It depends on were you look for the time lines and whether you agree that the original BW design is the one still being used - or not. The wheel hub design is where I see the differences. Some people say it is just thicker chrome. And yes I do agree they are still plain old black walled tires otherwise! We have a discussion thread or a discussion within a thread about the last BW'ed Hot Wheels but I havent found been able to find it again - yet! There have been some castings issued with 'them' since then as well IIRC.