Scans of Takara Tomy Toyota FJ Cruiser Optimus Prime

I'd say they missed their concept art rather completely. It's a shame too, that art looks like a badass Prime where as the final product looks like the designers said "ehhh, close enough"

The sketch kinda reminds me of Armada Optimus Prime's first concept sketch.

Kudos to TT for trying something different. Does it look like it's going to be a great concept? Probably not, but they have to start somewhere!

That concept art though ... damn!

This may be the biggest disparity between concept art and final product yet. Interesting idea though and I'd still be keen to see it in action.

my reaction to seeing the concept art versus final model

Mkall wrote:I'd say they missed their concept art rather completely. It's a shame too, that art looks like a badass Prime where as the final product looks like the designers said "ehhh, close enough"

No kidding.

Ya know instead of a RC why not an actual figure

Cyber Bishop wrote:

Mkall wrote:I'd say they missed their concept art rather completely. It's a shame too, that art looks like a badass Prime where as the final product looks like the designers said "ehhh, close enough"

No kidding.

Artist: "This is how he should look like"
Boss: "Yeah, Looks great. But how would the Remote Control and Auto-Transformation gimmicks fit in?"
Artist: "...What?"
Boss: "Didn't get the memo? Right, I'll get you a new copy 'K? O, if you can redesign it to make everything work, that would be great..."

Mindmaster wrote:The sketch kinda reminds me of Armada Optimus Prime's first concept sketch.

Whoa. I WANT that as a toy! Even if it didn't transform, it would be totally badass. If Has/Tak never tackles it, I pray some third party will. I'd pay a lot of money for something that cool looking.

Anyway, back on topic. I still love the idea of these and have ever since I saw the original prototype video from the original's creator long before Has/Tak got involved so I'm glad to see they've gotten funding from a large company who is interested in pursuing it. I just hope sales numbers are high for these first versions once released so that Takara doesn't give up on the technology. Self-transforming RC Transformers toys would be AMAZING and I'm certain every kid would want one.

Venowtron wrote:Ya know instead of a RC why not an actual figure

You're right, they could have. And Headmasters might never have been created, nor Targetmasters, Weaponizers, Triplechangers, Botshots or any other number of innovative technological advancements or 'gimmicks' in Transformers throughout the years. Hell, why not revert back to brickformers and do away with articulation completely, particularly since it was something advanced by Beast Wars, which itself was a concept created out of the idea of having organic alt modes and therefore must be worthless?

xyl360 wrote:

Venowtron wrote:Ya know instead of a RC why not an actual figure

You're right, they could have. And Headmasters might never have been created, nor Targetmasters, Weaponizers, Triplechangers, Botshots or any other number of innovative technological advancements or 'gimmicks' in Transformers throughout the years. Hell, why not revert back to brickformers and do away with articulation completely, particularly since it was something advanced by Beast Wars, which itself was a concept created out of the idea of having organic alt modes and therefore must be worthless?

I think you missed the point that integrating an RC component for the vehicle mode kinda completely botched any idea of a cool robot mode based on that concept art, and that an over intrusive gimmick can ruin a toy, kinda like some of the armada era toys. Not sure where you got that just because some figures were based on features or themes, we think they're worthless.

Should have gone the "manual" way and ditched the remote control concept.

well what do you expect! its a remote controlled transforming robot
to keep it affordable its going to look like that
perhaps you would rather have this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVb-_lY_C6U
can you afford it?

People seem to forget that we've had RC Transformers toys before:

Ultra Markus wrote:well what do you expect! its a remote controlled transforming robot
to keep it affordable its going to look like that
perhaps you would rather have this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVb-_lY_C6U
can you afford it?

I think you just hit the nail on the head with what to expect from this figure. Looking at that RC toy's transformation and robot mode design, I think that's pretty much what this new toy is going to be like in a nutshell.

It's awkward proportions probably come from the altmode that was chosen for it since that other toy's altmode is different and yet looks better proportioned in robot mode despite looking very similar in execution to this one.

Ultra Markus wrote:well what do you expect! its a remote controlled transforming robot
to keep it affordable its going to look like that
perhaps you would rather have this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVb-_lY_C6U
can you afford it?

This is the one I saw a while ago and thought was awesome. It looks much better than this new Optimus one.

Man, I wish it looked like the concept.

I love the FJ...

Looks interresting!

SW's SilverHammer wrote:

xyl360 wrote:

Venowtron wrote:Ya know instead of a RC why not an actual figure

You're right, they could have. And Headmasters might never have been created, nor Targetmasters, Weaponizers, Triplechangers, Botshots or any other number of innovative technological advancements or 'gimmicks' in Transformers throughout the years. Hell, why not revert back to brickformers and do away with articulation completely, particularly since it was something advanced by Beast Wars, which itself was a concept created out of the idea of having organic alt modes and therefore must be worthless?

I think you missed the point that integrating an RC component for the vehicle mode kinda completely botched any idea of a cool robot mode based on that concept art, and that an over intrusive gimmick can ruin a toy, kinda like some of the armada era toys. Not sure where you got that just because some figures were based on features or themes, we think they're worthless.

I think you missed my point. This is the first generation of a new type of toy. Where you guys see a botched bot mode, I see a first try at a new concept. Give them time, it will improve. Look at toys like those in the Robotmasters and Universe lines. They were great improvements over toys of the past with regards to accuracy, but then we got Generations/Classics and things improved even more. Now look at the modern MPs which are beyond that. I expect that if this line of toys continues, they too will improve over time as the engineers figure out new techniques of fitting in the gimmicks and making the bot modes look better.

xyl360 wrote:

SW's SilverHammer wrote:

xyl360 wrote:

Venowtron wrote:Ya know instead of a RC why not an actual figure

You're right, they could have. And Headmasters might never have been created, nor Targetmasters, Weaponizers, Triplechangers, Botshots or any other number of innovative technological advancements or 'gimmicks' in Transformers throughout the years. Hell, why not revert back to brickformers and do away with articulation completely, particularly since it was something advanced by Beast Wars, which itself was a concept created out of the idea of having organic alt modes and therefore must be worthless?

I think you missed the point that integrating an RC component for the vehicle mode kinda completely botched any idea of a cool robot mode based on that concept art, and that an over intrusive gimmick can ruin a toy, kinda like some of the armada era toys. Not sure where you got that just because some figures were based on features or themes, we think they're worthless.

I think you missed my point. This is the first generation of a new type of toy. Where you guys see a botched bot mode, I see a first try at a new concept. Give them time, it will improve. Look at toys like those in the Robotmasters and Universe lines. They were great improvements over toys of the past with regards to accuracy, but then we got Generations/Classics and things improved even more. Now look at the modern MPs which are beyond that. I expect that if this line of toys continues, they too will improve over time as the engineers figure out new techniques of fitting in the gimmicks and making the bot modes look better.

I don't disagree with your sentiment, that new concepts give way to new advancements. My point however is that once a specific gimmick, like this one, has become so intrusive to the figure that a robot mode has to be cut to the position of second thought, then there's a problem. Also your mention of the evolution of transformers improvements during the decades is nice, it dosen't exactly apply here, as those toys were based around creating actual transforming figures, this however, is based around an RC turning into a transformer, not the otherway around, as the RC function took precedence over the rest of the toy

xyl360 wrote:And Headmasters might never have been created, nor Targetmasters, Weaponizers, Triplechangers, Botshots or any other number of innovative technological advancements or 'gimmicks' in Transformers throughout the years.

You had me until "Botshots". "Innovative" and "Botshots" do not belong in the same sentence, let alone PAGE. Hell, they don't belong in the same document. Botshots are springy pieces of sh*t that are cheap to make and sold at a premium (i.e. you CAN sell crap to dumb consumers!). They transform about as well as a flipped quarter.

But seriously, boy am I glad to see all those years of technical expertise and engineering know-how leading to... springy crap that can't maintain alt-mode. Nice one, HasTak.

A new picture has surfaced on the Toyota FJ Cruise Optimus Prime, and hold on to your hats as this shows us the final robot mode (albeit in very a very tiny picture)

It seems that the fandom was led astray by a previous picture of a remote-controlled version of our favourite Autobot Leader, only to be linked to some concept art that looked nothing like it.

It appears there may be two versions of this figure being created. A remote-controlled version, and another designed to appeal to those fans who would desire more traditional Transformers toy, though it appears it may come with snap-on armour pieces to create the Optimus Prime colour of your choice: white or red. This one will retail for 4,200 yen (42.39 USD).

This image puts to rest any misconceptions we may have had about this figure. Yes, it does look similar to the concept art.

I take back most of what I said previously: this looks like a figure I may have to track down depending on how it sizes up.

The non-RC version looks much better in bot mode.

it's almost like focusing on the figure aspect of a transformer makes it better comparaired to a figure focused on an overly complicated, intrusive, RC gimmick

Better...much, much better.

Ooooooohhhhhhhhh man here's hoping Hasbro picks this thing up because I would give them AAAAAAALL my money for it.

the story in this thread says "red or white" .. i don't see where you're seeing red..? i see orange and white.

I knew it.

By way of Transformers Korea we now have official images of Takara Tomy's upcoming officially licensed Toyota FJ Cruiser Optimus Prime. The figure will apparently come in multiple decos, stands just under 6 inches tall in robot mode, and will require a certain level of assembly (think the previously Trans Scanning movie figures). See the images mirrored below.

Update: Takara Tomy have also updated their official Transformers website, which includes official images of the radio controlled version.

NOW it's on my must-buy list! I love the FJ Cruiser design, and this looks like a cool (and fun) figure that hopefully will display nicely alongside my four Alternators.

Now the question is: will this be a regular retail release in Japan? Will sites like BBTS be carrying it? Will we (in the U.S.) actually be able to buy it for roughly $45 (+ import cost and shipping)? Or is this one of those odd-ball Japanese exclusives that's only going to be sold at one particular chain of camera stores and will go for like $250 online?

Nope, this is not for me. I love the FJ Cruiser but it doesn't make a good Optimus Prime, and I don't like the design of this figure. The building gimmick make it look like they had to simplify the figure compared to a normal Transformer. Further, it doesn't really fit in anywhere in my collection, except maybe my random OP shelf, but it's not awesome enough for that. Looks like just another oddball release, much like the Trans-Scanning figures.

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY

Make it a different character (no Nemesis Primes or Scourges), and I'm immediately sold.

Mindmaster wrote:Make it a different character (no Nemesis Primes or Scourges), and I'm immediately sold.

Indeed. I'm wondering if I can find a junker alternator with a head that'll fit this character.

Looks good not good enough to buy.

Since when did prime become next bumblebee every new transformer is bumblebee or prime wheres love for other charcters decpticons

Mindmaster wrote:Make it a different character (no Nemesis Primes or Scourges), and I'm immediately sold.

Toxitron!

dragons wrote:Since when did prime become next bumblebee every new transformer is bumblebee or prime wheres love for other charcters decpticons

Bad guys don't sell as well as (iconic) good guys in Japanese markets.

See I knew it. I knew this good looking fj cruiser mould would turn out to be a good toy and a not bad looking robot. Good job so far Takara on this one and I said So Far. I also don't recall seeing a switching parts gimmick like this one before. It just gives me a good thought of what the possibilities Transformers toys can evolve into.

YELLOW OPTIMUS?! Surely they'll rename it Bumblebee.

GuyIncognito wrote:[/img]
NOW it's on my must-buy list! I love the FJ Cruiser design, and this looks like a cool (and fun) figure that hopefully will display nicely alongside my four Alternators.

At 13cm it's going to look too small next to Alternators. This is more Alternity size.

Mykltron wrote:

GuyIncognito wrote:[/img]
NOW it's on my must-buy list! I love the FJ Cruiser design, and this looks like a cool (and fun) figure that hopefully will display nicely alongside my four Alternators.

At 13cm it's going to look too small next to Alternators. This is more Alternity size.

As an SUV, it's too small to scale in with even Alternity. Heck, at a mere 130mm in bot mode, it's even shorter than MP Lambor. Using a ruler, I measured MP Lambor, and the FJ Optimus would stand up to about half an inch below Lambor's shoulder.

He's a standalone display figure at best, unless you customize him into Brawn or something.

At 13cm this will be a small Deluxe sized figure and probably at a premium price point too?

It could really be just about any character but popping an Optimus Prime head on it will obviously be the first choice for a new figure.

I guess this could sit well in a Cyberverse/Legends scale type display?

No video with dramatic camera angles can make that thing look good.

Smaller figure, more $$$$. The future is NOW.

Pass for me. The alt mode is meh, and the robo form is no where near the level of that concept art!

I'm gonna say it: Takara, this is awful. A 3rd Party could do better. Plus, they wouldn't shrink it down. And they would make it not-Optimus.

I get that Optimus sells, but this set is kind of out of the blue... Did someone on staff want a Toyota at a big discount? "Okay, okay, okay! How about this? We make a TF figure and promote your car... you give me... free car? " I'm sure the cross-promo is a little more lucrative than that... but I don't see it.

Isn't this SUV too big for Asian markets anyway?

Yeah, the bot mode of the RC version totally looks junky, but I might still buy it simply for the novelty. It seems like it would be quite fun to see a Transformer transform for real right in front of my eyes by itself like that. I believe that as time goes on they're going to improve upon this concept greatly as I suggested previously.

xyl360 wrote:Yeah, the bot mode of the RC version totally looks junky, but I might still buy it simply for the novelty.

RC Prime isn't exactly the type of thing you buy just for the sake of having it. Mind you the bot mode is Fortress Maximus-size at 600mm or just a little over 23 inches. If Takara Tomy can sell him for under a Grand I'll be impressed.

As for the action figure version I'm hoping to get the retail version. It's priced high at 4,200yen, but Japanese exporters will offer a discount and it comes with both white and yellow parts. Since all of the colored parts are model pieces it'll be easily repainted red with simple spray paint.

People keep comparing these to the Trans-Scan kits, but these are in a higher league. The TS kits were basically just a body folded up inside a vehicle shell and the bot mode only looked good if you took all the parts off. These make better use of the FJ parts in the bot mode and the only real kibble is on the back. I wouldn't mind seeing more action models like this.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

xyl360 wrote:Yeah, the bot mode of the RC version totally looks junky, but I might still buy it simply for the novelty.

RC Prime isn't exactly the type of thing you buy just for the sake of having it. Mind you the bot mode is Fortress Maximus-size at 600mm or just a little over 23 inches. If Takara Tomy can sell him for under a Grand I'll be impressed.

Yeah, not just for the sake of having it, but like I said, for the novelty of it. It's new, it's different, and it looks fun. Kids would go crazy over this. I know I would have when I was a kid. Hell, the Jumpstarters were amazing to me, and all they did was roll and flip into bot mode. This thing actually *transforms*. As shitty as the bot mode may look, it's still an incredible feat of engineering and a damn fun looking RC toy.