Hot Rod (G1)/toys

Hot Rod is a bot of many toys!

Contents 1 The Transformers 1.1 Transform Jr 1.2 Return of Convoy 2 Choro-Q 3 Commemorative Series 4 The Transformers Collection 5 Smallest Transforming Transformers 6 Classics 7 Titanium Series 8 Kiss Players 9 Alternators 10 Henkei! Henkei! 11 Universe (2008) 12 Masterpiece 13 Transformers (2010) 14 Chronicle 15 United 16 EZ Collection Gum 17 Kre-O 18 Hero Mashers 19 Q-Transformers 20 Combiner Wars 21 Platinum Edition 22 Titans Return 23 Legends 24 Transformers Collectors' Club 25 Power of the Primes 26 Street Fighter II × Transformers 27 Vintage G1 28 Studio Series 29 War for Cybertron Trilogy 30 War for Cybertron: Kingdom 31 Legacy 32 Transformers Retro 33 Adamas Machina 34 Notes 35 References

The Transformers

• Hot Rod (Autobot Car, 1986)
  • Takara ID number: C-78
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

• Known designers: Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy), Floro Dery (concept art)

Hot Rod transforms into a red, orange, and yellow futuristic race car. He is armed with two "Photon Laser" weapons, each with their own distinct sculpt, which fit in both his fists; only one gun can be equipped in vehicle mode, in the port in his engine block. Upon his original release, Hot Rod had unpainted die-cast metal feet, while later editions of the figure used black plastic.

Hot Rod was one of the first toys designed specifically for the Transformers toyline, as opposed to being an imported pre-existing toy. In further contrast to the common design process for Transformers toys, he (like most of the cast of The Transformers: The Movie) was created for animation first, and had his toy created based on Floro Dery's designs (though said animation designs would be further modified after the toy was completed). Before final production, Hot Rod was originally cast in a pinker plastic to match the color of his animation model (as seen in catalogs at the time, and the Sharkticon commercial), but oddly, he was changed to a less animation-accurate red before release. This change evidently came too late to modify the factory-applied stickers the toy bears: the small decals on either side of Hot Rod's vehicle mode feature a pink background that would have matched the toy's original color scheme. The copy of the toy seen in the 1986 catalog also shows his legs extended further than is possible on the final release, which adds extra plastic tabs inside the legs to prevent them from fully extending. Shaving down these tabs can restore the original functionality, exposing some sculpted knee details, but care must be taken to ensure the legs will still be able to click into place,^[1] and the taller legs make him appear rather oddly-proportioned—which may be why the mold was modified in the first place.

His package bio says his car mode has a range of a whole entire 4 miles. Oops.

Hot Rod has been retooled, reissued, and redecoed several times down the years; this article strives to list each distinct edition of the figure under its own heading.

• More information on Hot Rod at TFU.info

• Rodimus Prime (Autobot Hero, 1986)
  • Takara ID number: C-77
  • Accessories: trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, photon eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

• Known designers: Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy)

Rodimus Prime was designed in much the same way as Hot Rod, but this time transforms from a robot and Mobile Defense Bay into a space winnebago futuristic truck resembling the GM Bison concept truck. The toy comes with a "Photon eliminator" rifle and two blast shields to attach to either side of his battle platform's cannon. (The yellow spoiler was also to be removed and replaced during transformation.) Like Hot Rod, there are materials variations; initial releases have metal toes and rubber tires, while later shipments replaced both with black plastic.

This mold was later redecoed as a lucky draw prize Primus.

• More information on Rodimus Prime at TFU.info

• Hot Rod (Targetmaster, 1987)
  • Accessories: Firebolt Targetmaster partner

Hot Rod was re-released with his new Nebulan Targetmaster partner Firebolt a year after the original release. The toy was retooled to have larger pegholes in his fists and his engine block so the Targetmaster gun would fit. As the original large stickers applied to Hot Rod's thighs were frequently scraped away by the friction of moving his legs up and down during transformation, the Targetmaster version sported smaller decals that avoided this problem. Unlike the original figure, Targetmaster Hot Rod only ever featured black plastic feet. Amusingly enough, Targetmaster Hot Rod's "Firepower" stat is 7, which is actually lower than regular Hot Rod's firepower stat of 10.

Targetmaster Hot Rod's packaging originally contained the erroneous blurb "Firebolt transforms into Misfire's weapon!"^[2] This was fixed by a running change in two steps: First Misfire's name was covered with a sticker that contained the correct name "Hot Rod"; later shipments then came in boxes that had the correct name printed on them.^[3]

Not originally released in Japan, the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod was later reissued by Takara as part of their The Transformers Collection series in 2004 (see below).

• More information on Targetmaster Hot Rod at TFU.info

• Hot Rodimus (2000)
  • ID number: C-78
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

The original Hot Rod toy was reissued by Takara in later December 2000, as part of a small line of reissues that celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of the Transformers toyline in Japan. The figure was retro-retooled from the Targetmaster version of the toy to fill the enlarged holes back in so that they could once again snugly accommodate his Photon Lasers. This version of the figure also reinstates the die-cast metal feet of its earliest release, and finally recolors the stickers on either side of the vehicle mode so that they now feature an accurate red background to match to the rest of the figure. The toy's packaging featured a metallic golden sticker advertising the anniversary.

This version of the Hot Rod mold was also used to create the simultaneously-available exclusives "Crystal Rodimus" (see below) and the evil clone, Black Rodimus.

• Crystal Rodimus (Autobot Car, 2001)
  • ID number: C-78C
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

"Crystal Rodimus" uses the reissue Hot Rod mold, but cast almost entirely in translucent plastics. Limited to 1500 pieces and packaged in a monochrome blue version of Hot Rod's normal packaging, Crystal Rodimus was only available at Tokyo Toy Festival, with the joint purchase of the evil clone Black Rodimus.

• More information on Crystal Rodimus at TFU.info

• Rodimus Convoy (2001)
  • ID number: C-77
  • Accessories: Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

The original Rodimus Prime toy was reissued by Takara in mid-December 2001. It featured no notable changes from the original Generation 1 release of the figure, but it did reinstate the rubber tires and metal feet that were phased out of the original toy's production run.

Transform Jr

• Rodimus Convoy (1986)
  • ID number: C-77
  • Accessories: photon eliminator, cardboard trailer

Transform Jr Rodimus Prime is a downsized version of the standard toy, far less simplified than most figures in the Jr line (on account of how simple the regular toy is in the first place). Made of only red and yellow plastic, he is armed with his Photon Eliminator, and comes with a non-transforming version of his trailer made partially out of cardboard. He also came packaged with a small die-cast metal figurine of Metroplex.

• More information on Transform Jr Rodimus Convoy at Butto's Transformers Collection.

Return of Convoy

• Star Convoy (Cybertron, 1991)

• ID number: C-372

Released in the Return of Convoy part of the original Takara Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers toyline, Hot Rod's Micromaster form is a simplified version of his original toy, transforming into the same futuristic race car. Like all Micromasters, he features a notch in the base of his feet that allows him to peg onto Micromaster-compatible bases and stations.

He was only available packed in with Star Convoy.

• More information on Return of Convoy Hot Rodimus at TFU.info

• Star Convoy (Cybertron, 2005)

• ID number: C-372

In 2005, Star Convoy was re-released with several deco changes, one of the more notable being the replacement of many stickers with paint applications; the pack-in Hot Rod Micromaster underwent the same process, with all of his deco now paint rather than stickers.

• More information on reissue Star Convoy at TFU.info

Choro-Q

• Rodimus Convoy TV Version (2001)
  • ID number: Q/05
  • Accessories: Photon Eliminator rifle

• Known designers: Kazutami Yasuhiko (TakaraTomy)

Choro-Q Rodimus convoy is a super-deformed version of the character with a pullback motor. He came with a small version of his Photon Eliminator rifle that can be held in his hand or attached to the top of the vehicle mode.

• More information on Rodimus Convoy TV Version at TFU.info

• Rodimus Convoy Metallic Version (2001)
  • ID number: Q/06
  • Accessories: photon eliminator

This metallic version featured metallic flake molding and paint for the body and gold paint for the wings on Rodimus's back. Otherwise, the toy is the same.

Two decades later, the toy suffers from Gold Plastic Syndrome, where the metallic hinge areas are prone to shattering.

• More information on Rodimus Convoy Metallic Version at TFU.info

Commemorative Series

• Rodimus Major (2002)
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

Hasbro's first reissue of the Hot Rod toy used the re-modified mold from Takara's 2001 edition, with smaller peg-holes for his Photon Lasers, and die-cast metal feet. As part of the first wave of "Commemorative Series" figures, Hot Rod had to undergo a name change due to Hasbro's inability to trademark his old name, but the "Major" suffix failed to stick and was only ever used on this edition of the toy.

This version of the mold removes the pins in his arms and instead the arms stay in via very small pegs. This is likely due to the part being prone to breakage. Subsequent uses of this mold also shared this retool.

• Rodimus Prime (2004, 2012)
  • Accessories: trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, photon eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

Part of the seventh wave of the Commemorative Series, Hasbro's reissue of Rodimus Prime was identical to Takara's 2001 reissue of the figure, featuring metal feet and rubber tires, and no other notable changes from the original figure. The toy did, however, feature an assembly error that saw a portion of the chest being assembled backwards.

The figure later saw a re-release in Hasbro's Asian markets in 2012, with no known changes to the figure itself and some minor changes to the packaging, such as the addition of a black "choking hazard" warning label.

The Transformers Collection

• Hot Rodimus (2004)
  • ID number: 13
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers, Firebolt Targetmaster partner

This reissue of Hot Rod followed the trend begun by earlier reissues of Optimus Prime and Megatron, and offered the most "complete" version of the toy available by including all the accessories that had come with the different releases of the figure through the years. His peg holes were modified for the third time, enlarged once again to accommodate Firebolt, and his Photon Lasers' pegs were similarly widened to fit comfortably in the newly-sized ports. Additionally, this version of Hot Rod replaced the factory-applied stickers on his chest and sides with tampographs, completely redesigning the flame design on the latter decals. His chest decoration was modified to resemble the cartoon coloration more accurately. Unfortunately, this release features the original "C-78" sticker sheet again, with the larger thigh decals that get easily damaged during transformation.

This set included a Tech Spec card that retroactively gave the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod the (previously unused) Japanese ID number "C-110", as the toy had never been released in Japan before this point.

• More information on Transformers Collection Targetmaster Hot Rod at TF-1.com

Smallest Transforming Transformers

• Hot Rodimus (2004/2006)
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

Initially intended for release in the cancelled third wave of Takara's Smallest Transforming Transformers line of diminutive Transformers figures, Hot Rod eventually saw the light of day as the 1-in-24 "chase figure" in wave "2.5" of the series, which was already of comparatively limited availability. He came with tiny versions of his original Photon Lasers (which were attached to a plastic sprue and had to be removed by the buyer), and was blindpacked like all Smallest Transforming figures. His vehicle mode canopy/ spoiler section is not affixed to the toy and is held on with friction, making it removable to transform the figure more easily.

Hot Rod was later made available again as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in 2006, in a unique monochrome red box which was a tiny replica of the original toy's box, available only with purchase of Hybrid Style Optimus Prime.

• More information on Smallest Transforming Hot Rodimus at Seibertron.com

Classics

• Rodimus (Deluxe, 2006)
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

• Known designers: Eric Siebenaler (Hasbro), Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy), Don Figueroa (concept artist)

Classics Rodimus is a sleeker, more streamlined version of the original, now transforming into a hot-rodded (see what we did there?) Dome Zero. His rear-mounted thruster engine becomes a hand-held weapon in robot mode, launching a spring-loaded missile, or can remain attached to his back to become some kind of jet pack. His left arm also hides a flip-out "comm unit" that is clearly supposed to be the buzzsaw he used for a brief period in the Movie. As with all Classics toys, Rodimus has a heat-sensitive rubsign. Unfortunately, the hands are not 5mm-compatible, as they're only compatible for the missile launcher's handle.

In a twist of delicious buttery fandom irony, Classics Rodimus has elements that were introduced in Energon Rodimus, making him a somewhat backwards-homage. His face also appears to take visual cues from how he was drawn by Derek Yaniger in the Generation 2 comic book.

Rodimus' instructions fail to mention that his pelvis must be pushed forward until it clicks into place for robot mode, which allows his hip joints enough room to move without colliding with the canopy on his back. Omitting this step will result in a robot mode that cannot stand up straight.

Very early specimens of Rodimus came with short stubs on his forearms that don't really connect at all to the hip panels, resulting in a somewhat unstable vehicle mode. The stubs can also be seen on the official Hasbro stock photos for the figure.^[4] This was quickly amended by a running change that saw the stubs enlarged into actual pegs that connect much more securely to the hip panels. (Some reports also indicate the existence of "transitional" versions with a stub on one arm and a full peg on the other.)

The modified pegs were used for every subsequent use of the sculpt, which include Shattered Glass Rodimus, Gentei! Gentei! Wildrider, and Timelines Side Burn. This mold also served as the basis of the non-toy Beast Wars: Uprising incarnation of Nitrostreak.

• More information on Classics Rodimus at TFU.info

Classics mold: Rodimus

Hasbro: Classics Rodimus Universe Rodimus (Challenge at Cybertron) Reveal the Shield Rodimus (Battle in Space) Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod (Planet of Junk Clash) Fun Publications: Timelines Rodimus (Shattered Glass) Side Burn TakaraTomy: Henkei! Henkei! C-05 Hot Rodimus Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider Welcome to Transformers 2010 Hot Rodimus (Sons of Cybertron) United UN-23 Rodimus Prime e-HOBBY: United Hot Rod Clear Blue Version

Titanium Series

• Rodimus Prime (6-inch Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
  • Accessories: photon eliminator rifle, display stand with nameplate

• Known designers: Don Figueroa (concept artist)

Titanium Cybertron Heroes Rodimus Prime is a mostly die-cast metal transforming toy based loosely upon the original Generation 1 Rodimus Prime toy. He features much greater articulation and bulkier body proportions. Unfortunately, his transformation results in an incredibly awkward posture, forcing his upper body far ahead of his lower half. His die-cast construction also results in a great deal of paint-chipping, even when delicately handled.

Unlike the original toy which separated into a robot and a battle station, the entire vehicle mode of the 6-inch Titanium version transforms into the robot mode. As with Classics Rodimus, Titanium Rodimus Prime takes some visual cues from the Energon version of the character in addition to the original toy and the animation model... and the actual Classics Rodimus toy, such as the engine-block dickie.

Like most Titanium Series Cybertron Heroes, this figure includes a display stand with a removable nameplate.

This mold was redecoed into Titanium Menasor.

• More information on Titanium Rodimus Prime at TFU.info

Kiss Players

• Hot Rodimus × Syaosyao (2006)
  • Accessories: 2-part engine/blaster/tonfa weapons, 4-part fishing rod/"Exhaust Eliminator", ShaoShao Li figurine with steamer

• Known designers: Yuki Ohshima (concept artist)

The second Kiss Players set released, Hot Rodimus is a retool and redeco of the Alternators Mirage toy, transforming into a 1:24-scale fully-licensed red Ford GT. His hood and doors open, and he has an open driver/passenger compartment. His engine (stored in the back, under a weird awkward "trunk" panel) becomes a pair of pistols that double as tonfa weapons. His fishing rod can be taken apart and reassembled to create a triple-barreled arm-mounted blaster reminiscent of the original Hot Rod's exhaust pipe weapons, though it does not actually clip onto the arm in any secure manner, relying mainly on pressure to stay in place. This added accessory also lacks any dedicated storage space in car mode. His new head sculpt includes a retractable visor patterned after the one used in the movie, but as it's cast in colorless-clear plastic, the effect is practically invisible.

Rodimus comes with a PVC figurine of the Rodimus's "Kiss Player" partner Shaoshao Li and a bamboo dumpling steamer; Shaoshao can just barely fit into his car interior, though she's clearly not "driving". The set also includes a CD with episodes 11 through 20 of the Kiss Players radio drama and the exclusive 10-minute audio adventure, "Tonight's Big Catch!?".

For a short time, Takara had contemplated releasing a Hot Rodimus (Hot Rod) toy as the next Binaltech release after Ginrai, but that plan became obsolete when Takara decided to cancel the Binaltech line as a mass retail line altogether. Instead, Hot Rodimus ended up as part of the Kiss Players line, after "Ginrai" had previously become Kiss Players Convoy.

• More information on Kiss Players Hot Rodimus at TFU.info

Alternators

• Rodimus (2007)
  • ID number: 27
  • Accessories: Engine/tonfa weapons

• Known designers: Steve Bono (Hasbro), Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Alternators Rodimus is an exclusive figure, released at the San Diego Comic-Con and Hasbro Toy Shop in July 2007. It is a repaint of Kiss Players Hot Rodimus, which itself is a retool of Alternators Mirage. The figure uses the same head mold introduced in the Kiss Players figure, retaining the original's visor gimmick. The deco has been altered by changing the side striping from white to yellow, while the stripes over the hood, roof and trunk have been eliminated altogether, replaced by a Hot Rod-style flame graphic on the hood and front guards. The car mode parts remain bare plastic rather than painted over in red paint like the Kiss Players verison. Most of the Kiss Player deco remains in robot mode, including the yellow hands and flame graphics on the forearms; however, the license plates (located at the knees in robot mode) have been changed to read "TOO HOT".

Rodimus's weapons are the dual pistols/tonfa seen with both Mirage and Hot Rodimus, however his Kiss Player counterpart's fishing rod/eliminator and dumpling steamer weapons were not included in the Alternators release. They left the girl out too.

• More information on Alternators Rodimus at TFU.info

Henkei! Henkei!

• Hot Rodimus (Deluxe, 2008)

• Release date: June 26, 2008 / ??? 2011
• ID number: C-05
• Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile
• Known designers: Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)

In 2008, Classics Rodimus was released in Japan as part of the Henkei! Henkei! Transformers line by TakaraTomy. Now called "Hot Rodimus", he features several significant deco differences, such as a large orange and yellow flame tampograph on his hood to better resemble the Generation 1 cartoon model's appearance. The other flame tampographs have also been redesigned, his forehead crest is a more subtle colour to distance itself from the Energon Rodimus homage Hasbro introduced. The only other addition in terms of deco is orange paint on the cuffs of his lower arms. Curiously eschewing the slavish accuracy to the original cartoon's animation models that shaped the coloration of most other Henkei! Henkei! figures, Hot Rodimus is not rendered in Hot Rod's classic magenta cartoon color scheme, featuring instead a shade of red that is even darker than that used by the Classics version, as well as a lighter shade of orange. The clear violet on the Classics version is clear blue on the Hot Rodimus.

All Henkei! Henkei! toys feature a somewhat randomly vacuum-metallized part somewhere upon them; his headlights are chrome gold paint with clear orange painted on, while his entire spoiler is vacuum-metallized gold.

A re-release of the figure in the Fall of 2011 had the chrome-orange headlights replaced with plated gold.

Classics mold: Rodimus

Hasbro: Classics Rodimus Universe Rodimus (Challenge at Cybertron) Reveal the Shield Rodimus (Battle in Space) Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod (Planet of Junk Clash) Fun Publications: Timelines Rodimus (Shattered Glass) Side Burn TakaraTomy: Henkei! Henkei! C-05 Hot Rodimus Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider Welcome to Transformers 2010 Hot Rodimus (Sons of Cybertron) United UN-23 Rodimus Prime e-HOBBY: United Hot Rod Clear Blue Version

Universe (2008)

• Rodimus (Legends Class, 2008)
  • Series: G1 Series

• Known designers: Bill Rawley (Hasbro)

Legends Class Rodimus transforms into a generic sports car with a giant spoiler. This toy's design was the basis for Hot Rod's look in the "Wings of Honor" comic book.

This mold was redecoed into Revenge of the Fallen Smokescreen and Dark of the Moon Rodimus.

• More information on Universe Rodimus at TFU.info

• Challenge at Cybertron (Deluxe Class figure 3-pack, 2010)
  • Series: G1 Series
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

A redeco of Classics Rodimus was released in the "Challenge at Cybertron" multi-pack along with redecoes of Cyclonus and Galvatron. This version of Rodimus, like the Henkei! Henkei! figure, is intended to be accurate to the cartoon's colors, though it attempts the idea much more literally, to the point of having solid blue rather than translucent windows.

The set was exclusively released in Southeast Asian markets by Hasbro Malaysia, but a very similar version of this Rodimus was later released in the "gold box" Transformers line (below).

• More information on Challenge at Cybertron Rodimus at TFU.info

Classics mold: Rodimus

Hasbro: Classics Rodimus Universe Rodimus (Challenge at Cybertron) Reveal the Shield Rodimus (Battle in Space) Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod (Planet of Junk Clash) Fun Publications: Timelines Rodimus (Shattered Glass) Side Burn TakaraTomy: Henkei! Henkei! C-05 Hot Rodimus Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider Welcome to Transformers 2010 Hot Rodimus (Sons of Cybertron) United UN-23 Rodimus Prime e-HOBBY: United Hot Rod Clear Blue Version

Masterpiece

• Rodimus Convoy (Masterpiece, 2011)
  • ID number: MP-9
  • Release date: January 29 2011
  • Accessories: Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator/Photon Lasers Alpha & Beta, Matrix of Leadership, buzzsaw, welding torch

• Known designers: Hironori Kobayashi (TakaraTomy)

The central feature of TakaraTomy's Masterpiece incarnation of good ol' Roddy is its ability to transform from Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime in both robot and vehicle modes. Extensions in the figure's hips give Rodimus some slight extra height over Hot Rod, while a spring-loaded pop-out second face, revealed when the figure's helmet is tilted back, gives him his older, lined features; this face is somewhat narrower than Hot Rod's, combining with a slight elevation of the back-mounted spoiler to further create the illusion of a larger figure. Contrary to expectations, creating Rodimus Prime's vehicle mode does not simply involve slotting Hot Rod's car mode into the larger trailer section; in fact, Hot Rod fits into the trailer backwards, and an entirely new vehicle-front—featuring Rodimus's shorter hood and smaller canopy and lacking an exposed engine block—fips out from beneath the trailer and wraps around his rear end. Both vehicles feature opening canopies, though only Hot Rod has any sculpted interior detail of note. As with most Masterpiece figures, the toy attempts to reproduce Hot Rod's cartoon appearance as faithfully as possible; consequently, this is the first toy to actually render Hot Rod in his cartoon-accurate magenta coloration. Of course, there was no way to make the figure switch to burgundy for Rodimus mode, but in compensation, the front of the cab features the two tone coloration Rodimus Prime featured in the animation.

As with his original toy, Rodimus Prime's trailer opens up into the Mobile Defense Bay, now through a spring-loaded transformation activated by pressing a button on the trailer's roof. Furthering his armament, the figure comes with Hot Rod's two twin Photon Lasers, which can combine and extend through a spring-loaded automorph-style process into Rodimus Prime's larger Photon Eliminator. The guns can store within his trailer, and mount on any one of six different ports in Defense Bay mode for additional firepower. Like the original Hot Rod toy, a single Photon Laser can mount in the vehicle mode's engine block. The Transformers: The Movie is the source of inspiration for the rest of his additional gadgets and features, including a built-in version of the retractable visor from the Lookout Mountain scene, (dropped over the figure's eyes by rotating the circular "ears" on its helmet), the buzzsaw he used in battle on Quintessa, and the welding torch he used to repair Kup. Both saw and torch store inside his trailer while not in use, and attach to universal clips which rotate out of his forearms. Lastly, and naturally, he also comes with a Matrix of Leadership accessory which stores within his chest, much smaller than the one included with Masterpiece Optimus Prime, to the extent that Rodimus cannot even hold it by its handles. He can, however, grip Prime's Matrix in his hands.

Unfortunately, Masterpiece Rodimus has suffered from numerous quality control issues, which vary from figure to figure. Commonly reported problems include fragile leg panels which break off with ease, the inability of the figure to hold its guns due to shallow peg-holes which conflict with the bending angle of his hands, the springs within the figure's ankles becoming unwound, and the spoiler/backpack assembly refusing to clip into place. Mostly infamously, the slot on the trailer into which the spoiler slips is extremely narrow as a consequence of its interior being painted; as a result, paint is invariably scraped off the inside and leaves disfiguring marks on the spoiler when the figure is transformed to Rodimus Prime vehicle mode. A second production run, done shortly after Hasbro's release of the figure in a different deco (see below), amended these issues and also featured some slight changes in paint colors, although the forked chest tab not quite locking properly still seems to be an issue. Some of the second production run retain the original elbows from the first production run while the others feature the retooled elbows from the Hasbro version. The second release also features the retooled crotch plate from the Hasbro release.

Beginning in March, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores offered the promotional freebie Targetmaster Micron Spoilsport with the purchase of Masterpiece Rodimus Convoy. Meanwhile, Toys"R"Us offered the Targetmaster Micron Caliburst with purchase.

If bought in Asian countries outside of Japan, Rodimus Convoy comes with a collector coin, the first of the Masterpiece figures to do so. The coin's package is a simple square shape, primarily black with flame detailing around the cutout that shows the coin inside, and "The World of Transformers" as the title on the front. The coin itself features his head and the date "2011.01" on one side, and an "MP09" flame detail on the reverse; of note, his name is given as "Rodimus Prime" rather his Japanese name. In some markets, he may also have been available with a black display case. The figure also saw re-release in China at December 2018, with the addition of the "Long Life Design" award labelled on the packaging. The said reissue also features newly-redesigned knee joints that is plagued on previous releases.

In addition to the Hasbro version, this figure was also redecoed into Black Rodimus Convoy.

Masterpiece mold: Rodimus Convoy (MP-9)
TakaraTomy: Masterpiece MP-9 Rodimus Convoy e-HOBBY: Masterpiece MP-9B Black Rodimus Convoy Hasbro: Transformers (2010) Masterpiece Rodimus Prime
Hironori Kobayashi See also: MP-28 Hot Rodimus

• Hot Rodimus (2016-02-27)
  • ID number: MP-28
  • Accessories: buzzsaw, visor, fishing rod, two guns

• Known designers: Tomoya Miyake and Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy)

Masterpiece Hot Rodimus transforms into his iconic supercar mode, but does not transform into Rodimus Prime like the previous iteration. He is the same size as the other Masterpiece Autobot cars, and because of that he fits in both MP-10 Convoy and MP-22 Ultra Magnus's trailers in altmode. He comes with some of the accessories the MP-9 mold also had, like the guns, the retractable visor and the buzzsaw, but he also comes with a new accessory, a fishing rod that allows you to recreate his first scene in the movie. His chest also includes a Matrix chamber where the MP-10 Matrix can be stored.

If bought in Asian countries outside of Japan, Hot Rodimus comes with a collector coin. The coin's package is shaped like his chest, and the inside is designed after the Matrix, with the coin as the core, and features Hot Rod's "my actions speak louder than words" motto.

Interestingly, this Masterpiece Hot Rod's transformation is very specifically based around how Hot Rod transforms during the Lookout Mountain scene of the 1986 animated film, right before the Autobot shuttle arrives. The figure replicates the sequence almost frame for frame with exceptions for the rotation of the spoiler and the placement of the rear tires due to, well, how reality works as opposed to animation.

Masterpiece mold: Hot Rodimus (MP-28)
TakaraTomy: Masterpiece MP-28 Hot Rodimus MP-40 Targetmaster Hot Rodimus
Tomoya Miyake, Yūya Ōnishi & Hironori Kobayashi See also: MP-9 Rodimus Convoy

• Targetmaster Hot Rodimus (2018-02-24)
  • ID number: MP-40
  • Accessories: Firebolt, gun

"Targetmaster Hot Rodimus" is a redeco of Masterpiece Hot Rodimus based on his appearance in "The Rebirth". Now, bear with us on this one; this means that he's got the outdated color scheme used by AKOM in all their episodes of the animated series, his shoulder vents being the same color as the rest of his arms, the dark and light areas of his helmet are inverted, the "windscreen" on his pelvis is white, and his boots are two shades of grey instead of one (because AKOM would literally translate the shadows on the character model into actual colors). But, he's so precisely based on "The Rebirth" that he actually replicates the slightly degraded colors of the broadcast masters used for the episodes' DVD release (as opposed to the higher-quality "production masters" used for most of the rest of the series), meaning his magenta has become burgundy, and his boots are tinged red instead of plain gray, when by all rights those should just be the same colors as the previous toy. Additionally, his windshield is clear, and the Autobot symbol on his chest is larger and drawn in the cartoon style.

Except for a red version of one of the guns, Masterpiece Hot Rodimus's accessories are not included. In their place is a Targetmaster Firebolt, a redeco of the Offshoot figure that came with the 2010 Transformers toyline Masterpiece Rodimus Prime figure, the first time this mold has been released in the Japanese market. As well as being wielded by Hot Rodimus, Firebolt can attach to the engine block in alt mode.

Transformers (2010)

• Battle in Space (Deluxe figure 2-pack, 2010)
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher/Photon Blaster, flame missile

This release of the Classics Rodimus is a modified version from the Asia market-exclusive "Challenge at Cybertron" 3-pack, replacing Rodimus' Autobot sigil with a heat-sensitive rubsign. The only other change from the "Challenge at Cybertron" version is the contrast between the chest flame and the orange backdrop is greater, making the flame deco stand out more. The set also comes with a similarly modified Universe Cyclonus (with Nightstick) from the "Challenge at Cybertron" set, the Autobot Matrix of Leadership accessory from the 2002 New Year Special Convoy reissue of Generation 1 Optimus Prime, and "Rodimus vs. Cyclonus", a new comic book created specifically for this set by IDW Publishing. This release of the figure has common mold degradation in the ball joints of the arms.

• More information on "Battle in Space" Rodimus at TFU.info

Classics mold: Rodimus

Hasbro: Classics Rodimus Universe Rodimus (Challenge at Cybertron) Reveal the Shield Rodimus (Battle in Space) Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod (Planet of Junk Clash) Fun Publications: Timelines Rodimus (Shattered Glass) Side Burn TakaraTomy: Henkei! Henkei! C-05 Hot Rodimus Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider Welcome to Transformers 2010 Hot Rodimus (Sons of Cybertron) United UN-23 Rodimus Prime e-HOBBY: United Hot Rod Clear Blue Version

• Sons of Cybertron (2010)
  • Accessories: Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Released as part of TakaraTomy's Welcome to Transformers 2010 campaign, this redeco of Classics Rodimus is cast in translucent plastic and features the Henkei! Henkei! release's paint applications. He is packed with a similarly translucent Deluxe Class Optimus Prime from the Classics "Ultimate Battle" pack and 2008 Universe Special Edition.

This Classics/Henkei-based Sons of Cybertron set is a counterpart to TakaraTomy's Transformers Animated Sons of Cybertron set, which also features translucent versions of Animated Deluxe Class Optimus Prime and Rodimus.

The Classics/Henkei Sons of Cybertron set was intended for the Japanese Chara Hobby 2010 festival, but was also initially offered as a raffle prize at the Cybertron Philippines, Toy Kingdom and SM Makati and Hasbro-partnered Autobot Alliance/Cybertron Con event that launched the Generations, Transformers (2010) and Power Core Combiners toylines in the Philippines.,^[5] and was available for purchase at the Cybertron Con 2010 Shanghai convention as well as various online toy retailers.

• Masterpiece Rodimus Prime (2011)
  • Accessories: Photon Eliminator/Photon Lasers Alpha & Beta, small Matrix of Leadership, large Matrix of Leadership, buzzsaw, welding torch, Offshoot

The Hasbro version of Masterpiece Rodimus Prime is a Toys"R"Us exclusive. Redecoed from the Takara version to appear more like the original toy, this version omits the trailer preventing him from transforming into Rodimus Prime's futuristic truck mode. He does however include Offshoot, a Targetmaster figure, as well as all the other accessories from the Takara release.

Every plastic color is changed and many painted details are added, changed, and downright omitted from the TakaraTomy version in an effort to make him appear more toy accurate. The light gray plastic is a more metallic darker gray, the magenta is now maroon, the orange is a darker shade, and the clear blue window is a darker blue. Other changes include the hip joints and rear end, which are now black instead of magenta, the boots, which are now maroon instead of gray, and the feet, which are now black (to mimic the plastic toe variation rather than the metal toe variation from the original figure). His accessories have also changed in plastic color, with his welding tool now being maroon instead of gray, his buzz saw being smoky transparent blue instead of smoky colorless transparent plastic, and the Photon Lasers being cast in a different color. Notable paint omissions include the arm cuffs, collar, brake-lights, headlights, and the rear exhaust. His head also lacks the cartoon specific coloration, instead leaving it mostly unpainted like the original figure. Paint operation differences include the fins of the spoiler being a more subdued glossy yellow and the flame detail on his chest being a new pattern (different from the TakaraTomy version). His paint additions include the waist, which is entirely painted over rather than letting some of the transparency show through, and the center portion of the spoiler, which is now painted over yellow instead of unpainted orange plastic. His Autobot symbol is a different size and without any additional outline color, and his Photon Lasers feature some additional painted details as well. Additional details mimicking the original toy's stickers are now also present on the shins and he includes an optional sticker sheet featuring stickers similar to the original arm stickers of the Hot Rod toy, with stickers of both the Autobot and Decepticon insignias as well. Another difference is the rims, which are unchromed, showing the gray plastic underneath. In fact, the only things remaining the same are the chrome exhaust and the color of the rubber tires.

This version of Rodimus features the same Matrix of Leadership included with the TakaraTomy version (minus the silver and gold chrome, replaced with unpainted gray and gold painted sections), but also an additional new mold matrix similar to the one included with the original Masterpiece Optimus.

The Hasbro version of Rodimus featured retooled elbow joints that, when separated, make it difficult for him to hold a pose with his arms. The crotch plate was retooled on its underside to help prevent it from hitting the ground while in car mode.

Hasbro's Rodimus, sadly, will eventually tear itself apart due to overly powerful springs putting constant pressure on peculiarly weak plastic. The arms have a disheartening tendency to spontaneously break at either pinned section of the shoulder joint, while the upper ratchet in the knee has a high likelihood of shattering, either rendering him only durable enough to transform a few scant times. Just pose him once and back away slowly... There are third party die-cast knee joint replacements, but good luck finding some.

• More information on Hasbro Masterpiece Rodimus Prime at TFU.info

Masterpiece mold: Rodimus Convoy (MP-9)
TakaraTomy: Masterpiece MP-9 Rodimus Convoy e-HOBBY: Masterpiece MP-9B Black Rodimus Convoy Hasbro: Transformers (2010) Masterpiece Rodimus Prime
Hironori Kobayashi See also: MP-28 Hot Rodimus

Chronicle

• Hot Rodimus (EZ Collection, 2011)

Chronicle Hot Rodimus is redeco of the Universe Legends Class Rodimus. While some of his deco (flames, hands, spoiler, and his head) is entirely the same as the Universe toy, Rodimus features cartoon-accurate magenta plastic, his thighs and feet were painted orange (though his feet is gray the stock photos), and his windows were painted metallic blue.

Like other Chronicle Legends toys, he is sold in a blindpacked box.

United

• Autobot Set (3-pack, 2011)
  • Accessories: rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Dubbed "Hot Rod Blue Clear Version", this redeco of the oft-used Classics Rodimus mold is cast in transparent blue plastics, emulating the scene in The Transformers: The Movie where Hot Rod catches the Matrix of Leadership to keep it from hitting the floor after a dying Optimus Prime dropped it. Of interest is the fact that all the plastic parts are translucent, even the usually "softer"/unpaintable/never-clear nylon parts—a trend not seen on any other "clear" toys produced before.

This version was only available in an e-HOBBY exclusive 3-pack with a battle-damaged Kup and Scrapheap. Preorders for the set were opened on December 13 of 2010 and closed on January 11 of 2011, and shipped in April.

This figure was available with a Hot Rod pin and Macrocosmic Seekers booklet directly from e-HOBBY, he was also released in Asian countries outside of Japan without said pin and booklet.

• More information on e-HOBBY United Hot Rod at TFU.info

• Rodimus Prime (Deluxe, January 2012)
  • ID number: UN-23
  • Accessories: rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Released in early 2012 as part of the United toy line, this marks the first retool of the Classics Rodimus mold. To help the mold fit the character of Rodimus Prime, TakaraTomy chose a color scheme that homaged his original Generation 1 cartoon color scheme and altered the mold to improve compatibility with Mini-Cons released around the same time. This release features new Generation One toy-inspired flame decos on the car's hood and sides, several sections (notably the roof and the area around the headlights) painted a sparkly dark maroon color (to mimic the two toned coloration of the front of Rodimus Prime's truck mode in the animation), as well as a white face and hands and an orange hood. TakaraTomy also retooled the toy's engine block to add a 5mm peg and added a 5mm hole underneath the toy's right hand to allow the toy to use the recent Arms Micron Mini-Cons.

Both the maroon and orange plastic of the figure vary from any other release. Also notable is this is the first version of this mold to have the spoiler molded in an entirely different plastic color than the thighs (a good number of the other versions of this mold paint the spoiler a different color to achieve a certain look).

Like the 5th and 6th wave figures, Rodimus's package features a sticker that said "limited quantity (数量限定)", indicating that this figure is released in limited numbers after its first and only shipment.

Classics mold: Rodimus

Hasbro: Classics Rodimus Universe Rodimus (Challenge at Cybertron) Reveal the Shield Rodimus (Battle in Space) Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod (Planet of Junk Clash) Fun Publications: Timelines Rodimus (Shattered Glass) Side Burn TakaraTomy: Henkei! Henkei! C-05 Hot Rodimus Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider Welcome to Transformers 2010 Hot Rodimus (Sons of Cybertron) United UN-23 Rodimus Prime e-HOBBY: United Hot Rod Clear Blue Version

EZ Collection Gum

• Hot Rodimus (Candy toy, 2012)
  • ID number: 2
  • Release Date: July 30 2012

Part of the EZ Collection Gum candy toy series made by TakaraTomy A.R.T.S., this Hot Rodimus is a metallic redeco of the Universe Legends Class toy. While his color layouts are identical to the Chronicle toy, Hot Rodimus's red plastics have been absolutely covered in metallic dark red paint, and his gold and blue paints are also now a shiny metallic gloss.

As per the toyline's name, he comes with a yellow candy-shelled piece of lemony-flavored gum.

Kre-O

• Rodimus (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2014)
  • Bag number: 33501 41
  • Accessories: Stand-brick, scoped pistol

• Known designers: Ed Masiello (Hasbro)

Part of the fourth assortment of blind-bagged Kreon Micro-Changers, Rodimus can be rebuilt from a humanoid into a hot rod. He reuses the Ironhide helmet, and the face tampograph from the Custom Kreon.

• More information on Rodimus at TFU.info

Hero Mashers

• Rodimus (Hero Mashers, 2014)
  • Pieces: 9
  • Accessories: Spoiler/blaster

Part of the second wave of Transformers Hero Mashers basic Action Figures, Rodimus is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints, about six inches tall. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount any Hero Mashers accessory.

He is designed with a removable head, forearms, thighs, and lower legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any other Hero Mashers figure... which includes figures from Marvel Comics, Star Wars, and Jurassic World, meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

Rather than coming with a (nominally) hand-held weapon accessory, Rodimus comes with a spoiler for his back. Of course, being a Hero Mashers piece, it can be attached anywhere, including being hand-held, and the molding gives the impression of having a gun barrel, so go nuts.

• More information on Hero Mashers Rodimus at TFU.info

Q-Transformers

• Hot Rodimus (2014-12-26)
  • ID number: QT-07

Q-Transformers Hot Rodimus transforms from a cute super deformed Toyota 86 to a just as cute robot. He comes with a code for unlocking Hot Rod as a playable character in the Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns game.

Combiner Wars

• Rodimus (Legends Class, 2015)
  • Accessories: Axe/Breastplate

• Known designers: John Warden (Hasbro)

Part of the fourth wave of the Combiner Wars subline imprint of Generations, Legends Class Rodimus is a redeco and new-head retool of Generations Legends Class Decepticon Blackjack, transforming into a red sports car to robot and back! He and his axe are also able to plug into the chest of Optimus Prime, as an homage to his Micromaster toy from the Return of Convoy toyline of old.

The axe cannot plug onto his back, so don't even try to think about doing it.

Rodimus's stock photography shows him with his thighs, torso, and axe molded in yellow. The final toy, however, has these parts in orange, giving him more traditional robot mode colors in exchange for a less-accurate orange spoiler in vehicle mode.

He includes a collector card featuring art from the "The Colossus War" episode of Transformers Legends, which is based on his old Generation 1 body rather than his new look in the toy. The included instructions, while calling him a part of Optimus Maximus, show him attached to a control drawing of Ultra Prime instead.

The original version of this mold was also used to make Adventure Runabout and Runamuck.

• More information on Combiner Wars Rodimus at TFU.info

Platinum Edition

• Planet of Junk Clash (Platinum Edition Deluxe 3-pack, 2016)
  • Accessories:rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

Part of Hasbro's Platinum Edition offerings for 2016 intended to commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie, "Autobot Hot Rod" (who finally got his name back) is a redeco of the United Rodimus Prime figure, which is a retool of the Classics Rodimus toy. While the toy's deco was similar to the first Classics figure, Hot Rod features yellow plastic on his spoilers, thighs, and his launcher's trigger, and grey plastic on his shins. Autobot Hot Rod also features orange-yellow paint on his vehicle headlights, and an Autobot sigil on his vehicle hood/robot chest, just like his Henkei and Reveal the Shield figures. His backpack and hood/chest piece are painted in a darker red. Hot Rod retains the retooled exposed engine and the lower forearm from the United Rodimus Prime release, allowing for Mini-Cons from the Power Core Combiners line and their redecos to attach to the large peg/forearm as an undocumented feature.

Hot Rod's robot mode is mistransformed in all his stock photos, including the in-package image: his backpack and fins aren't rotated properly in place. Ironically, the mistransformation also gives proper clearance for the shoulder articulation in robot mode.

Hot Rod was only available as a part of the "Planet of Junk Clash" set with Wreck-Gar and Junkion Scrapheap. In the United States, this set was officially a Target exclusive, though only ever found at a single Target store, otherwise only available via the company's website. However, it was also stocked by several US-based online retailers BigBadToyStore and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Singapore and the Philippines; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In Canada, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Chile, it was sold at Ripley stores. In the United Kingdom, it was also sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiary of Amazon, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés. It's currently unknown if it was also available in stores, or limited to online purchases. In Italy, it was sold at Toys Center stores, making it the first Platinum set ever released in that country.

• More information on Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod at TFU.info

Classics mold: Rodimus

Hasbro: Classics Rodimus Universe Rodimus (Challenge at Cybertron) Reveal the Shield Rodimus (Battle in Space) Platinum Edition Autobot Hot Rod (Planet of Junk Clash) Fun Publications: Timelines Rodimus (Shattered Glass) Side Burn TakaraTomy: Henkei! Henkei! C-05 Hot Rodimus Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider Welcome to Transformers 2010 Hot Rodimus (Sons of Cybertron) United UN-23 Rodimus Prime e-HOBBY: United Hot Rod Clear Blue Version

• Rise of Rodimus Prime (Platinum Edition 2-pack, 2017)
  • Accessories: gun, missile, Matrix of Leadership

Unlike most of the figures from Hasbro's 2016 Platinum Edition offerings commemorating the 30th Anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie, this Rodimus Prime is not a redeco of what fans would consider a "CHUG" figure, but of his Titanium Series toy, nine years after its initial release, retaining the original figure's die-cast construction. Rodimus Prime was available as part of a 2-pack with Galvatron, aptly named "Rise of Rodimus Prime", which also contained a Matrix of Leadership accessory, a redeco of the Matrix originally included with Masterpiece MP-10 Convoy/Optimus Prime. Unfortunately, Rodimus cannot hold it.

Like several of the 2016 Platinum Edition sets, "Rise of Rodimus Prime" saw a very limited release: Basically, the two-pack was released in some of Hasbro's Asian markets, was stocked by some online retailers in the United States that obtain their stock through Asian vendors (such as BigBadToyStore and TFSource), and aside from that apparently only ever saw a wider release in Brazil, of all places, where it was also first officially revealed by Hasbro at ABRIN (the Brazilian Toy Fair) in April of 2016. That's it. The set never saw an official Hasbro-initiated release in the United States.

Titans Return

• Firedrive & Autobot Hot Rod (Deluxe Class, 2016)
  • Accessories: 2 rifles, Firedrive Titan Master

• Known designers: John Warden (Hasbro), Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy)

Titans Return "Autobot Hot Rod" transforms from robot into a futuristic sports car based on his original Generation 1 toy. Like all Deluxe Titans Return toys, Hot Rod's cockpit can be opened to reveal a seat that allows any Titan Master figure to man it in both modes. Hot Rod comes with his Titan Master partner Firedrive (a renamed Firebolt), who fits into his vehicle mode cockpit and transforms into his robot mode head. As with other Titans Return toys, Hot Rod can accommodate any Titan Master figure in both robot and vehicle mode. His two 5 mm rifles can be clipped together to form a larger gun with a Titan Master seat, which can be tabbed into Hot Rod's engine block in an homage to where G1 Firebolt could attach.

Similar to most Titans Returns toys, Hot Rod's Titan Master gimmick suffers from a design flaw leading to difficulties in applying the head to the body. In this case, the construction around Hot Rod's neckhole leaves it difficult to peg Firedrive's head in correctly, which can lead to the head being inadvertently pegged in sideways. In addition, some units suffer a molding error resulting in bumps on the lower right lip.

As documented in his instructions, but not in his stock photography, Hot Rod's weapons can be pegged (when separated) into the sides of his vehicle mode, with just barely enough clearance for his wheels to still touch the ground.

Hot Rod can use the Siege Battle Master Firedrive (although you can't attach him on Hot Rod's vehicle engine) if one is okay with simultaneously having two Firedrives.

Some copies were erroneously packaged with instructions for Breakaway and Throttle.

This mold serves as the model for Pointblank in the Legends manga. The mold included a pretooled alternate head for an IDW-inspired Rodimus, but this was never used.^[6]

• Chaos on Velocitron (gift set, 2017)

Titans Return Rodimus Prime is a retool of Titan Master Ptero with a new torso and head-mode face, both of which are painted-over die-cast metal. He features peg holes in his feet to attach to a variety of Titans Return figures, and can form the head of any Deluxe-or-larger figure from the line. Rodimus Prime provides the power of "Ultimate Speed Boost".

Due to its partial die-cast construction, the ball joint that connects the Titan Master's head to its torso ends up being less flexible than on other Titan Master figures made entirely out of plastic, which leaves Rodimus Prime with a very stiff neck when plugged into a larger Titans Return figure.

He was only available in a box set named "Chaos on Velocitron" that includes Quickswitch and Dynamus, Laser Prime and Refractor, Nautica and Parsec, and Fastclash. The set was officially announced by Hasbro to be a Toys"R"Us exclusive, and was sold at stores in the United States, Canada, and Hasbro's Asian markets (such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong). Despite this, it later became available via Amazon in the United States (but not in Canada) as well, actually sold by Amazon directly (as compared to a third-party seller).

The torso was later reused for fellow die-cast Titan Masters Thunderwing, Ultra Magnus, and Scorponok.

Legends

• Targetmaster Hot Rodimus (Targetmaster Hot Rod)^[7] (Deluxe Class, 2017-09-30)
  • ID Number: LG45
  • Accessories: Headmaster, Firebolt Targetmaster

Legends "Targetmaster Hot Rodimus" is a redeco and retool of Titans Return Hot Rod, featuring a more cartoon-accurate maroon color scheme, painted rims, and a retooled chestplate which, in addition to featuring transparent flames, also allows you to hide the hood engine in robot mode. He comes with Firebolt, an all new mold Targetmaster that replaces the original mold's guns. This figure was later redecoed into Ken.

The lower right lip molding error from the Titans Return figure is present on some examples of this figure.

Transformers Collectors' Club

• Autobot Leader Code Name: Rodimus Prime (2017)
  • Accessories: 2 photon blasters, fishing pole, fishing pole strike, fish, display base

This figure represents Rodimus Prime's synthoid human body seen in the original cartoon season 3 episode "Only Human". It consists of a combination of redecoed parts from existing G.I. Joe figures; namely, the head of the 2008 version of Hawk, the torso and waist of the 2009 Resolute version of Duke, the arms and hands of the 2010 Pursuit of Cobra version of Dusty, the upper legs of the 2009 Rise of Cobra version of Shipwreck, and the lower legs and feet of the 2010 Pursuit of Cobra version of Recondo. With the exception of the upper legs, this combination of parts was previously already used for the 2011 Pursuit of Cobra version of Hawk, which was also the first figure to include the vest accessory that is recolored for this figure, meant to recreate the look of the synthoid Rodimus Prime's jumpsuit in Only Human.

The remaining accessories are redecos of the 2013 Retaliation Blind Master's sword cane/staff and flying saw, which are combined and reinterpreted as a fishing pole, the barracuda that came with the original 1990 Iron Grenadiers version of Undertow, and the guns that originally came with the 2013 Retaliation Data-Viper figure. A recolor of the UAV drone that usually goes with those guns was included with the concurrently released Autobot Warrior Code Name: Arcee figure, and can be worn by Rodimus Prime on his back, mimicking the look of the Rodimus Prime robot's spoiler. The included display base/stand is the generic 2013 Retaliation version, with a tampographed Autobot insignia.

Despite being branded only as a Transformers product, this figure was exclusively available through both Fun Publications' G.I. Joe and Transformers Collectors' Club online stores.

• More information on Autobot Leader Code Name: Rodimus Prime at YoJoe.com

Power of the Primes

• Evolution Rodimus Prime (Leader Class, 2018)
  • TakaraTomy ID number: PP-08
  • TakaraTomy release date: May 25, 2018
  • Accessories: trailer/evolution armor, evolution armor arms, rifle (formed by two blasters), Matrix of Leadership frame, Matrix of Leadership core

• Known designers: John Warden (Hasbro), Emiliano Santalucia and Robby Musso (concept art)

Power of the Primes "Evolution Rodimus Prime" consists of a Deluxe-sized Hot Rod and a trailer, which can combine with the smaller robot to form the Leader-sized Rodimus Prime. Both robot modes feature exceptional articulation, largely due to the way both robot modes transform. However, neither has a rotating waist for the same reason. This figure features minimal partsforming, with the Rodimus Prime fists being formed by attaching the two halves of the front end of the trailer to Hot Rod's knees.

He includes a Matrix of Leadership accessory that has a removable center crystal, allowing any Prime Master to take its place. The Matrix can be stored within Rodimus's robot mode chest. Unfortunately, neither of his robot modes can actually hold it due to having standard 5mm hands. His two guns, one of which is based on his original toy's Photon Rifle, can combine into a rifle similar to his Photon Eliminator. In vehicle mode, his weapons can be mounted in the two 5mm holes near the back end of his trailer or stored on Rodimus Prime's back. The trailer portion also has two pegs to stand a Titan Master, Prime Master, or decoy armor on.

Surprisingly, the TakaraTomy stock photos of the Hot Rod figure are mistransformed: His yellow spoiler is not present in robot mode. This is only possible in the toy by removing the entire canopy of Hot Rod's vehicle mode, which is attached by a mushroom joint. Like the last version, Hot Rod/Rodimus can use the Battle Master Firedrive.

Though designated for a first quarter 2018 release, Rodimus's wave reached U.S. store shelves in December 2017.

• Evolution Rodimus Unicronus (Leader Class, 2018)
  • TakaraTomy ID number: PP-40
  • TakaraTomy release date: November 24, 2018
  • Accessories: trailer/evolution armor, evolution armor arms, rifle (formed by two blasters), Matrix of Chaos frame, Matrix of Chaos core

• Known designers: John Warden (Hasbro), Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Power of the Primes "Evolution Rodimus Unicronus" is a retool of the above Rodimus Prime toy, featuring a new goateed head and color scheme based on those of Shattered Glass Rodimus. His smaller Deluxe-sized form is "Nemesis Hot Rod", and represents the character in a Unicron-corrupted state. He includes a Matrix of Chaos accessory that has a removable center crystal, allowing any Prime Master to take its place. The Matrix can be stored within Rodimus's robot mode chest. It's best to be careful with the "RODIMUS" stickers on his knees, as they can and will peel off easily.

Stock renders released by Hasbro at NYCC 2017 showed him with purple Decepticon insignias, but the physical prototypes had purple Autobot insignias instead, and the stock photos showed him with both. The finalized toy has Decepticon insignias.

Street Fighter II × Transformers

• Hot Rodimus [Ken] vs Arcee [Chun-Li] (Two-pack, 2018)

• Release date: May 26, 2018
• Accessories: left & right rifles, Headmaster

Available as part of the exclusive Street Fighter II × Transformers toyline, Hot Rodimus is a redeco of Legends Targetmaster Hot Rodimus (itself a retool of Titans Return Deluxe Class Hot Rod) in Ken's traditional colors, luxurious eyebrows, and flesh tones and all. He transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian sports car and back. The Street Fighter II logo is printed on the car's spoiler, and the smaller Headmaster's robot mode is also painted to resemble Ken.

Like all Deluxe-sized Titans Return toys, Hot Rodimus's cockpit can be opened to reveal a seat that allows any Titan Master/Headmaster figure to pilot it in both modes. His two rifles can be clipped together to form a larger gun with a Headmaster seat; separately they can be pegged behind Hot Rodimus's front wheels or one can be pegged into his engine.

Hot Rodimus was only available in a two-pack with Arcee [Chun-Li]. This set was available for pre-order on TakaraTomy Mall from November 22 to 27, 2017, with orders fulfilled in late May of 2018. A pre-order goal was set as well: if 3000 units were pre-ordered in total, the set would also come with clear display stands for both toys.

This two-pack was later brought to the West in 2022 as part of the Transformers Collaborative line, released as a Target and Hasbro Pulse exclusive in the United States. These releases are functionally identical to the Takara versions; the Hasbro versions have new manufacturing tampographs, but are otherwise the same. They even have all of the Takara packaging inside the new Hasbro outer packaging!

Vintage G1

• Hot Rod (Walmart exclusive reissue, 2018)
  • Accessories: 2 photon lasers

In a very unexpected turn, the original Hot Rod toy was reissued as a Walmart exclusive in 2018, under the Vintage G1 banner, using the mold utilized for The Transformers Collection reissue (which includes the 5mm posts on his weapons). Like the original toy, Hot Rod entirely uses stickers instead of a combo of tampographs and stickers seen in The Transformers Collection release. However, unlike the original toy, Vintage G1 Hot Rod uses "Targetmaster"-style chromed stickers, rather than flat colored versions. The rubsign is an all-new type used on all of the Vintage G1 toys; the insignia only turns red rather than the mood-ring multicolor of older rubsigns, plus the silver border is mirror-level reflective.

Unlike most of the original Hot Rod toys and the packaging stock photo, he is packaged with his vehicle front view facing backwards. Later shipments of the toy were packaged with Hot Rod's car facing frontwards.

Studio Series

• Autobot Hot Rod (Voyager Class, 2020-2021)

• Movie: The Transformers: The Movie
• Hasbro ID number: 86-04
• TakaraTomy ID number: SS-60
• TakaraTomy release date: April 20, 2021
• Accessories: 2 photon lasers, buzzsaw, Matrix of Leadership, 2 Fire Blast effects, effect for the Matrix, "The Depths of Unicron" backdrop
• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro), Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy), Mario Carreiro, Christina Murphy and Amy Bence (packaging),^[8] AJ Piejko-Brown (original packaging concept), Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Released to commemorate the 35th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie, Studio Series "Autobot Hot Rod" is a screen-accurate, Deluxe-sized mold that converts into the same ol' classic futuristic sports car. The colors, however, are a more toy-based red rather than Movie-based magenta, due to management decision.^[9] The toy is sold at a Voyager price point due to a noticeably higher parts count that yields more accessories, articulation, and transformation intricacy. Aside from his 2 photon blasters, Hot Rod also comes with a Matrix accessory (repackaged from Earthrise Optimus Prime), an aura effect part to attach to the Matrix, a snap-on buzzsaw, and two blast effect parts that can attach to either of his exhaust pipes or guns.

Inside his helmet, he has a visor that can be deployed over his eyes as seen in the Lookout Mountain scene, and his right hand can flip to be replaced with the welding torch he used to repair Kup on Quintessa. His enhanced articulation includes opening hands that can grasp his Matrix and "butterfly" shoulder joints that aid him in assuming iconic poses from the film.

In vehicle mode Hot Rod's guns plug into his engine block and then his buzzsaw accessory plugs on top of the guns; this two-layered accessory stacking is also supported on his robot back and the roof of the car. However, tabbing the guns into the saw creates stress on the plastic slots of the saw. Additionally, since both the guns and the engine are painted, this risks leaving scratches. Similarly, caution should be used when uniting and separating the painted silver pipes on the arms and legs during transformation, as the clips that connect the arm and leg pipes are small and prone to snapping. Although there's nothing official in terms of storage for the Matrix, you can sort of stuff it in his chest in both modes.

As with other Studio Series figures, the interior of the packaging can form a diorama display for the figure. In this case, it is the shot of Hot Rod about to open the Matrix as he stands within Unicron's innards.

And of course, Hot Rod can hold Legends Firebolt or the Siege Battle Master Firedrive, though he cannot accommodate with Hot Rod's vehicle mode.

In 2021, Hot Rod's packaging was altered significantly in accordance with Hasbro's new plastic-free packaging approach. This packaging variant was released in the same wave as Bumblebee movie Soundwave, and came with different UPC and EAN barcodes than the original version.

This figure was also retooled into Shattered Glass Collection Rodimus.

War for Cybertron Trilogy

• Unicron (2021)
  • Series: War for Cybertron Trilogy

• Known designers: John Warden, Lynsey Urban and Lenny Panzica (Hasbro), Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy), Robby Musso and Emiliano Santalucia (concept art), AJ Piejko-Brown and Aurora Kraus (packaging), Mark Grzesik, Sarah Jean Rovenko, and Dan Caparco (instruction design), Lee Tympanick (safety), Rachel Fleming (senior box sitter, marketing), Charlie (junior box sitter, cat)^[10]

War for Cybertron Trilogy Unicron comes with a mini-figurine of Hot Rod, only about 10 millimeters tall. The original announcement showed a sculpt based on Hot Rod's Titans Return design, but the final released figurine was based on the original G1 design (or more accurately, the Studio Series design above).

War for Cybertron: Kingdom

• Rodimus Prime (Commander Class, 2021)
  • Hasbro ID number: WFC-K29
  • TakaraTomy ID number: KD-12
  • TakaraTomy release date: August 7, 2021
  • Accessories: Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator, Sword of Primus, Matrix of Leadership, turret, tray, 10 effects^[11]

• Known designers: John Warden (Hasbro), Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy), Mark Maher (deco artist)

War for Cybertron: Kingdom Rodimus Prime is a Commander Class toy that transforms from a cartoon-accurate robot to a futuristic SUV,^[12] which can attach to a trailer to form his futuristic truck mode. Despite appearances, Rodimus Prime is not a retool or engineering reuse of the Studio Series Hot Rod toy; though they feature similar transformation steps, the key difference is the lack of a faux chest. The head seemingly reuses the CAD data from Evolution Rodimus Prime's face sculpt. A War for Cybertron Trilogy staple, Rodimus Prime and the trailer are littered with 5 mm ports to facilitate the C.O.M.B.A.T. System or F.O.S.S.I.L. Technology. The line's relative scale demands that he must be smaller than previous Commander Class toys, though making up for his price tag is above average engineering and articulation, including a removable Matrix, collapsing wheels, and poseable hands featuring separate index fingers with knuckle joints!

The price is also filled out with a multitude of accessories. The trailer itself can fold out into the Mobile Defense Bay, which Rodimus Prime can stand on and grasp the handles, plus an A.I.R. Lock System adapter on the front. The standing, twin-barreled cannon also detaches as its own unit, with sculpted tread detail. Undocumented in the instructions, the 5 mm post and tab on the turret can attach to Rodimus's spoiler to act as a large cannon backpack in robot mode, facilitated further by an undocumented second swivel joint that allows the cannon to swing around between the tips of the spoiler. The trailer also features a removable tray with 5 mm ports and dedicated storing spaces for the Matrix-aura and smoke blast effects.

Rodimus Prime also includes a foldable Photon Eliminator which stores on the 5 mm post under the spoiler in both modes (though not when the trailer is attached in vehicle mode) and the Matrix of Leadership, which of course, stores in his chest in both modes. A surprisingly-niche inclusion is the Sword of Primus, which has a fold-out 5 mm post to attach to Rodimus's back in robot mode and can store on a pair of tabs under his vehicle mode. He also includes a whopping ten effect parts, 7 of which are translucent blue redecos from Siege Omega Supreme, which can attach to the various 5 mm ports on the figure or the 3 mm posts at the tips of the Photon Eliminator and exhaust pipes. The other three are newly-molded Matrix-aura and exhaust pipe-smoke blast effects. Care must be taken when handling these three effects parts as they are made from thin, hard plastic that can break if bent, as opposed to the more durable mushy goodness of the other effects parts. The exhaust effects are molded in translucent blue, and appear as such in promotional images, but the final pieces are painted black.

On some copies, the spring-loaded lower halves of the trailer's smokestacks can get caught on some adjacent orange plastic when opening the trailer, requiring them to be manually moved aside. Another far more common problem is that Rodimus Prime's trailer does not fully close when the two large halves join together, causing a gap to be visible from above; this problem can occur with or without the turret inside the trailer. Some methods attempted to fix this include brushing clear polish on the large silver clips at the front of the trailer, and/or placing stickers inside the slots on top of the trailer. Caution should be taken when transforming him, as the paint on his windscreen piece can be easily chipped when the spoiler piece is folded against it.

In a unique twist, the toy was revealed by TakaraTomy and set for pre-order in Japanese markets before Hasbro, which usually unveils upcoming toys before or simultaneously with TakaraTomy.

Rodimus Prime comes with one of four holographic Golden Disk cards from wave 1, which reveals a possible destiny of a key character.

Siege accessory mold: Omega Supreme's Fire Blast effects
Hasbro/TakaraTomy: Siege WFC-S29 Omega Supreme Earthrise WFC-E24 Sky Lynx Kingdom WFC-K29 Rodimus Prime Studio Series 86-21 Ultra Magnus Hasbro: Kingdom WFC-K39 Tricranius Beast Power Generations Selects Guardian Robot

• Autobot Hot Rod (Core Class, 2022)
  • Hasbro ID number: WFC-K43
  • TakaraTomy ID number: KD EX-17
  • TakaraTomy release date: July 30, 2022
  • Accessories: sword

• Known designers: Koki Yamada (TakaraTomy)

Part of the final wave of War for Cybertron: Kingdom Core Class toys, "Autobot Hot Rod" is a Legends Class-sized figure that transforms from a robot to a futuristic sports car in 8 steps. He comes with a sword that features both a 3 mm handle, that Hot Rod himself uses, and a 5 mm handle for a larger toy. The sword also has a 3 mm port to store it on Hot Rod's spoiler. His spoiler has a 3 mm port to attach the sword handle facing frontward, and it can be easily removed for some reason. As the lower legs and knee joints rely on friction to hold them in place, you could disconnect them while posing if your specimens' ball-and-socket joints are slightly tight enough.

Undocumented in the instructions is that the sword's handle can also plug onto the front end of the spoiler. The latter can be removed as a handheld weapon (with the sword combined) to form some kind of a pointy bowgun-rifle, or onto the other similarly-molded port on the back of the panel, which creates a better tolerance for the shoulder articulation but with a seemingly less stable connection if it wasn't for the single ratchet on its hinge joint.

Due to a design flaw, it can be difficult to get Hot Rod's car roof to firmly latch into the chassis; on some specimens it is simply impossible.

As seen on his package art, his sword can combine with Legacy Iguanus and Skywarp's accessories to create a larger weapon. Hot Rod was re-released alongside them in the first wave Legacy Core Class toys, as seen below, and given Hot Rod includes an Energon weapon and released in the final wave of Kingdom, it is likely Hot Rod was originally intended for release only in Legacy.

Hot Rod's stock renders depict his toy in a more pinkish shade of red and an unpainted red nose, evoking a gladiator noseguard.

Hot Rod was officially revealed during the December 3, 2021 Transformers team roundtable with fans, and then appeared at retail in Asia just a few days later. As such, Hot Rod is the last War for Cybertron Trilogy toy to be revealed and released.

Legacy

• Autobot Hot Rod (Core Class, 2022)

• Origin universe: G1 Universe
• Accessories: sword

Part of the first wave of Legacy Core Class toys, Autobot Hot Rod is a package refresh of the previous Kingdom figure above, with no other changes besides his packaging.

The instructions now mention his sword being part of a combined weapon formed by joining it with the guns from his Legacy Core Class wave-mates Iguanus and Skywarp.

• Autobot Hot Rod (Voyager Class, 2023)

• Accessories: 2 photon lasers, Buzzsaw, 2 Fire Blast effects

Intended to be part of the second wave of the Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection, Autobot Hot Rod was to be a redeco of the Studio Series figure in colors reminiscent of his original 1986 toy release. The blast effects included have also been recolored orange, and the blade of his buzzsaw is now translucent blue. The Matrix accessory and associated effect part are omitted.

Hasbro's stock photography has the figure mistransformed - his lower legs are not properly collapsed in. However, this is one rare case where the mistransformation actually works to further the intended homage, as the original 1986 Hot Rod toy this one is emulating also had the vehicle mode exhaust pipes and wheels exposed on the sides of the legs.

Despite numerous aesthetic differences between the two molds, Hot Rod's package art reuses the art from the Core class toy above. They did at least edit out the combined sword accessory Hot Rod was originally wielding in said art though.

The Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection was exclusive to Walmart in the US, and TakaraTomy Mall in Japan. Hot Rod was listed on Walmart's website before any official announcement by Hasbro, seemingly intended for a Winter/Spring release in 2023, but this ultimately never came to be, not even in TakaraTomy's version of the line. While claimed to not be "canceled", Walmart quickly moved on from the Velocitron Collection, and Hasbro has no plans to release Autobot Hot Rod.^[13][14]

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Transformers Retro

• Autobot Hot Rod (2023)

• Accessories: 2 "Photon Laser" rifles
• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro), Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Hot Rod's original toy was reissued by Walmart once again in 2023, this time under the branding of Transformers Retro, though the packaging lacks that name, instead having The Transformers: The Movie branding. This release retains the larger fist holes and the modified-handle guns from prior re-releases, but is now in an extensively-painted deco intended to replicate his original cartoon character model as closely as possible. This results in the first Hot Rod toy to accurately represent the shade of pink he is actually depicted with in the movie! This also means the original mold's chromed pieces are now a flat light gray plastic instead. All of Hot Rod's details are achieved with tampographs rather than stickers.

The box features original art by Marcelo Matere^[15] of Hot Rod in robot and vehicle mode laid over a scene of the interior of one of the Autobot shuttles featured in the film. Interestingly, the art appears to use Studio Series '86 Hot Rod as a model.

Transformers Retro Autobot Hot Rod was announced and went up for preorder on October 6, 2022 as part of Walmart's Collector Con event. However, precious few samples seemingly ever made it to brick-and-mortar stores.

Adamas Machina

• Rodimus (2025)

• ID Number: AMT-01
• Accessories: Photon Eliminator/2 Photon Lasers, Saw Blade, Communicator

Part of T-SPARK's Adamas Machina line of high-end collectibles, this figure of Rodimus is modeled after his appearance in the 2005 IDW continuity, particularly his More than Meets the Eye design. Transforming into a Cybertronian supercar, Rodimus also features amounts of die-cast metal.

• Official TakaraTomy website of Adamas Machina Rodimus

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

Notes

• Miscommunication between Hasbro and Takara that neglected to mention the fact that Rodimus Prime was supposed to be the new Autobot leader and the upgrade of Hot Rod led to Takara creating the original prototype for the G1 Hot Rod toy in three times the final size, about as tall as Beast Machines Nightscream. When Hasbro corrected Takara about those details, Takara's designers were disappointed because they had to make Rodimus Prime's toy larger than Hot Rod's.^[16]
• In an odd intra-Hasbro design move, both of Hot Rod's original guns were reused for weapon toolings on the Cobra Stellar Stiletto in 1988. The larger handgun is the nosecone cannon, while the smaller (facing backwards) is the basis for the longer missiles. Hey, Hot Rod was occupied with Firebolt at the time anyway, right?

• New Rodimus was the tentative name for an unused Rodimus Prime design revealed in the Japanese book Transformers Generations. Unlike his predecessors, he would have transformed into a fire engine. According to the caption in the book, New Rodimus would have come out after Star Convoy, and his transformation would involve splitting at the waist.
  Previously, fans believed that the idea for New Rodimus's transformation was eventually used by the Brave toy Duke Fire, which is also a fire engine that splits at the waist in order to transform. However, a discussion with Takara staff revealed that this was a coincidence, as Duke Fire's designer had not seen the New Rodimus design.^[17] As seen below, this revelation did not come before a story homaging Duke Fire's assumed connection to New Rodimus was published, retroactively linking the two.
  • In 2015 an entry of the Facebook version of Ask Vector Prime dubbed this version of Rodimus as "Fire Rodimus" and gave some background to him.

• An image of a black Rodimus Prime toy appeared in issue #38 of the magazine Hyper Hobby in 2002. For years, it was thought that this was an unreleased Lucky Draw figure (which an unscrupulous Ebay seller reinforced by repeatedly calling it that in his auctions). However, it was eventually found — seven years later — when a Japanese speaker read the text of the magazine, that it was nothing more than a test shot that was intended to tease the release of the normal-colored reissue.
• One of the first concepts for Classics Rodimus was based around the Pagani Zonda super car, before the Dome Zero design was decided upon.
• Car Robots Speedbreaker (aka Robots in Disguise Side Burn) has a powered-up color scheme which resembles Hot Rod's.
• Aside from the Energon namesake character, Hot Rod has also been homaged twice (or possibly thrice depending on how you look at it) in the Unicron Trilogy. For Armada, the "Powerlinx" upgrade of Hot Shot was given a very Hot-Rod-inspired deco. In Cybertron, Takara made a redeco of Hot Shot (well, "Exillion"), who already had some Hot Rod homage elements in his toy design, with Hot Rod deco as a DVD-pack-in exclusive. Hasbro then took this deco, altered it, and released it in the US line at mass retail as the new character Excellion.
• A (somewhat jokey) proposed BotCon concept by Fun Publications was a redeco of Deluxe Class Transmetal Rattrap into a beast form of Rodimus Prime, named "Rodimouse", to match Optimus Primal and Ultra Mammoth as being Beast Wars Maximal forms of fellow Autobot leaders Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, respectively.^[18][19]

References