# Opulent Cartoon Race Cars Mercedes-Benz Mario Kart Cars Let You Race Luxury Cars on Rainbow Road By Michael Hines | Published 2014-08-17 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesbenz-mario-kart-cars References: [carbuzz](http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2014/8/7/Mercedes-Trio-Joins-Mario-Kart-8-7721884/) & [mariokart8.nintendo](http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/) Avid gamers who also double as gearheads are likely squealing with glee over the recent unveiling of the new [Mercedes-Benz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-benz-1) Mario Kart cars. Putting a trio of Mercedes in Mario Kart may not seem like a big deal to most people, even gamers. However, consider the fact that throughout the eight iterations of the series there has never been one real-world car available to race. The three Mercedes-Benz Mario Kart cars are as follows: the 25 Silver Arrow, 300 SL Roadster and GLA. These three cars will be added to the game via a downloadable update, which also includes a new tournament, aptly named the Mercedes Cup. Should this bit of cross-promotion go well, don't be shocked if you see Princess Peach racing around Rainbow Road in a Ford [F-150](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickup-camper-kit) or [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yaris-gr-sport-gt7) Prius. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Real-world Cars in Video Games:** Integrate real-world cars into popular video games to expand brand recognition and enhance engagement opportunities. - **Cross-promotion in Gaming:** Collaborate with popular gaming franchises to create unique branded content, increase fan engagement, and reach new audiences. - **Luxury Brand Gaming Partnerships:** Partner with luxury brands to enhance product relevance and create exclusive gaming experiences that resonate with consumers who value opulence. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Include branded cars in popular video games to enhance brand recognition opportunities and reach younger consumers. - **Gaming:** Collaborate with powerful brands and create in-game partnerships in order to promote new content and expand gaming audiences. - **Luxury Goods:** Partner with top-notch brands in order to create unique experiences that reinforce product relevance and motivate consumers who value luxury. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Racing Video Game-Inspired Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-kart-set.md) - [Open-World Racing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-world.md) - [Futuristic Virtual Showcars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-benz-1.md) - [Deluxe Video-Game Racing Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-8.md) - [Game-Exclusive Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gran-turismo-7.md) - [Interactive Motorsport-Inspired Gaming Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-worlds.md) - [Gold-Tinted Luxe Automobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-edition-gwagen.md) - [Automaker-Branded Limited-Edition Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesbenz-and-superplastic.md) - [Iconic Go-Kart-Game Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-mario-kart.md)