Hot Wheels Ferrari
Hot Wheels

THESE were the Hot Wheels Ferrari highlights of the year…

Ferrari goes red

What an exciting year for all Hot Wheels and Ferrari fans. After a break of more than 12 years, we were able to enjoy collecting Hot Wheels Ferrari models again last year. And what a lineup it was. Hot Wheels chief designer Ronald Wong went to great lengths to ensure that we had some real treats to collect in 2025. Typical Ferrari: we are particularly fond of the red models! That's why this article will mainly focus on the 2025 releases that were delivered in red so far. Because one thing is clear: even though practically all colours suit Ferrari, especially yellow, we will probably see most models released in red in the future.

In 2025, practically everything was included. Starting with the most affordable in the range, the Mainliners, continuing with the Premium and probably the rarest pieces from the Red Line Club and Elite64 segment. Last year, the first Ferrari Chaser was released with the all-black 499P. In 2026, the first Super Treasure Hunt in black will follow as the Ferrari F40 Competizione. Further treats such as the Ferrari Testarossa have already been announced. But now let's look back at the highlights of the past year.

Ferrari goes mainline

Hot Wheels Ferrari Mainline
Whether on long or short cards, the Hot Wheels mainline Ferraris flew off the shelves in shops like hot cakes!

There was huge excitement when it was announced that the SF90 would be one of the first Mainline models. Even though it will probably not be the most popular Ferrari model alongside the 296, it has still won over quite a few fans. As collectors, we are generally delighted when new models are added to the Hot Wheels line-up. And yet we would love to see a reissue of its predecessors, such as the 458, 488 and F8. Even though the last two have only made it into our collection as Tomica models so far. In any case, the SF90 has already undergone several recolours and has also been available in a darker cherry red in a 5-pack. We believe that some people, like us, will have bought the 5-pack just for the SF90. As usual, the other models of the 5-pack weren't exactly the cherry on top. The SF90 was joined by the 365 GTB4 Daytona, the even more radical racing version of the 365. This was already available from Hot Wheels in a huge number of different colour variations and series. This means that the GTB4 is also a new standalone model.

Like the third in the series, the Ferrari F40 Competizione. This is also the more rustic version of the F40 with more aerodynamics, a modified spoiler and other gadgets. This makes this model a new release as well, as we have previously only been able to collect the F40 from Hot Wheels in an extremely wide range of colours in regular form. We have added a few fine details to the F40 and 365 GTB4 to give the models a slightly higher-quality look. Sometimes simple changes to the paintwork on the lights or air intakes and spoilers are enough. It's also nice to see that the choice of wheels complements the old releases perfectly. This allows them to be harmonised nicely with the old models. Our personal favourite is and remains the F40 Competizione of these three. We are looking forward to the 12Cylindri in 2026!

Ferrari goes Premium

Hot Wheels Ferrari Premium
The line-up of premium models is impressive and already includes some highlights from the Ferrari era.

The Hot Wheels design team has done a great job here. As we suspected in our previous YouTube videos and articles, the Premium series is being used to reissue old releases. This is because the old Hot Wheels models were characterised above all by their unrealistic proportions, the different wheel opening sizes at the front and rear, and the lack of mirrors. The 499P, winner of the Le Mans 24-hour race, was the first successful release in 2025. Although not all sponsors were featured on the model as they were on the original, the 499P is still impressive. Even the drivers' names are printed on it. This 499P was the ideal second chance for all those who missed out on the Red Line Club Drop. That's because there was also a 499P in customer livery. However, unlike the Red Line Club model, the premium version does not have an opening bonnet.

And then came the LaFerrari. As the name suggests: THE FERRARI of FERRARI. Not only in real life, but also as a model, it's a knockout. The old Hot Wheels release was one of the last in 2013 before the licence was relinquished. And this LaFerrari was very lacky of proportions. The new LaFerrari is a feast for the eyes, especially with the mirrors now in place and its appropriate proportions. The F50 was another reinterpretation. The old F50 from Hot Wheels was also getting on in years. For us, it is one of the best premium models ever. The same can be said for the first team transporter, the legendary Fiat Bartoletti together with the Ferrari 250 GTO. Two absolute legends. The transporter in particular came with such a great attention to detail, which we had never seen before from Hot Wheels transporters. No wonder it was hoarded and reserved in shops even before its release, so that unfortunately many collectors have still come away empty-handed. Or you pay extortionate prices.

Ferrari goes RLC

Hot Wheels Ferrari RLC
Show or shine? Definitely both: a tribute set, because it features the first Ferrari models in the Hot Wheels era. The 312P, where it all began, and the 499P, which revived it all in 2025.

Red Line Club models stand for exclusivity...and frustration! Because collectors often come away empty-handed. Or, as in this case, they didn't even try, because the price of just under $120 was extremely high and, for many, absolutely not worth it. The 499p in customer livery was one of only two vehicles in this set. The 312P is a tribute to the very first Hot Wheels Ferrari models from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This set was the epitome of show and shine and therefore not lucrative enough for many. Of course, prices have changed here too, but we are sure that collectors would rather save their money for other great items. Or for more great Ferrari releases in the future. Stil...this tribute set is something special, despite the high pricing obviously.

Ferrari goes Elite64

Hot Wheels Ferrari Elite64 330 P4
For us, one of the most beautiful Elite64 models for many reasons...

And last but not least, Ferrari has also found its place in this series. As the name suggests, Elite64 stands for highly detailed and high-quality collectibles in the 1/64 range from Hot Wheels. Some models have special features, such as opening bonnets or removable parts. This is also the case with the successor to the LeMans legend GT40 1966. While the Ford GT40 was in the spotlight that year, the 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 was able to show off its strengths and achieve a 1-2-3 photo finish at Daytona. The 330 P4 is and remains one of the most beautiful and timeless vehicles ever made. The Elite64 is simply phenomenal. All the rivets on the chassis, the workmanship, the engine compartment, the spare wheel inside and the moulded exhaust pipes are world class. For us personally, and without looking through our Ferrari fan glasses, this is one of the most beautiful Elite64 releases ever!

What do you think? What is your favourite? Let us know.

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