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The Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge Nissan Skyline GT-R R33, product code HYH22, is the miniature of a real competition-winning custom build. Arushi Garg and her team transformed an R33 into a lifted, rally-inspired car for the first season of the US television show. Mattel announced the winning design and its made-to-order miniature in August 2023.
This is an older collector release, not a new announcement. This guide uses published sources, not a hands-on inspection. The featured image is an AI-generated illustration of an imagined rally-style miniature, not a photograph of the real car or the Hot Wheels model.
How did the R33 become a Hot Wheels car?
In Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, contestants worked with builders to create full-size custom cars. Mattel’s 9 August 2023 report identifies Garg as the winner of the season finale and describes the lifted Skyline that inspired the 1:64 car.
The appeal for Skyline collectors is the contrast: an R33 GT-R is often associated with road performance, while this build gives the familiar coupé an off-road stance. Mattel calls the design a “Safari” and describes its tall ride height and messages of encouragement. It is a competition custom, not a factory Nissan specification.
How can you identify HYH22?
Start with the product code and compare the complete model with Mattel’s original product specification. Its listed details include:
- Code: HYH22.
- Scale and colour: 1:64, with a candy-red body.
- Wheels: Real Riders fifteen52 Turbomac wheels, according to Mattel.
- Recognisable details: a moulded spare wheel at the back, a raised stance, flame graphics and lettering on the bonnet and spoiler.
- Original packaging: an illustrated blister card inside a Kar Keepers clamshell case.
Look at the complete combination rather than judging from the R33 name or red paint alone. Mattel notes that final production items may differ from the images and specifications shown on its product page.
Why do you see both 2023 and 2024?
They refer to different points in the story. Mattel announced the winner and opened its made-to-order window in August 2023, with orders closing in September 2023. The fan-maintained Hot Wheels Wiki catalogue lists HYH22 under 2024 and calls the casting “Rally Resilience”. The catalogue is a useful secondary reference, while Mattel’s contemporary announcement is the source for the ordering dates.
Seeing a 2024 catalogue entry or a recent resale listing does not mean the original ordering window is still open. Mattel’s page showed the model as sold out when checked on 4 November 2026. A made-to-order window also does not, by itself, tell you the number produced or guarantee a future value.
What should UAE collectors check?
- Ask for the exact item. Request HYH22, and confirm that the listing is for the Ultimate Challenge R33 rather than another Skyline.
- Check actual photos. For an opened or second-hand item, request views of the car, wheels, base, card and case. Compare the graphics and spare-wheel detail with the manufacturer reference.
- Confirm completeness and condition. Ask whether the original card and clamshell are included and inspect the clear case, paint and small parts.
- Check the full delivery terms. For an overseas purchase, verify shipping, any import charges and return conditions before committing.
Photos and a matching product code help identify a listing, but neither guarantees authenticity. If you plan to display the car outside its original case, measure the available space for its raised stance with our diecast display case guide.
Is there a related R33 at Retros?
We could not verify the exact HYH22 at Retros. As an alternative, the Hot Wheels Godzilla Nissan Skyline GT-R BCNR33 was listed in stock on 4 November 2026. It is a different R33 release, not the Ultimate Challenge Safari model. Stock can change. You can also explore the Retros mini-cars collection.
For other Skyline stories, read our R32 racing history and INNO64 Bruce Lee Skyline guide. Those cover different cars and editions from HYH22.
Sources
Mattel Creations: 2023 winner and ordering announcement · Mattel: HYH22 product specifications · Hot Wheels Wiki: Rally Resilience collector catalogue.
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