It’s a rare event when Hot Wheels launches a new product line, so I was eager to check out this new Aventador with its removable rear bumper and nearly $28 (with shipping) price tag. While this isn’t technically the first Elite64 model, the Aventador is the first in the line to really capture my (and based on the online buzz, most other collectors’) attention, so I picked one up to see if it was worth all the hype.
Before we get too into my thoughts on the line, let’s take a closer look at the model itself. Formally, this model is the LBWK Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, which means it’s a “standard” Aventador with a Liberty Walk kit bolted onto it. Liberty Walk seems to be having a moment in the diecast world right now, so I’m not too surprised by the model choice. Being a Liberty Walk car, the Aventador gets a wonderfully wide stance, with massively flared fenders that give it a very aggressive look. The detailing here is top-notch, with every bolt for the body kit visible along the fender flares. The printing here is noticeably better than most car culture models, with the text and Japanese flag on the doors crisply rendered.
The Aventador’s LBWK kit includes a modified front bumper that increases the size of the intakes as well as a splitter that sits incredibly low to the ground. Some collectors have complained about the headlights being printed rather than clear plastic, but I quite like the level of detailing here. The headlight projectors, DRLs, and turn signals are all clearly defined here, plus printed headlights are more true to the classic Hot Wheels look.
These wing mirrors are a standout feature of this casting. The standard Aventador casting is missing any mirrors, and their inclusion really does add a lot of realism to this LBWK model. They’re metal, unlike the rubber used by MiniGT, and the mirror is actually printed silver – lovely attention to detail!
The rear is really where this casting shines, though. All Elite64 models have some “special feature”, which in this case means a removable engine cover, rear bumper, and wing. Removing them reveals a wonderfully detailed twin turbo setup, complete with a detailed intercooler and structural bracing. The engine looks fantastic, though I prefer to display my models put together.
Which, unfortunately, is where I run into my first problem with this model. I know Hot Wheels made this entire section clear to show off that detailed engine bay, but this isn’t what the Aventador’s engine cover looks like! The Aventador does have a clear engine cover, but only the “fins” are clear, not the whole engine cover! This model would have benefited immensely from blue printing on the areas surrounding the rear window. Perhaps they tried it and just couldn’t get the color-match right?
Thankfully, the rest of the Aventador’s back end is exemplary. The brake lights are just as wonderfully detailed as the headlights, featuring Lamborghini’s distinctive arrow-shaped LEDs. The bolts for the body kit are once again crisply rendered and perfectly placed, and we even get black printing for the vents and license plate. The rear diffuser is one of the lowest and most aggressive I’ve ever seen on a Hot Wheels car. Chef’s kiss.
Wheel fitment has long been a problem on Hot Wheels Aventadors because of their incredibly wide rear wheels and bulging quarter panels. This is where the Elite64 line shows its strength again, as each model gets a bespoke set of wheels. As a result, the fitment on this Lambo is wonderful, with almost none of the side-to-side play that makes photographing Hot Wheels cars so cumbersome. Another benefit of the bespoke wheels is the more realistically proportioned staggered wheel setup. No comically small front wheels here to make a Lamborghini look like it belongs on a drag strip (looking at you, new Countach). In fact, these wheels are so good that it’s actually a bit of a shame that they’re bespoke to this model – I’d love to see these on some other exotic cars!
Sadly, I don’t expect to see these wheels as a new set of Real Riders anytime soon. I suspect they’re only possible because of this model’s high price. Theoretically, this car costs $20, but since they’re only sold through the Mattel Creations site, you can add another $8 and the frustration of waiting on shipping. Nearly $30 is very steep for a Hot Wheels model, and it represents the biggest missed opportunity of this line. Hot Wheels recently launched their seemingly-doomed 1:43 line in Target stores for $25, and I can’t help but feel that the new Target line should have been Elite64. Without the need to pay for shipping, the $20 price point actually feels pretty reasonable for this quality of model.
At this point, I’m sure many people would like to point out that you can get a 1:64 Lamborghini Aventador from MiniGT for half the price…and that’s true! The MiniGT is a great model at an incredibly aggressive price, and for people who want the most accurate representation of their dream garage in miniature, I suspect it’s the better choice. Yet, I find MiniGTs lacking in that unquantifiable Hot Wheels charm. The Elite64 LBWK Lamborghini Aventador, as with many Hot Wheels and Matchbox models, somehow simultaneously exists in the world of models and the world of toys. It feels less serious than the MiniGT, and I find myself more drawn to it. The MiniGT belongs on a display shelf, but the Elite64 belongs in my hand.
Now that I finally have an Elite64 model in hand, I’m excited about the future of the line. The higher detail level is fantastic, and the paint quality is far better than a mainline Hot Wheels model (no orange peel here). There are a few things that could be improved, like the RLC-style packaging that cannot be resealed after being opened, though this could be solved by including a protective box like MiniGT and Matchbox Collector models. The high price point ensures I’ll be more selective in the models I choose to purchase, so the Hot Wheels team will need to be careful in their vehicle choice, but this one is a great start. If only I didn’t have to pay for shipping.
DiecastLeno 
Leave a comment