The automotive world saw an exciting collaboration with the Polestar Design x Hot Wheels contest. This Polestar x Hot Wheels Monster Truck Concept represents an exciting fusion of two iconic brands, combining Polestar's progressive design language with Hot Wheels' signature muscular flair. This innovative collaboration showcases a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and nostalgic charm, creating a vehicle that stands out both in performance and aesthetics. The goal was to create a die-cast model car that combined Polestar's sleek and modern design with Hot Wheels' bold and muscular style. The challenge was to make a vehicle that captured the essence of both brands and appealed to kids and the inner child in every designer. This project, called the "1:64 Project," showcased creativity, innovation, and the spirit of play.
Disclaimer: This concept is a designer's entry (Giovanni Ropolo) for the Polestar x Hotwheels 2024 Contest
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Hot Wheels is known for its hot rods, custom cars, muscle cars, and especially monster trucks and speed racers. The 1:64 vehicle is designed as a modular electric vehicle platform with high-density batteries and compact axial-flux hub motors, each capable of delivering at least 64 kW of continuous power, with peak power reaching up to 1 GW for short bursts. The vehicle also features a telescopic system that allows the wheelbase to adjust between 1900 mm and 2750 mm, supporting both monster truck and supercar configurations. You must be considering what the name "1:64" means. It refers to the scale at which toy cars are usually made, but it also highlights the vehicle's versatility. With one vehicle kit, you can create at least 64 different combinations. This feature not only makes the toy endlessly fun but also promotes a culture of reuse and ignites the creativity of children, encouraging them to become mechanics and designers.
The design inspiration for the Polestar x Hotwheels Monstertruck Concept came from the Polestar/Volvo "Key Tag," a sleek object with slightly rounded edges, perfect for a two-tone version. The semi-transparent black stripe evokes the world of motorsport. The "Smart Key" and the "light trail" are key elements, with the light trail drawing clear references to stars and elegant jewels. The head and tail lights use the simple shapes of the four-pointed star logo, giving the vehicle a less serious, more sci-fi look compared to the iconic "blades."
The vehicle's wheels are covered by "aero pods" to highlight both the purity of the design and its extreme, prototype-like sportiness. For off-road adventures, the toy includes recycled solid tyres in a fictional 35/59-21” racing size, which can be combined with massive 65x160-23” off-road lightweight outer tyres. The toy kit also comes with tracks designed for exploring Nordic snow, enhancing its versatility and appeal.
The monster-truck cabin of the 1:64 vehicle features charming proportions and a two-tone colour scheme, resembling the shape and size of the Key Tag and transforming it into a roof box. In contrast, the speed-racer version has a sleek canopy equipped with cameras for AI and remote driving, which can be controlled by the canopy left stationary on the ground. The interior of this polestar concept is minimalistic and technical, designed to be wheelchair accessible from the back. Instead of a traditional dashboard, there is a large "desk board" that surrounds the driver and passengers.
Furthermore, the headlights extend onto the shelf at the sides of the steering wheel, maintaining a minimalistic and sporty look. A new Polestar Phone serves as the display, while the "Tag Key" and a small keychain car have their own designated housing, ensuring that one's inner child is always in view.
The packaging of the 1:64 vehicle is as thoughtfully designed as the vehicle itself, featuring transparency and a black stripe that reflects the model's versatile nature. It showcases the 1:64 scale model in both its monster truck and speed racer forms, highlighting its adaptability and broad appeal. Adding to the excitement, the concept includes the "Ice on Fire Tour," a series of zero-emission motor and music shows aimed at raising climate change awareness. This tour features three 1:64 vehicles equipped with powerful sound systems. The lead vehicle, driven by a human, is followed by two AI-controlled vehicles, each with 70kW horn-loaded loudspeakers. These vehicles entertain children with car-crushing and drifting stunts, all performed silently and remotely controlled while delivering high-volume music to audiences.
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Though many innovative ideas were not fully developed in time for the contest, the 1:64 project remains a remarkable fusion of Polestar's progressive design and HotWheels' adventurous spirit. It fosters creativity and play, standing as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and the timeless joy of imaginative play. The Polestar x Hotwheels Monstertruck Concept is more than just a toy; it is a celebration of these values.
