SEMA: Mitsubishi Double Shotz Hot Wheels Concept

Take a very good look at the Mitsubishi Double Shotz concept pictured above; believe it or not, what you’re looking at is actually… a Hot Wheels toy car! As “mama” Mattel explained, in order to celebrate Hot Wheels' 40th anniversary, it invited major carmakers to submit a series of concept ideas that would be turned into a line of 1/64 scale toy cars in spring 2008. Mitsubishi entered the Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge with a proposition from Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America (MRDA) employee, Gary Ragle.

Gary’s Double Shotz concept sportscar, that’s fitted with two 4G63 engines derived from the Lancer Evolution, was one of the seven winners in the Hot Wheels Designer’s Challenge. We wouldn’t mind at all if Mitsubishi decided to create a life-size concept of Gary’s proposition. -Details and images after the jump

Press Release - Mitsubishi Motors Employee Gary Ragle Selected as One of Seven Winners in First-Ever Hot Wheels® Designer's Challenge

October 30, 2007 -- Cypress, Calif. --

Toy manufacturer Mattel has announced that Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America (MRDA) employee Gary Ragle is among seven designer finalists to be selected in the company's first-ever Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge™. MRDA was among six automotive manufacturers to participate in the challenge, which marked the first time Hot Wheels has turned outside the company to seek new vehicle designs.

Created to represent the ultimate Mitsubishi vehicle and the spirit of the brand's future, the sleek design of Ragle's Mitsubishi Double Shotz celebrates the 4G63 engine and the Lancer Evolution. "The design takes the concept of the Lancer Evolution to the next level and ties it in with the enjoyment and imagination of the Hot Wheels brand," said Ragle.

After being selected by a panel of judges that included editors from the Los Angeles Times, Car and Driver, and Men's Journal, along with Hot Wheels designers and executives, the designs were unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on October 30th, 2007. The Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge product line will be available in stores in the spring of 2008.