Matchbox 2017 Preview, Part 2: '16 Toyota Tacoma & Fiat 500X...

This is Part 2 of several posts showcasing the EP and 3D prototypes Matchbox brought to show at the Gathering earlier this month.

Here are two more models that are in the EP phase - meaning the casting is done, and it moves on to getting any final touches, and then color and deco.

The first is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, and the second the Fiat 500X.  The Tacoma is a surprising choice, considering an earlier Tacoma was released just a few years ago as a Life Guard truck.  This Tacoma carries the new body style and grill, and also has an accessory - in this case, a tent.

Accessories seem to be the thing in the auto world, and it is cool to see Matchbox tapping into that with both the Brookwood and now the Tacoma.  Like the Wagon, the Toyota sacrifices its interior to get its accessory, and also like the wagon, it is removable.  No interior is a bummer, but I think this model is far more interesting with the tent.  Plus, with Matchbox dedicated to metal bodies for all models, especially licensed, I can take this with no problem.

The Fiat is also a surprise.  Seeing a Fiat isn't surprising, but the 500X is.  A little more obscure, but with Hot Wheels already producing a fairly stock 500, this is welcome.  And it looks rally-like, especially with its roof rack.

So here they are, two more models to look forward to in 2017, and based on where they are in development, it shouldn't be too long before they hit the pegs...

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The latest Hot Wheels Toyota Supra in Nitto Tire livery is the most driftastic yet...

The mismatched wheel run of the Hot Wheels Toyota Supra continues.  With last years version in red plus the two Nitto Tire versions this year, the Supra is really getting its drift on.

And that is a cool thing.  Since its debut as a Fast & Furious model a few years ago, the Supra has taken on several incarnations that have promoted several racing-themed auto companies like Falken, GReddy, and Nitto.

Surely another Fast & Furious version is on its way, especially with Paul Walker's final ride in a pure white Supra becoming an iconic moment in the franchise, but the Supra as a racing car is great.  And I love this latest version in black.

Nitto Tire was nice enough to send a preview of the upcoming model to me, and comparing the black to the green version, I think I am going with the black.  But that really doesn't matter.  What I really like is the ongoing relationships with these companies like Nitto Tire.  Nitto's hands are everywhere - just check out their Instagram feed:

New year, new me! @Powers_Sucks killin' it with his updated livery on his trusty s14. Catch Matt Powers and the rest of Team Nitto get sideways this weekend at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX! Don't forget to R.S.V.P at www.AutoEnthusiastDay.com. Catch you there! #NittoTire #NT05 #TeamNitto Photo By: @Linhbergh / @RLhandcrafts

A photo posted by Nitto Tire (@nittotire) on May 18, 2016 at 1:15pm PDT

Auto Enthusiast Day was even BIGGER in Texas! Relive the weekend at DRIVINGLINE.COM

A photo posted by Driving Line (@drivingline) on May 29, 2016 at 6:04pm PDT

And yeah, it might be slightly pathetic to a few of you gearheads, but my first exposure to many of these companies has come through Hot Wheels.  I love it when these world collide.

So, keep them coming.  There are surely enough castings to go around, and definitely enough companies to be showcased.

All that said, it is time for a plain-colored Supra...

The family:

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It is lovely to see the Matchbox Toyota 4Runner Gift Pack exclusive looking very 4Runner-ish...

Find the Matchbox 4Runner on eBay...

Matchbox has been showing off its off-road chops lately.

And I am not talking about extreme cartoonish models with oversized wheels.  The Jeep Series is here, the Land Rover Series is coming, as is the G63 AMG 6x6 next year.  Factor in the Land Cruiser, Defender 110, the upcoming Dodge Ram, and a load of others, and it seems they are returning nicely from those strange off-roaders from a couple of years ago.

One of the best off-road castings from the last few years is the splendid Toyota 4Runner.  I say 4Runner and certain images have to pop in your head.  Durable, always slightly beat up, and always running.  And for me, always with a neat little decal design in bright colors on the side.

80's cars couldn't just be one color, or sport just one little pinstripe.  They needed color, and variety, and decals, and nothing exemplified that more than the 4Runner.  To me, a true 4Runner always has a blocky, gradually-fading design along the side.

That is why I have always preferred the "non-livery" versions of the Matchbox 4Runner.  Of the 8-9 released, about half have sported some type of livery, from Forest Service to some sort of touring company.  I like those, but it is the other models, sporting 80's-era decals, that really take a special spot in the collection.

So the brand new 9-pack exclusive is a most welcome site.  Blue, with signature white rims, and a nice little door decal.  It looks great with the others.

My favorite remains the tan model with black trim.  Looking at current Toyota Tacomas, it is obvious tan is making a major comeback.  The Matchbox version from a few years ago proves it was always cool.

Here's to hoping we see more 4Runners.  It doesn't get much cooler when it comes to a vintage off-roader...

(Find the Matchbox 4Runner on eBay...)

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