With the year coming to a close, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best models of 2023. This year, we ended up with a few car culture mixes being delayed, which means I had fewer models than usual to pick from since I’m only including new models in this list. Much like the Hot Wheels lineup as a whole, my top 5 list skews heavily European this year, though one JDM car did sneak its way into the top 5!
Number 5: Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4
Bringing back one of the most iconic names in the history of the automobile is a brave move, but I think Lamborghini pulled it off here. Sure, it’s based on an Aventador, but the new Countach does a remarkable job of blending new styling elements with the Countach’s iconic wedge shape. I wrote a full feature on this model back in September, and my opinions of this model have remained largely unchanged since then. I love the detail in this casting, but those front wheels are simply way too small.
Number 4: ‘04 Mazda Mazdaspeed Miata
In fact, those wheels are even too small for a Miata! When I first took this Mazdaspeed Miata out of the package, I thought it felt way too big. However, after comparing it to the ‘91 Miata from the new Modern Classics set, it turns out that both Miatas are exactly the same size. The tiny wheels are just out of proportion with the rest of the otherwise excellent casting, and those wheels are the main reason this Miata isn’t farther up the top 5 list.
That’s unfortunate, because this really is a good casting! This paint color is gorgeous, it’s well detailed both front and rear, and since it was made specifically for Car Culture, it doesn’t have an ugly mattress of a rollbar like the NA Miata casting has. I particularly like the red detailing around the windshield which makes the model look much more realistic while helping to mask the clear plastic side pieces that help make the window stronger.
Number 3: ‘91 BMW M5 (E34)
Hot on the heels of last year’s third place winning E39 M5, we have this E34 M5 in third place! Unlike that E39 and its over-the-top livery, this E34 BMW M5 arrives looking stock and showroom-fresh in black. This era of BMW design language is nothing short of iconic, and the Hot Wheels team has done an excellent job replicating it. The printing on the front detailing is particularly impressive, given how recessed the headlight lenses are and how far out the kidney grills sit. The 10 spoke wheels look excellent as always – and feel vaguely reminiscent of Alpina wheels – giving this M5 a sinister look befitting a mafia boss.
The rear of the E34 casting is boxy and wide, just as it should be. The brake lights and BMW badge are well done without being too pixelated, though I would have liked to see a license plate added. This biggest letdown on this casting is the exhaust, which is so poorly rendered that you can barely tell it’s there. Despite that, I quite like this casting and look forward to seeing what colors we might get in the future.
Number 2: Mercedes-Benz 500E
Admittedly, I might be stretching the definition of a new model here, as this 500E has made several mainline appearances before finally making its way to premium. This new Car Culture version is so much more detailed that I felt it deserved to be included. The black chase version is obviously very cool, but this silver version might be even better. This two tone finish screams 90’s Mercedes in a way that just makes me want to drive this car to Radwood. It’s no secret that the mainline 500E was already an amazing casting – with all the boxy goodness you’d expect from a pre-2000 Merc. The little wipers on the headlights are rad, as are these five spoke wheels doing their best monoblock impression.
The rear decklid spoiler is what passed for aggressive styling on a sedan in the 90’s, but it looks delightfully subtle now. Best of all, this casting is so detailed that you can actually see the seam where the spoiler was attached to the trunk! Unlike the M5, the exhaust tips are clearly visible and look good, even though I would have appreciated some silver detailing. Ridged brake lights are here and accounted for, as is a California-inspired license plate. Huzzah!
Number 1: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
The Cayman GT4 was an easy number one for me. This was by far the casting I was most hyped for this year, as the Cayman GT4 is one of the coolest Porsches on the market. Despite its cool factor, the Cayman has always been underrepresented in the diecast market, so I’m glad to see Hot Wheels working to correct that. I wrote a full feature on this model earlier this year, which you can read here. In short, this model is fantastically done, with my only complaints being minor faults like the lack of detailing in the exhaust tips and slightly too narrow front axle. I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming Boulevard release of this casting in bright blue, a far more exciting color to match this exciting car.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my other top 5 lists! Stay tuned, because I’ll be sure to cover everything Car Culture has to offer in 2024!
DiecastLeno 
Leave a comment