Daniel Arsham’s Artistic Collaboration with Hot Wheels

Famed contemporary artist Daniel Arsham has forged a creative alliance with Mattel Creations, culminating in the unveiling of a groundbreaking limited-edition toy car series, ‘Laps.’ This innovative venture features eight distinct releases of 1:64 die-cast, Silkstone, and crystallized eroded renditions of iconic Hot Wheels models, including the renowned Rodger Dodger and the legendary Porsche 930 Turbo. Avid collectors and enthusiasts can anticipate the inaugural ‘Laps’ release, set to debut at a public event in New York City on October 21st and 22nd, followed by its online availability on Mattel Creations commencing on October 27th. Stay tuned for forthcoming announcements about three additional captivating Laps creations.

The Arsham Studio and Mattel Creations design collaboration is set to extend over two years, promising to reimagine celebrated supercars within the imaginative realm of Hot Wheels.

For the maiden lap, Daniel Arsham draws inspiration from the storied history of the Rodger Dodger. Given his history as a Porsche collaborator and enthusiast, it comes as no surprise that Arsham embarked on a journey of reimagining the classic 1973 Dodge Charger SE, complete with a formidable blown V8 engine protruding from the hood. Furthermore, Arsham’s selection of the Porsche 930 Turbo as his second Hot Wheels masterpiece adds to the excitement. The crystallized eroded iteration of the Porsche 930 Turbo Hot Wheels includes an Eroded Super Rally Case shaped like a wheel and tire—a direct homage to the original Hot Wheels Rally Case from 1968. Upon opening the case, you’ll discover eight dedicated slots for these remarkable toy cars.

Arsham’s artistic journey in this project seamlessly intertwines with his affinity for experimenting with materials, and the introduction of Silkstone into the world of 1:64-scale cars marks a pivotal moment. Silkstone, a contemporary composite material with a porcelain-like finish typically reserved for premium Barbie dolls, is a striking choice.

“Mattel Creations has embarked on an innovative journey with me, exploring new materials and processes to manifest my vision. This partnership signifies the first instance of Silkstone’s use in the creation of Hot Wheels models, and it’s also my inaugural experience with this distinctive material, making it a historic milestone for both of us,” Daniel Arsham affirms.

In addition to these collector’s items, the Mattel Creations and Daniel Arsham Hot Wheels collection will encompass an array of accessories, including keychains, stickers, and a limited series of prints, all set for release starting October 27th.

Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel, enthuses, “Mattel Creations is merging two legends—Hot Wheels and Daniel Arsham—to blur the lines between toys and art by curating an exclusive collection for our devoted fans. Throughout our two-year collaboration, we’ve navigated a unique design challenge to encapsulate Daniel’s iconic aesthetic within the scale of Hot Wheels, and we are confident that the end result will be cherished by both Arsham and Hot Wheels aficionados alike.”