Transformers Binal Tech Series

Transformers Series

Takara Binaltech BT-02 Lambor Cybertron Warrior (12/2003)

Transformers Binaltech

Transformers Binaltech

BT01 Smokescreen as Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 (8/03)

#7 Solberg / Mills

#8 Makinen / Lindstorm

BT02 Lambor (Sideswipe) as Dodge Viper SRT-10 (12/03)

BT03 Streak as Subaru Impreza WRX (3/04)

BT04 Hound as Jeep Wrangler (03/04)

BT05 Dead End as Dodge Viper Competition Coupe (07/04)

BT-06 Tracks as 2004 Chevy Corvette Z06 (08/04)

BT-06B Tracks 2004 as Blue Chevy Corvette Z06 (11/04)

BT-07 Smokescreen GT as Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 (09/04)

#1 Solberg / Mills

#2 Hernoven / Lehtinen

BT-08 Meister as Mazda RX8 (9/04)

BT08 Meister as VRM Edition Mazda RX8 (9/04)

Masterpiece Edition

MP01 Convoy (Optimus Prime) Semi-truck Cab (12/03)

Package

Binaltech Lambor came in a very nice scale die-cast car style packaging. Takara added 20th Anniversary of Transformers logo to the upper corner of the box.

Binaltech Story

In the year 2003, the Autobots are slowly being destroyed by a powerful corrosive rust set upon them by the evil Decepticons. With Megatron and his troops advancing and the humans increasingly in danger, a final, desperate project is put into action - human created Transformers. Thus, the newest Transformers are born via a new technology: Binaltech!

Binaltech Instruction Booklet

Binaltech toy came with full color booklet that detailed the features of the toy and instruction on how to transform the vehicle into robot mode. The transformation process can be a bit tricky at first but became very easy after a few attempts (though not recommend for younger children as the toy was obviously aimed at older adult collectors). The transformation process for Lambor was little easier than Smokescreen.

Alternate Version

Hasbro released a cheaper cost alternative to Takara Binaltech die-cast version as Transformers Alternators. The Alternators had the die-cast body parts replaced with molded color plastic parts. The toy was identical to the Binaltech version but without the heavy feel of die-cast and the sheen of painted die-cast body. In fact the two versions looked identical from a distance, however, the difference became quite appearance when one pick up the two toys. (Think of Alternators as plastic scale model-kit car version and the Binaltech as scale model die-cast car version). Alternator came in a slightly larger box than the Binaltech packaging but the box was very plain looking without any die-cut windows. The instruction was also just a plain mono-color sheet like other US Transformers toys, unlike Takara version that came with full color booklet and a bio-card (found in most Takara Transformers toys) However the toy was perfect for those on tight budget who can not afford the much higher price Binaltech version but want to own these amazing toy engineering pieces.

Takara released BT-02 in December of 2003 as second figure in the Binal-Tech series. BT-02 featured another old G-1 Autobot character named Lambor. (He was known in the US as Sideswipe). In vehicle mode, Lambor disguised as realistic looking red Dodge Viper SRT-10. In this mode the toy looked very good and almost passable as 1/24 scale die-cast model of Dodge Viper. The car had movable front wheels, real rubber tires, open-able hood and doors with nice looking interior. Takara included the many of the small details which help made the car seem very realistic with the break points for transformation carefully placed so not to interfere with the vehicle sleek line. Like Smokescreen, Lambor had several die-cast parts that gave the toys nice weight and sheen not possible with the ABS plastic. However, the rear of the vehicle was done entirely in plastic perhaps to save on cost or may be due to the design requirement as it would made the body very top and back heavy when in robot mode. Binaltech were some of the few Transformers that actually look good in both modes.

In robot mode, the car transformed into Cybertron Lambor, one of the original characters from the first generation Transformers. The Binaltech Lambor retained many of the elements from the original Generation One Lambor such as the head design, his trademark red color (he was originally a red Lamborghini), the car doors that form shields for the arms and the tires that hang-off the shoulders and legs. Takara, however, reversed the body of the original and the front of the car now formed the feet with the rear section formed the back and the windshield, along with the dashboard became the chest section with the hood became rear cape-like armor. It was unclear why this changed was made since BT Smokescreen kept most of the original body placements of car parts. It could just simply be because Viper was quite a different car from the Lamborghini Countach and the designed dictated how the robot needed to transform.

Like Smokescreen, engine block can transformed into a gun for Lambor. This time Takara decided to chrome the part which was ironic since original Lambor actually came with white color plastic gun and not chrome. Nevertheless the part looked great being chromed. Another interesting note was the rear license plate had the letters "SIDE SWP" which stand for his US name. This may be because this section was done completely in plastic and not die-cast and since it was a shared part with the Alternators (which done entirely in plastic) the license was left as SIDE SWP to save production cost or it could just be a nod to US Transformers name. The part was, however completely painted and blended in perfectly with the die-cast parts. This was something that Hasbro should have done with the Alternators as it gave the cars at least the appearance of die-cast.

BT-02 Lambor was another impressive offering from Takara for the new Binal-Tech line. Lambor along with Smokescreen and the Masterpiece Convoy helped in established Takara as powerhouse in the high-end collector's market long dominated with the like of Bandai Soul of Chogokin and Yamato Macross Valkyrie series.