INDIANAPOLIS – The 33 directors of the 500 Festival received their Indianapolis 500 Chevrolet Camaros in a ceremony last week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a longtime tradition leading into the month of May and "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." 
The "Festival cars" have reminded Indianapolis-area residents of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 since the 1960s, and this year’s unique cars will capture more attention and start more conversation than usual as they are driven around Central Indiana.
Each of the 500 Festival cars this year is a special Camaro Hot Wheels Edition convertible, which will arrive at Chevrolet dealerships this spring after a limited, one-time production run. It’s the first time a full-size, production Hot Wheels car has been offered for sale by any manufacturer.
The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition echoes the cues that Hot Wheels enthusiasts recognize, including a vibrant, graphics-accented metallic paint scheme and even the red-lined wheels. The result is instantly recognizable as a Hot Wheels.
Available in coupe and convertible models and in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims, the Camaro Hot Wheels Edition cars feature Hot Wheels grille and deck lid logos and Hot Wheels Edition sill plates among its exterior and interior styling.
SS models feature a 6.2L V-8, which is offered in two iterations: the "L99" on automatic-equipped vehicles and the "LS3" on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm), and it features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) of torque. LT-based models feature the "LFX" 3.6L V-6 engine, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection. They’re rated at 323 horsepower at 6,800 rpm.
A dual-mode exhaust system is available on SS models with the six-speed manual transmission, as well as LT models with either the manual or automatic transmission. Similar to the systems found on the Camaro ZL1, the vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound during hard acceleration.
The original Custom Camaro 1:64-scale toy from 1968 was one of the original 16 Hot Wheels issued and remains one of the most valuable Hot Wheels toys among collectors.
A Chevrolet Volt also was presented to Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard during the ceremony.
The 97th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 26. Opening Day is Saturday, May 11.
