Hot Wheels RLC x Futura Laboratories Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 #1

The Hot Wheels Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, catalog number JGP26, is a collector's model released in the Hot Wheels x Futura Laboratories series, distributed outside of standard retail channels and intended for adult collectors. This 1:64 scale reproduction is aimed at fans of 1990s Japanese automotive culture and collectors of art-focused models, distinguished from standard toy cars by its metal base and rubber tires.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 casting was designed by Mark Jones and debuted in 2021 as part of the Car Culture: Modern Classics series (number GRJ90). The casting depicts the early 1990–1993 version, featuring the original styling, pop-up headlights, and the characteristic crescent-shaped rear spoiler; starting with the 1994 model year, the car received fixed projector headlights. The 2025 JGP26 version features a multi-colored, bespoke racing livery created specifically for this collaboration. It has a black metal base, smoke-tinted windows, and a black interior. The model rolls on MCRR wheels, which are Real Riders with rubber tires. It is manufactured in China.

The series was created in collaboration with Futura Laboratories, a brand founded by the American artist Leonard McGurr, known by the pseudonym Futura, one of the most prominent creators to emerge from the New York graffiti scene of the 1970s and 80s. His abstract, layered graphic style—recognizable from various fashion collaborations and music releases—has been applied directly to the body of this Japanese coupé. This makes the model more of an art object than a standard car reproduction, clearly distinguishing it from mainstream Hot Wheels releases.

The original car is the Mitsubishi 3000GT, sold in Japan as the GTO, a grand touring car produced by the Japanese brand from 1990 to 2000 under a single generation. The body was designed by Masaru Suzuki. In the United States, the car was offered concurrently as the Dodge Stealth, and the GTO nameplate was avoided outside of Japan due to concerns that customers might associate it with the Ferrari 250 and 288 GTO or the Pontiac GTO. The top-of-the-line VR-4 version was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged 6G72 V6 engine, delivering power to all four wheels. Its extensive technical equipment—including AWD, rear-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics—made it one of the most advanced Japanese cars of its era.

For a collector, the JGP26 is in an entirely different category than standard releases: an artistic collaboration with very limited distribution and a unique, multi-colored livery that cannot be mistaken for any other version of this casting. Such models almost immediately hit the secondary market with a significant price premium.

FAQ

Does the Hot Wheels Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 JGP26 have rubber tires?
Yes. The model is equipped with MCRR wheels (Real Riders with rubber tires) and a metal base.

Which version of the 3000GT does this casting represent?
The casting depicts the early 1990–1993 variant, featuring pop-up headlights and a crescent-shaped rear spoiler.

What is Futura Laboratories?
It is a brand founded by American artist Leonard McGurr, known as Futura, who emerged from the New York graffiti scene. His graphic work serves as the livery for this model.