As seen on DIECASTMAX.COM:

After a long absence, the Toyota 2000 GT will be welcomed back by AUTOart as four different 1967 and 1968 SCCA race models. Originally conceived by renowned auto designer Graf Goertz, a running prototype was built in 1963 with the help of Yamaha. Amazingly it was rejected by Datsun who wanted a fastback sports coupe. Well, they pitched it to the guys at Toyota and the rest is history! In 1968 Carroll Shelby financed a team in the SCCA C Production Class and enjoyed several wins and podium finishes. The four models being produced will be AUTOart Diecast Model Nos. 86816 (1968 Toyota 2000 GT SCCA #33), 86815 (1968 #23), 86716 (1967 #2 24 Hours of Fuji Race), and 86715 (1967 #1 24 Hours of Fuji Race). Also coming soon will be 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer WRC Rally cars!

Also set to arrive are:
75151 1/18 BMW M5 “SHADOW LINE” 1987 (DOLPHINGRAY METALLIC)
75152 1/18 BMW M5 “SHADOW LINE” 1987 (ZINNOBER-RED)
75161 1/18 BMW M535i (E28) 1985 (ALPINWHITE)
75162 1/18 BMW M535i (E28) 1985 (DIAMONDBLACK METALLIC)
77305 1/18 NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34) V-SPEC (MIDNIGHT PURPLE)
77351 1/18 NISSAN SKYLINE GTR R34 POLICE CAR (LIMITED EDITION OF 6000PCS WORLDWIDE)

[via diecastmax.com]

Collector Roy Nakamura has posted some great information on JOESDIECASTSHACK about new accessories you can use to liven up your 1/24th scale diecast displays. He had this to say:

“Here are some very ‘cool value priced’ Accessory Sets that should be of interest to diecast collectors coming out soon. I’ve been collecting higher end accessory sets from GMP for a couple of years now and they have added a new dimension in displaying and photographing my collection. My only issue with the GMP sets is that they are rather expensive and very delicate. These new 1/24 scale sets from Phoenix Toys are priced at less than $10 and should be available at most Hobby Shops and Online Dealers soon and are perfect complements to any Jada, Maisto or 1Badd Ride 1/24 car display…or even 1/24 Hot Wheels for that matter.”

Click the thumbnails for the full versions of the photos or use the link below to jump over to Joe’s for the offical thread.

[via joesdiecastshack.com]

Poster Motorhead on the HOBBYTALK.COM diecast forums shared some information and these excellent pictures of AutoArt’s new Mad Max Interceptor from the Road Warrior movies. The pictures were found on a Japanese website and show that this will be a highly detailed piece that even comes with accessories like gas cans, a dog and a spare tire. There doesn’t appear to be any information from AutoArt North America on the piece, so pricing and availability in the states is still unknown. The Japanese release appears to be sometime in November or Decemebr of this year - Stay tuned!!

Use the link below to jump over to the thread for additional pictures!

[via hobbytalk.com]

A short while ago, the folks over at GreenLight Collectibles put the finishing touches on a section of their web site that gives a behind-the-scenes look at how authentic die-cast replicas are manufactured. The entire process is broken down into various sections which include:

- The Concept

- Creating a Prototype

- Production of Steel Mold and First Shot

- Production of the Die-Cast Replicas

- Painting and Detailing

- Packaging

- Shipping

Over the last few years we’ve seen numerous posts on various forums for a manufacturer (Hot Wheels?!?) to show this side of the hobby/business, and its great to see GreenLight step up to the plate and provide this excellent insight.

[via greenlighttoys.com]

In addition to the recent 1 Badd Ride NASCAR annoucements on DIECASTLIVE.COM, this sneak peek picture of the new 1 Badd Ride Dodge Challenger was spotted as well. The Challenger will come in both diecast and radio control versions. Not much else is known about it so far, although we can expect it to hit retailers some time this fall.

[via diecastlive.com]

This past week the folks at 1 Badd Ride let collectors know about the launching of their new line of NASCAR collectibles through a post on DIECASTLIVE.COM. Both 1:24 and 1:64 scale cars can be found in Target, and their availability will expand to additional retailers soon.
The first series of 1:64 scale pieces includes six drivers:

- #01 Mark Martin, Army Vette
- #17 Matt Kenseth, DeWALT Mustang
- #99 Carl Edwards, Office Depot Ford GT
- #26 Jamie McMurray, IRWIN Ford GT
- #6 David Ragan, AAA Mustang
- #16 Greg Biffle, Ameriquest 67′ Shelby GT 500

The first series of 1:24 scale pieces will include:

- #01 Mark Martin, Army Vette
- #17 Matt Kenseth, DeWALT Mustang
- #99 Carl Edwards, Office Depot 67′ Shelby GT 500

These are definitely great looking casts and are a nice twist on the traditional Nascar diecast collectibles that have been available over the years.

[via diecastlive.com]

Collector chboja over on JOESDIECASTSHACK.COM shared several pictures of various new castings from French diecast maker Norev. Being a VW nut and owner, I’m particularly excited about their new GTI casting (shown)!

Make the jump with the link below to see all the photos featuring a wide variety of cars coming this year.

[via joesdiecastshack.com]