From the Toysit archive
Hot Wheels Gorilla Attack
Explore the original Gorilla Attack track’s boosted circuit, automatic and manual gorilla modes, and two-player timing challenge.
The play at a glance
A moving obstacle inside the circuit
In the H2247 Gorilla Attack set, the car has a route to complete while the gorilla interrupts it. The track supplies speed; the creature supplies an obstacle that can operate automatically or respond to a player.
The archive photograph matches the tall orange amusement-park circuit in the 2005 guide. Later Hot Wheels toys also use gorilla themes, but their controls and assembly should not be substituted for this version.
Separate propulsion from the obstacle
The booster propels the car around the assembled route. The gorilla is a separate part of the challenge: its arms can interfere with the car, and a trap door leads into the cage beneath.
The first play option offers two gorilla modes. In automatic mode, both arms move. In manual mode, a player operates the smashing fist with the lever. That choice changes who controls the interruption; it does not give the player remote steering of the car.
Before operating either mode, follow the complete assembly sequence. The guide warns against launching cars into an unfinished set.
A second route adds a timing decision
The second play option uses a diverter lever to switch tracks. The guide shows a cannon dial that sets a lap count before firing and an optional two-player arrangement: one person operates the diverter while the other controls the gorilla’s fist.
That is a specific mechanical game. It should not be described as a toy that understands a player’s strategy or decides when to help. Players create the challenge through timing and the chosen settings.
The projectile feature requires the matching supplied projectile and the full instructions. Never substitute an object or fire at people, animals or at point-blank range. A story about the amusement park can be told without loading or firing the cannon.
Try a park-operator story
For this original activity, give the route a purpose beyond defeating the gorilla. Perhaps an imaginary maintenance crew needs a clear circuit, or a visitor is waiting at the station.
- Choose a simple story goal before switching on the assembled set.
- Let one player describe the car’s journey while the other operates a documented control.
- Pause after a short round and say what happened: a delay, a completed trip or a return to the station.
- Switch roles and agree on the next goal.
Use the first play option for a simpler round, or leave the mechanism off and narrate the scene. Children can disagree about what the gorilla means in the story without changing how the toy actually works.
Match the older track before using it
The H2247 guide shows a booster, numbered track components, support tower, gorilla base and cage. It also lists example cars for performance and cautions that some Hot Wheels vehicles are unsuitable. Neither the brand name nor a loose orange track piece proves compatibility.
The guide specifies four D batteries, adult assembly and an age marking of five and older. It shows how to stabilize the set and align the supported track sections. Check those connections and the battery cover before operation; stop the mechanism before retrieving a stuck car or changing the layout.
The small photograph is useful for recognizing the overall edition. Use the manual’s larger diagrams to establish where a part belongs, and do not replace a missing structural component with an improvised support.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original track description and general Hot Wheels brand paragraph remain below. Their dramatic wording is historical promotion. The new explanation uses the H2247 guide rather than assuming every Gorilla Attack edition shares its mechanisms.
Hot Wheels toy car motorized track set
High-performance diecast track set features an amusement park being threatened by a rampaging gorilla with fists and chomping teeth. Speed action as kids race to take out the gorilla before he destroys the roller coaster. The gorilla's fists pound cars off track while the other hand diverts cars into his mouth. The Hot Wheels motorized track has multiple controls.
Hot Wheels has continuously adapted to the changing times, incorporating popular culture references and collaborations into their designs. From movie cars to partnerships with major brands, these special editions resonate with fans across different interests.
Sources and editorial notes
Reviewed October 16, 2026 using Mattel’s H2247 product record and all eight scanned pages of h2247-0920.pdf. The assembly, automatic/manual selector, diverter, cannon dial and optional two-player diagrams were visually reviewed. The original image agrees with this layout. The turn-taking story is an original suggestion, not a physical play test. The guide’s old online animated-instructions address was not used as a current source.
- Mattel: H2247 Gorilla Attack — Historical identity and automatic/manual play description.
- Mattel: Gorilla Attack instructions (PDF) — Assembly, two play options, controls and projectile cautions.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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