This seems to be the consensus:
Someone posts on IG or Facebook a pic of a new Hot Wheels model. People might love the model, but if it is sporting Trap5 wheels, that qualification will emerge. "Wish it had different wheels." "Who decided on those?" "Why ruin something so cool with those round abominations?"
It seems that since the Trap5 wheels were unveiled as an alternative Faster Than Ever wheel a few years ago, there has been little love for them. In fact, I can't remember any occasion I have seen a "those wheels look perfect on that!" comment with the Trap5s.
So now seems a good time to ask what about the Trap5 wheels makes collectors cringe. Hot Wheels Batch M has two very nice releases that are sporting the Pizza Wheels, the BMW M4 and the Renault Sport RS. Both are recolors, and both sported the Trap5s in their earlier 2016 releases as well.
And frankly, to me, both models look fantastic. I am not saying they look good BECAUSE of the wheels, I am just saying both models look nice to matter what wheels they sit on. A lot has to do with the quality of the castings, and the detail in the deco (the white Bimmer with front and rear tampo is gorgeous), but the wheels don't seem to detract. I would argue the Trap5s look a lot like the actual wheels Renault uses on the Sport RS, so I am pretty happy in that case.
The Renault may be the exception, so maybe there are better wheel options for models like the BMW.
But are there?
Maybe this opens up a bigger issue. Let's get into super geek mode and talk about wheels. Hot Wheels has an amazing array with Real Rider wheels, including the brand new 4-spoke wheels that debuted in the Japan Historics line. But basic wheels leave A LOT to be desired.
Go across the hall to Matchbox, and while they don't have as many basic wheel options, they are far superior to Hot Wheels. On a classic car, Matchbox has the option of disk hubcap and trispoke wheels. On a new contemporary car, there are the double-10 spokes and the tremendous 5-spokes (my favorite basic wheel). Of course they have a slew of off-road and utility options as well. Think if the Hot Wheels BMW M4 sported these wheels:
Instead of these:
White cars look amazing on dark or black rims, and that is why I am ok with the Trap5 wheels here. But the Matchbox 5-spokes would be far more realistic.
So Hot Wheels, maybe take some of that brilliance on developing the Real Riders and apply them to a new batch of basic wheels. You need them badly.
In fact, if can put the Matchbox 5-spokes on almost any of the Hot Wheels contemporary models, how good would they look? BMW E30? R34 Skyline? Porsche 911? Maybe Hot Wheels can borrow a few of those wheels and try them out on some castings. Just go ask. Or maybe do the "Hey look! A spider!" trick and grab a few while they flee in horror.
All that said, that BMW is pretty badass in white. One of my favorite models this year. Same with the Renault.
It just might be time for new wheels...
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