Hasbro has increasingly referred to their vehicle-with-figure assortment as "Mini-Rigs," and for a while it seemed baffling why. These vehicles were mostly bikes and guns, not exactly tiny versions of big-screen vehicles or off-camera hardware. Well, we got a couple of samples-- Y-Wing Scout Bomber and a Republic Scout Speeder-- and we will kindly eat our words now. Each vehicle includes an exclusive Clone Trooper figure and includes play features generally unseen in Hasbro's vehicles of this size. They're small, fun, and are arguably more than worth your cash if the word "mini-rig" gets you excited.

UPDATE: Added some notes on weapons storage and compatibility with other large vehicles.

Click through for images and impressions, after the break.

The new Deluxe Mini Rigs have been spotted at ToysRUs in Chandler AZ for $18.99 each. These include the Republic Scout Speeder with ARF Trooper, Speeder Bike with Castas, Separatist Droid Speeder with Battle Droid, and Attack Cycle with General Grievous. Thanks to Mickey Gunslinger for the news and Happy Hunting!

The official site has a story about The Clone Wars Complete Season 3 home video release, which means DVDs and Blu-Ray discs on October 18. Lots of deleted scenes.  It's going to be an expensive Fall, kids!

Looking to see something new for Star Wars on TV since the live-action show may be a ways off?  The Official Site added a preview video showcasing some new characters and situations from the upcoming fourth season of The Clone Wars show.  How is it?  Well, go look.

The figures of Star Wars Clone Wars Wave 9 are hitting stores now, as I have just seen the wave at a Glendale, AZ area Toys "R" Us.  Also, select online stores have received and shipped orders as well, so this might be a good time to go hunting for the new guys.

From the fan favorite Season 3 episode "ARC Troopers", Commander Colt gets his own figure with unique experimental Phase II armor and Rancor Battalion markings, which should make him a hit on the pegs. View all the detailed photos now in our Image Bank!

More new Clone Troopers and all sorts of craziness can be seen in this new 30-second spot shown to fans at Wondercon over the weekend.  Since my crack research team tells me that, statistically, you were not likely to be there, you may wish to see it.

And to think, the season 3 finale of The Clone Wars just aired in the USA last night!  Wasting no time, the official site posted a 30-second teaser showing off season 4.  R2-D2 & C-3PO get hit by some net, we see a Mon Calamari warlord (heck, it might even be Ackbar) and loads of Clones.  In short, it looks good!  Check it out.

New!  More or less.  The Army of the Republic Battle Pack has 4 Clone Troopers, based on the 2009 revision of the figure.  (Which is to say, the basic 2008-2009 body with the resculpted basic helmet.   But what figures do you get?  Read on!

The upcoming Republic Attack Shuttle is this year's BIG ship featuring plenty of features in vehicle and battle mode. Check out this Hasbro Toy Fair showroom video demonstrating its many capabilities. The pricepoint is $79.99, includes a pack-in Clone, and is slated for release this fall. Enjoy!

EW previews an exclusive trailer for the second half of The Clone Wars Season 3 making its debut on January 7th. After the mostly pastoral first half, the rest of the season looks to be spectacular! Click here for the trailer!

Sony teams up with Hasbro to promote their Clone Wars Adventures online game. Basic The Clone Wars and Saga Legends action figure blisters are being affixed with stickers touting a 30 day trial membership and 450 Station Cash. These stickers are showing up at Toys R Us stores this week.

As if you even need anymore reason to attend a FREE screening of The Clone Wars on the big screen, fans attending the theatrical event will also receive a FREE one sheet poster featuring the new series villain, Savage Opress, in 30's  style "classic horror" art.

Being that this is a limited event, this should prove to be a great piece of collectible memorabilia and/or wall art. Read the full story at StarWars.com.

Seen in the premiere episode of Season 2, "Holocron Heist", Cato Parasitti shares the same Clawdite heritage as one Zam Wessel and shapeshifts her way into the Jedi temple. Her well sculpted and finely painted figure includes a molded helmet with a movable visor.

From the super intense and action packed "Landing at Point Rain" episode from Season 2, Clone Trooper Draa bears distinct markings as a member of the 41st Elite Corps. While the figure is a repainted version of the basic  Clone Trooper mold and comes with several weapons and accessories including a missile launcher and backpack.