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Get Started FreeHot Wheels Herbie Pop Culture Series Appears to Be Coming in 2027
4 August, 2026
Hot Wheels collectors may have an exciting Disney release to look forward to in 2027.
Images shared online by Rhyno's Die Cast appear to reveal an upcoming four-car Hot Wheels Premium Pop Culture series based entirely on Herbie, the famous Volkswagen Beetle from Disney’s classic movie franchise.
Although Mattel has not officially announced the collection, the images appear to show four completed, packaged models featuring different versions of Herbie from the original series of films.
A big thank-you to Rhyno's Die Cast for sharing the images and giving collectors an early look at what could be one of the most interesting Pop Culture releases of 2027.
Four Herbie Movies Represented
The apparent collection includes one Volkswagen Beetle representing each of the four original theatrical Herbie movies:
- The Love Bug
- Herbie Rides Again
- Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo
- Herbie Goes Bananas
Each release features movie-specific card artwork, with scenes and branding inspired by the corresponding film.
At first glance, the first three cars may appear almost identical. They all feature Herbie’s familiar white body, number 53 graphics and red, white and blue racing stripes.
However, a closer look reveals several differences between them.
Small Details Make Each Herbie Different
Rather than simply placing the same Volkswagen Beetle on four different cards, Hot Wheels appears to have recreated Herbie’s changing appearance throughout the movies.
Each car includes slightly different decals and small details designed to match the vehicle seen in its respective film.
Some of these differences are extremely subtle. One particularly small detail appears to be the fake gas cap located beside the right-side door.
These movie-specific touches should give collectors a reason to look more closely at each release rather than treating the first three cars as duplicates.
The fourth model, based on Herbie Goes Bananas, is much easier to distinguish.
Herbie Goes Bananas Is the Standout
The Herbie Goes Bananas Volkswagen Beetle features a heavily weathered appearance, complete with dirt, rust-style detailing and taxi graphics.
Its card artwork shows the worn version of Herbie from the movie’s bullfighting sequence, making it visually different from the cleaner white Beetles included with the other three films.
Of the four releases, this will likely be the one that stands out most clearly on store pegs. The weathered decoration could also make it especially popular with collectors who enjoy highly detailed or unusual Hot Wheels releases.
A Return to Single-Theme Pop Culture Sets?
The most interesting part of this possible release may be the format of the assortment itself.
Over the last few years, Hot Wheels Pop Culture sets have generally included five vehicles representing a mixture of movies, television shows, video games and other entertainment properties.
Earlier Pop Culture assortments were often built around one complete theme. Collectors received full sets dedicated to properties such as Star Wars, The Beatles and the Grateful Dead.
The apparent Herbie collection would represent a return to that older approach, with every vehicle and every piece of card artwork connected to the same franchise.
Personally, I preferred the single-theme format.
A complete themed collection feels more cohesive, especially when the card artwork is displayed together. It also gives Hot Wheels the opportunity to explore several different vehicles, designs or moments from the same property.
Hopefully, the Herbie assortment is a sign that Hot Wheels may be planning more single-theme Pop Culture collections for 2027.
Has Mattel Confirmed the Herbie Set?
At the time of writing, Mattel has not officially announced this four-car Herbie Pop Culture series.
The images appear convincing and show what look like physical packaged samples rather than simple concept artwork. However, until Mattel, a major retailer or an official distributor confirms the assortment, it should still be treated as an early 2027 preview.
Release details, decorations and packaging could also change before the cars reach stores.
For now, the images give collectors an exciting look at what may be coming next year.
Will You Collect All Four?
A complete Herbie Pop Culture series should appeal to Hot Wheels collectors, Volkswagen fans and Disney collectors alike.
The movie-specific artwork and subtle differences between the cars may make this a set that collectors will want to display together. The weathered Herbie Goes Bananas version could become the most popular release, but the classic Love Bug design will always have strong nostalgic appeal.
Would you collect all four versions of Herbie, or would you only buy your favorite?
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Comments
Thats awesome if so. Herbie was a definite go to movie when growing up.
I’ll definitely grab a set, but the only drawback for me is that they could have used more varied hubs like the ones shown on the cards, instead of having three with just white hubs. I would have gone with grey, chrome, and white as I think the white ones will be left behind since they look like the same cars except for the card art.
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