Mattel debuts Hot Wheels Flippin Fast – a die-cast designed for open-ended sensory play

Mattel has launched Hot Wheels Flippin Fast – a die-cast vehicle designed to encourage an open-ended play experience.

Its fidget toy-inspired design allows kids to enjoy the wide range of motion from a Hot Wheels car as they roll it forward, backward and flip it upside down.

Hot Wheels partnered with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network – a nonprofit advocacy organisation run by individuals on the autism spectrum – to validate its design and compatibility. The partnership ensured the toy delivers an experience that meets ‘the unique needs of all Hot Wheels fans, including those who may benefit from an open-ended, soothing, sensory play experience’.

“It’s exciting that Mattel has taken the needs of autistic kids into consideration with this new toy,” said Zoe Gross, Director of Advocacy at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

“Too often, autistic children and their families are told that they are ‘playing wrong,’ but allowing kids to play in the way they choose can promote self-regulation and self-expression. This car can be played with in any configuration, and whether kids prefer to play pretend with it or just spin the wheels, the design emphasises that there’s no wrong way to play.”

Ted Wu, Vice President, Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel, added: “Hot Wheels is always listening to consumers and finding ways to implement their feedback into our new products to ensure we are meeting their differing needs through play.

“In this case, we created a toy where there is truly no ‘wrong’ way to play with it. Flip it, spin it, or roll it forward, backward and even upside down – there are endless ways for everyone to play.”

Hot Wheels Flippin Fast is now available on-shelf at retailers nationwide for £2.30. While the toy is intended for children ages three and up across all ability levels, ASAN’s seal on the packaging indicates that it meets the unique play needs of the autism spectrum community.

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