Mercedes and Hot Wheels, part of the toy giant Mattel, have unveiled a unique Mercedes CLA EQ with a DTM-inspired look at the Race Service workshop in Los Angeles.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA
Do you remember the DTM cars from the late 1980s and early 1990s? Wide wheel arches, a massive front spoiler, wide side skirts, a big rear diffuser, and an oversized rear wing. In fact, the DTM cars of that era inspired the limited-edition Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 EVO I and II.
The car in the images below isn’t a real race car — it’s a stunning full-scale (1:1) toy created by Hot Wheels, the die-cast model maker owned by Mattel. Painted in pink and blue, this Mercedes CLA EQ is more of a work of art than a toy.
The Hot Wheels flame logo is visible on the doors, all windows are tinted pink, the rear diffuser is as massive as that of a DTM car, and the huge black rear wing features the Mercedes-Benz inscription. Oversized flames lend it a retro-futuristic look reminiscent of 1980s pop culture.
This one-of-a-kind creation transforms the new Mercedes CLA EQ into a fantasy super sports car in classic Hot Wheels style and heralds the release of the 1:64 scale model in the spring of 2026. The miniature version of this art piece once again bridges the gap between automotive innovation and the world of toys—appealing to both the growing community of adult Hot Wheels collectors and a new generation of enthusiasts.
The full-scale 1:1 model aims to encourage visitors at the Race Service workshop in Los Angeles to play with model cars. The workshop was redesigned as an adventure world for adult car enthusiasts. After the launch event, the unique model could be admired at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in El Segundo, California, on October 4.
It seems that this racing-inspired Mercedes CLA EQ model will never reach the track. Still, never say never—Mercedes has the technology to develop a high-performance electric sports car, as demonstrated by the Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept.
If one day DTM regulations allow electric cars to compete, we could very well imagine a Mercedes CLA EQ DTM powered by AMG GT XX technology.
