that a long time ago, which is why McDonalds Happy Meal toys haven't transformed for over 15 years. But they are letting Mattel release their version of G1 Optimus Prime as a 1/64 scale fully die-cast transforming toy within their Hotwheels line. This special figure will cost fans $80 though. Below are images and the product description.

Two of the biggest fandoms have come together for the first time with the Hot Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime. Modeled after his first appearance in Generation 1, this die-cast version of the Autobot leader can convert from a heavy-duty truck cab into a towering robot, ready to battle the Decepticons. We even designed the packaging so you could display it in either vehicle or robot mode.

Hot Wheels® Transformers™ Optimus Prime
Features: Attachable hands and ion blaster
Body Color: Spectraflame red and blue
Body Type: ZAMAC
Wheels: Custom Real Riders wheels
Base: Die-cast chassis
Window Color: Light smoke-tinted 
Scale: 1:64

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180321)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on May 14th, 2024 @ 5:27pm CDT

They couldn't do the hands Missing Link style?

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180353)
Posted by Emerje on May 14th, 2024 @ 8:52pm CDT

Welp, didn't need that $80 anyway... >:oP

That's so much for something so tiny that doesn't even come with a trailer, but I image Mattel paid A LOT for the privilege. Appears to be all diecast aside from the windows and wheels. Between this and Flame Toys it's really interesting to see Hasbro loosen things up. I wonder if we could see a KO company go straight some day?

Meanwhile Takara Tomy has the Gundam license from Bandai and can't make Mobile Suits.

Emerje

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180362)
Posted by william-james88 on May 15th, 2024 @ 7:55am CDT

chuckdawg1999 wrote:They couldn't do the hands Missing Link style?

I think that would go against what they wanted to do. They really wanted to give us a faithful G1 toy prime but scaled for a Hotwheels collections.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180364)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on May 15th, 2024 @ 8:16am CDT

Ok, this is more in line with the collabs announcement I was hoping for when Mattel and Hasbro announced they were partnering up.

More in line, but also ... too much? If I had to choose between this, missing link, and the recently announced deluxe G1 Prime I think I'd go missing link, truth be told.

This is a really unique collab. I think I'll still pass. Ultimately it's more for the Hotwheels guys. Hopefully they make a collab figure for the TF fans. Like anything more in line with the collab line itself.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180366)
Posted by Syclone on May 15th, 2024 @ 8:47am CDT

Man.... I think this thing is absolutely incredible and, holy crap, do I want it. I love Transformers, I love Hot Wheels. But...WOW that is an eye watering price. Top Tier RLC Hot Wheels 1:64 cars go for $35-$40. I don't even collect those but I could be down for this guy at even $50 but I just don't know if I can do $80.

On the plus side, it does look like you can open it and everything without destroying any packaging since it comes with 2 forms of packaging to display how you like. That's a really neat feature.

I'm gonna have to think about this one but if Mattel Creations launches of the past are any indication, this thing is gonna be gone in the blink of an eye anyway so I might not even get the change to spend way too much money on this.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180373)
Posted by Till-all-R1 on May 15th, 2024 @ 10:21am CDT

it's neat, but not $80 neat. At $25ish I'd have been all over it.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180405)
Posted by Overcracker on May 15th, 2024 @ 6:23pm CDT

Damn… that looks awesome. $80 bucks is a tad steep for that, but damn…
Must … resist… buying it… don’t …. collect …. Hot Wheels… don’t…. need…. It….

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180416)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 15th, 2024 @ 7:37pm CDT

$80 for a hot wheels scale transforming Optimus feels really steep. Cool, but too steep for me

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180452)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on May 16th, 2024 @ 2:10am CDT

Here's the thing, even if you find the price steep or not worth it, buy it. Prime is going to have exclusive wheels that will not be used on any other car, that's the kind of thing that makes Hot Wheel collectors soil themselves. You'll be able to flip it easily.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180616)
Posted by Syclone on May 21st, 2024 @ 10:20am CDT

T-minus 40 minutes fellas! What's the game plan?

Funny enough, I have a 15 minute meeting scheduled for right at noon. I figure if it's still available by the time it's over with, it's meant to be. If there was a mad dash and it's gone, such is life.

Based on what I'm reading here and in some Hot Wheels forums, people seem to really like this one but it's also way over priced and most people aren't seeing the value...

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180619)
Posted by Emerje on May 21st, 2024 @ 11:06am CDT

In and out in 2 minutes, not bad, but that was quicker than the wait I have when ordering exclusive MotU Origins and Masterverse figures on there so we'll see if that means a lack of interest or not.

Emerje

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180622)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on May 21st, 2024 @ 11:25am CDT

I got mine. Now to see what it'll go for on eBay. Not that I'll flip it, just curious.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180623)
Posted by Syclone on May 21st, 2024 @ 11:40am CDT

Well dang. Meeting ran long and now it's gone. Such is life.

Honestly, as cool as it is, and for what the resale value probably will be, I probably shouldn't be tossing around $80 anyway. I'm utterly terrible about reselling. I've had an MP-05 Megatron and MP-03 Starscream boxed up, with pics taken, ready to be listed for 2 years now :lol:

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180625)
Posted by william-james88 on May 21st, 2024 @ 12:06pm CDT

It seems one should never bet against Optimus Prime. While the Transformers community had a good laugh at the $80 1/64 scale Hotwheels collector toy, it seems there were more than enough people out there willing to spend that amount on that small fully die cast Optimus Prime. The transforming G1 styled Hotwheels Optimus Prime sold out in 27 minutes on the Mattel Creations site.
This is encouraging for Mattel as it means their effort and investment in the license was far from in vain. It reveals that there is a market out there for collector items like this and thus they may make more. If they do make more, then this Optimus Prime may rise in value as being the first in an ongoing collection. Of course time will tell if that is the case, but we wanted to let you know of this development in a collaboration that none of us imagined would happen.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180626)
Posted by blackeyedprime on May 21st, 2024 @ 12:33pm CDT

I would have bought this too. always a slim chance of a restock though or repaints.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180628)
Posted by Immortal Starscream on May 21st, 2024 @ 12:44pm CDT

to be fair, it only lasted that long because of glitches in the system. people were getting "unable to process payment due to technical issues" errors and were getting blocked from buying as a result. had to clear cache and cookies to actually get through.

I wasn't even going to buy this, because I don't see it being worth the $98 (after tax and shipping) But I had a bad day and was like SKREEW EEET. Then I got the error. and instead of taking it as a clear sign I don't need to waste the money, I took it as a HOW DARE YOU TELL ME I CAN'T HAS! and went through a good 20 minutes of hell until I saw the posts about deleting cookies/cache. It sold out right after I finally got through. I may have even got the last one.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180629)
Posted by o.supreme on May 21st, 2024 @ 1:06pm CDT

I had no desire to get this. However, its probably something we have no way of ever knowing, but Id be curious to know overall of the units purchased; how many were Transformers fans, and how many were Hotwheels fans? I'm guessing for more of the latter. But as stated, we may never know. While toy cars are cool. I don't know if there is much crossover of these fandoms? I mean yes, I know adult TF collectors can be annoying (as I am one myself), but Hotwheels adult collectors are a whole other level of obsessed....

In about a 2 year span when I worked from home, I may have went to a local Target once a month at most (or less less frequently), to check out what they had as the doors opened. EVERY TIME I was there though, there was this same little old guy, in his late 60s, but he was fast...and would rush to the Hotwheels aisle. I'm thinking he was there probably every day. crazy....

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180632)
Posted by william-james88 on May 21st, 2024 @ 2:36pm CDT

o.supreme wrote:I had no desire to get this. However, its probably something we have no way of ever knowing, but Id be curious to know overall of the units purchased; how many were Transformers fans, and how many were Hotwheels fans? I'm guessing for more of the latter. But as stated, we may never know. While toy cars are cool. I don't know if there is much crossover of these fandoms? I mean yes, I know adult TF collectors can be annoying (as I am one myself), but Hotwheels adult collectors are a whole other level of obsessed....

In about a 2 year span when I worked from home, I may have went to a local Target once a month at most (or less less frequently), to check out what they had as the doors opened. EVERY TIME I was there though, there was this same little old guy, in his late 60s, but he was fast...and would rush to the Hotwheels aisle. I'm thinking he was there probably every day. crazy....

All we know is that there were 27003 units available the moment it opened.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180634)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on May 21st, 2024 @ 3:51pm CDT

Well it's a good thing you can get it from Ebay then...

F*kn' scalpers.

IMG_20240521_145513.jpg

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180638)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on May 21st, 2024 @ 4:22pm CDT

If I'd have more info in time, I'm sure I would have been seriously tempted by that Optimus, despite the price.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180639)
Posted by Overcracker on May 21st, 2024 @ 4:50pm CDT

o.supreme wrote:I had no desire to get this. However, it's probably something we have no way of ever knowing, but Id be curious to know overall of the units purchased; how many were Transformers fans, and how many were Hotwheels fans?

I'd be very curious to see that Venn diagram between Transformers Fans, Hot Wheels Fans and people that can drop 80 bucks on a 1:64 scale die-cast truck.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180645)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on May 21st, 2024 @ 10:23pm CDT

As soon as I read it was going to have special wheels that will never be used elsewhere I KNEW it would sell out.

Re: First Look at Upcoming Hot Wheels Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (2180659)
Posted by Syclone on May 22nd, 2024 @ 10:02am CDT

I really don't know how you combat scalpers on an item like this but an order limit of 3 certainly doesn't help. Such an odd number.

1 for keeping in the package
1 for displaying out of the package
1 for reselling to cover the cost of everything?

Seems designed to create a secondary market. Which isn't entirely a bad thing but when you're up against bots, that individual who just wants a nice piece for their collection will always lose.