Chase or Not? The Hot Wheels 2026 Fast and Furious '95 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Eclipse Enigma: Is the 2026 F&F Mitsubishi Eclipse a "Real" Chase?

Hot Wheels 2026 Fast & Furious Premium '95 Mitsubishi Eclipse

If you’ve spent any time on the forums or in collector groups this week, you know the atmosphere is electric. The release of the 2026 Hot Wheels Fast & Furious Premium set has brought us a stunning recreation of Brian O'Conner’s iconic '95 Mitsubishi Eclipse, but it has also ignited one of the fiercest debates in recent die-cast history: Is this actually a chase car?

Depending on who you ask, it’s either the "New King of Premiums" or a "Marketing Gimmick." Let’s break down the evidence and see why this car is breaking all the traditional rules.

THE EVIDENCE "AGAINST"

Why Fans are Skeptical

For years, the formula for a Hot Wheels Premium Chase has been set in stone. Collectors look for two specific red flags:

The "0/5" Numbering: Historically, chases are numbered "0," sitting outside the standard 5-car set. The Eclipse is numbered 1/5.
The Rarity: Usually, you’re looking at one chase in every several cases. The 2026 Eclipse is limited to 1 per case, which many argue makes it too common to be a "real" chase.

THE EVIDENCE "FOR"

The Spectraflame Factor

Despite the numbering, there are undeniable characteristics that set this Eclipse apart:

The Paint: This isn't standard lime green. Mattel has used Spectraflame paint, a finish usually reserved for the high-end Red Line Club (RLC) or Super Treasure Hunts.
The Pedigree: As Brian’s hero car from the original film, its "special" status is baked into the lore.
Official Stance: Mattel has explicitly labeled this a Chase Car and confirmed more "Case Chases" are coming, with Dom’s Charger slated next.

The Verdict: A "New Era" Chase

"The 2026 F&F Mitsubishi Eclipse is a chase car—it just represents a new era of how Mattel defines that term."

We are witnessing a shift in Mattel’s philosophy. By making the chase 1 per case, they are creating a "Tier 2" rarity—something more special than a base car, but more attainable than the elusive "0/5" black beauties of years past. It is a chase, but not like regular chases.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Traditional Premium Chase	2026 F&F Eclipse
Numbering	0/5	1/5
Paint	Usually Black/Solid	Spectraflame
Rarity	~1 in 10 Cases (est.)	1 per Case
Collectibility	Extreme / Resale High	High / Accessible

View Pricing and Details on HW Price Guide

Note: There is a lot of debate in the community as to if this qualifies as a real chase or not. Always check your local stock and happy hunting!