Identified by the orange-colored stamping on their five-spoke wheels, Faster Than Ever™ cars will feature special nickel-plated axles to reduce friction, making these 1:64-scale beauties faster than the previous version of the same cars.

The entire 2006 lineup of 224 cars will be released in waves throughout the next 12 months. Included in the lineup are 38 2006 First Editions™ models, 12 Treasure Hunt and five Mystery Cars. More than 60 different Faster Than Ever™ models will be released.

"The Faster Than Ever™ cars embody what Hot Wheels® is all about -- speed," said Doug Wadleigh, vice president, marketing, Hot Wheels®. "These cars not only roll faster than other cars, but they call attention to the entire 2006 basic car assortment of licensed vehicles and our own unique Hot Wheels® designs. Kids and collectors who love Hot Wheels® will find the Faster Than Ever™ cars to be exciting additions to their growing car collections."

A Faster Than Ever™ sweepstakes offers kids and collectors a chance to win a 2006 Ford Mustang GT or other prizes. Complete details are available online at www.HotWheels.com. Kids and collectors who buy any 10 Hot Wheels® 1:64 basic cars between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 can mail in their UPC codes for an exclusively decorated Faster Than Ever™ car and automatic entry into the sweepstakes.

Among the national retailers expected to release the 2006 basic assortment this weekend include Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart and Toys "R" Us. Hot Wheels® fans are encouraged to contact their local store to confirm availability. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for Hot Wheels® basic cars is $1.

Since being introduced in 1968, more than three billion Hot Wheels® cars have been produced, greater than the total production of Detroit's "Big Three" automakers combined.

About Mattel
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT - www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People®, Rescue Heroes®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 25,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.