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Home > Gallery > Takara > Transformers > Binaltech / Alternators

Transformers Binaltech / Alternators by Hasbro Transformers Alternators and Binaltech toys Background Around 2003 the United States and Japan began hearing murmurs about a new super Transformers line of toys that were 1/24 scale cars. Later we found out that these near perfect Transformers would be called Alternators in the U.S. and then Binaltech in Japan. Both toy companies Hasbro and Takara have jointly developed the new gold standard in transforming toys. Takara markets these toys in Japan under the BT- designation and uses large volumes of diecast metal. The Binaltech toys are nearly identical as the U.S. counterparts, but are simply heavier and contain gobs of metal. You will notice some differences in steering wheels, where the Japanese toys often (not always) get a right hand drive. Hasbro chose a lesser price point and has been able to give kids these awesome toys for under $20 U.S.. We first received the Subaru WRX and then the Dodge Viper. Later releases have followed and include a Jeep (Hound) and a Mazda RX-8. Transformers Alternators/ Binaltech Prototype toys As a quick note, I have found the prototypes to always be plastic. Each toy prototype that I've seen strarted with a crude ill-fitting plastic prototype, then a "sales sample" that was a bit better fitting. Each stage was in plastic. Then I imagine exacting diecast molds were made after the plastic toys were perfectly rendered. I found it interesting to see tire names later replaced by the generic name "Cybertronian". I also found that only the first generation of a car type received the prototype treatment. Later modifications (such as the two Jeep designs or two Dodge Vipers) just saw prototype add-on parts. I'm sure this saved Hasbro and Takara money.

	BT-01 Smokescreen Subaru WRX (Prototype Binaltech) Smokescreen was the first installment of the Binaltech transformers line. The Subaru WRX road rally car served as the basis for our old time robot buddy Smokescreen.
	BT-02 Sideswipe Dodge Viper- Transformers Binaltech Sideswipe is the cool red race car that has become a kid favorite. Who can resist a V-10 red Dodge Viper with a shimmering chrome gun?
	BT-03 Streak (Silver Streak) Subaru WRX Streak is a name I won't get used to. In the older Generation 1 line of transformers toys this guy was known as SilverStreak, an Aubotot Gunner. (Promotional Image)
	BT-04 Hound Jeep Wrangler Hound has quickly become a born again favorite in local NYC toy stores. The jeep has been a hot seller and represents a departure from all the fast cars. We now get a beefy 4X4 truck to rough-it with. Features include spring suspension and near perfect 1/24 scale modeling.
	BT-05 Dead End Viper Transformers Binaltech/ Alternators Collectors have an educated guess that DeadEnd, the first Decepticon of this line, will be at the top of the desireability chart in years to come. It is difficult to find a more glamorous car than a black Dodge Viper coupe with ornage tinted windows. (Additional Images 1, 2, 3, 4)
	BT-06 Tracks Blue Chevy Corvette Z-06 Tracks is yellow diecast in Japan, but will predominantly be a blue corvette (plastic) in the United States. The design for Transformers robot Tracks is based off a Chevy Corvette Z06, a monster hot-rod made on the production assembly line. (Additional Images 1, 2)
	BT-07 Smokescreen GT 2004 WRX Transformers Binaltech This version of Smokescreen is a newly engineered 2004 Subaru WRX rally winner. The front bumper. lights, hood, and roof are among the new modifications. Then we have a splendid shoulder mounted missile launcher.
	BT-08 Meister Mazda RX-8 Our next installment of the BT saga is the Mazda RX-8 rotary engine Jazz. Production colors will be both white and red and as before, the American toy will be primarily plastic while the Japanese release will extensively use diecast metal.
	BT-09 Swindle Jeep Swindle has Hound to thank for his good looks. We still get a CJ Jeep but this time it is in Yellow with more masculine chrome accessories and Upscale jumbo tires.
	BT-10 Grimlock Ford Mustang I am quite excited to see how Grimlock, the Ford Mustang, is received in by the public. I have to admit that this design is stealing my heart with the sword and Mustang Good Looks. Grimlock has always been a gem of a Transformer to boot. (Additional Images 1, 2)
	BT-11 Battle Ravage Binaltech robot Get a load of this new Decepticon kitty, Battle Ravage. (Additional Images 1, 2)
	BT-12 Honda S2000 Prototype We are awaiting details on this sketchy prototype. For now we know that BT-11 is designated to be a Honda S200 convertible. Stay tuned for details.

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