Muncle Mikes · Casting Info
Ryu’s 1994 NSX — Casting Info & Complete Collector’s Guide
This guide covers the 1:64 Hot Wheels 1994 NSX RLC family: the 2023 red Ryu Asada tribute, HGK81, and the 2026 Spectraflame Otto Blue release, JJY73. Both are RLC releases of the 1994 Honda NSX; their codes, finishes, wheel designs and lighting features make them easy to tell apart.
About the 1994 NSX RLC casting
The 2023 car was officially released as Hot Wheels RLC Ryu’s 1994 NSX. It honors designer Ryu Asada’s red Suzuka Circuit safety car and reproduces its racing graphics and operating lights. Mattel’s later 2026 product is named RLC Exclusive 1994 NSX; it keeps the 1994 Honda NSX identity while using a different blue-and-black finish and updated lighting.
This is the RLC 1994 Honda NSX family. It is separate from the Hot Wheels ’90 Acura NSX, ’12 Acura NSX Concept and ’17 Acura NSX guides. Those castings represent different model years or concepts and should not be merged into this release list.
How to identify the two releases
| Year / code | Finish and details | Package / feature |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 · HGK81 | Formula Red; Suzuka safety-car graphics; Real Riders 5-Spoke Modern. | RLC cylindrical acrylic case and decorative outer box; headlights, taillights and strobing roof lights operate. |
| 2026 · JJY73 | Spectraflame Otto Blue with black hood, roof and rear wing; metallic-silver Real Riders 10-spoke wheels. | RLC acrylic case with decorative slipcover; rechargeable headlights and taillights use the included USB cable. |
Read the toy number first. HGK81 is the 2023 Ryu Asada tribute; JJY73 is Mattel’s 2026 1994 NSX. The ’90 Acura NSX, ’12 Acura NSX Concept and ’17 Acura NSX are separate casting guides.
Physical details
Both RLC cars are 1:64-scale Honda NSX models with metal bodies and matte-black bases. Compare the paint, printed details and wheels to the release code. HGK81 uses Formula Red paint and modern five-spoke Real Riders; JJY73 uses Spectraflame Otto Blue, contrasting black body panels and metallic-silver ten-spoke Real Riders.
The lighting also distinguishes the editions. HGK81 has operating headlights and taillights plus strobing roof lights. JJY73 has pop-up headlights and taillights that recharge with the included USB cable. When assessing a loose example, test the lights and note any missing cable or original display packaging.
Packaging details
HGK81 was packed in a cylindrical acrylic case with a decorative outer box. JJY73 uses an acrylic case inside a decorative slipcover. Record the case, printed cover or box, and any included USB charging cable separately when documenting an example.
Do not compare one loose car directly with a complete boxed example. For either release, record whether the original package and functional-light accessories are present.
Variation summary
The cataloged RLC family has two documented releases, in 2023 and 2026. The codes below refer to individual release records, not to the other Acura NSX castings.
| Release | Color / wheels | Recognition detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 · HGK81 | Formula Red · Real Riders 5-Spoke Modern | Ryu Asada Suzuka safety-car livery; strobing roof lights. |
| 2026 · JJY73 | Spectraflame Otto Blue · metallic-silver Real Riders 10-spoke | Contrasting black hood, roof and rear wing; USB-rechargeable lights. |
Variation web
Variation photos
Compare the two RLC releases by finish, package and light features. Each image is hosted on Shopify and links to its release guide.
2023 · HGK81 · Formula RedRyu Asada’s RLC tribute
2026 · JJY73 · Spectraflame Otto BlueRLC 1994 NSXValue Research
Compare completed sales for the exact code and complete package. HGK81 and JJY73 differ in finish, wheels, lighting and packaging, so keep their records separate. For loose cars, check paint, graphics, wheel condition, glazing and whether every light works. For boxed examples, note the acrylic case and outer box or slipcover; for JJY73, include the USB cable in the completeness check.
Use completed transactions, not current asking prices. No price range is assigned without comparable sales for the same release and condition.
Collector FAQs
Is Ryu’s 1994 NSX the same casting as the ’90 Acura NSX?
No. The RLC records here cover the 1994 Honda NSX releases HGK81 and JJY73. The ’90 Acura NSX is a different vehicle-year casting with its own guide.
How do I tell HGK81 and JJY73 apart?
HGK81 is Formula Red with Suzuka safety-car graphics and five-spoke modern Real Riders. JJY73 is Spectraflame Otto Blue with black hood, roof and rear-wing panels and metallic-silver ten-spoke wheels.
Do the lights work on both cars?
Yes, but the features differ. HGK81 has operating headlights and taillights plus strobing roof lights. JJY73 has rechargeable headlights and taillights and includes a USB cable.
What does 1994 refer to?
It is the model year in the NSX name, not the Hot Wheels release year. HGK81 was released in 2023 and JJY73 in 2026.
Which other NSX pages are separate?
The ’90 Acura NSX, ’12 Acura NSX Concept and ’17 Acura NSX are separate casting guides. Use their linked pages rather than treating them as releases of this RLC family.
Collector references
Release names, codes, paint, packaging and working-light details were checked against Mattel’s product records, the Hot Wheels Collector Newsletter catalog and HWC Garage. Mattel’s product description is used for the official name and feature details.