Transformers Alternators – Smokescreen and Silverstreak

Transformers: Alternators

Smokescreen (01)

Silverstreak (03)

The first and most used alternators mold so far, the Subaru Impreza is certainly one of the better alternators molds out there. When I first saw Smokescreen, I knew Hasbro was cooking up something good. I mean what could be better than a like of highly detailed, nicely scaled, highly articulated Transformers.

There is supposedly two versions of Smokescreen available, one with a number “8″ on the door and another with the number “7″. Japan also has a later released re-mold as the 2004 version of the same Impreza Rally-car. Then we have Silverstreak with both left and right side steering wheel placement. That gives us seven versions of this mold, though I may be forgetting some sort of exclusive that I’ve never heard about.

In his alternate mode, Smokescreen is a 1/24th scale 2003 Subaru Impreza WRC rally car. The vehicle looks almost spot on to the real thing, though the hood scoop seems just a tad too small and the car itself actually strikes me as slightly too long (possibly just not wide enough). There is an impressive amount of detail work in the sculpt however, it’s at least as detailed, possibly even more so than your standard 1/24th scale die cast car. The racing graphics really make this guy stand out, he’s covered in logo stickers for real companies, just like you might find on the real race car. Another thing to note, is that there are not huge Autobot symbols plastered anywhere on this guy in Vehicle mode. He truly is a “Robot in Disguise”.

The transformation is pretty complex on this guy, though once you’ve done it a few times it gets easier. It’s certainly a welcome change from the generally simplicity of the main Energon and Alternators lines. It’s also highly reminiscent of the original Smokescreen and his Autobot car companions. The end result is a robot that is also highly reminiscent of the original Smokescreen from the rear car/window feet to the hood as the chest and the door “wings”.

The robot mode is very slick and Smokescreen has a very serious overall look going to his demeanor. The vehicle engine folds out into a very cool looking gun for the robot to use as well. It really shows the best part of this toy. The vehicle mode is fantastic, the robot mode is equally fantastic, each in their own right. The fact that they change from one into the other makes it all the more impressive. Smokescreen certainly s a good choice for the first in a long line of Alternators.

Then there is Silverstreak, previously known as Bluestreak. The original toy was never blue and was in fact silver, the new name change is frankly, appropriately fitting. Anyway, Silverstreak is the street version WRX model of the Subaru Impreza. He is also, appropriately, silver in color. However this is not just a straight repaint.

As a bit of a cost saving deal, each Alternator gets a repaint/slight re-mold. Generally the re-mold becomes a Decepticon however Silverstreak and Smokescreen ended up both as Autobots. The most noticeable re-molds are the front bumper and the spoiler, though there are minor changes here and there as well. The head is also different, which is one of the better touches. So many recolors would be much better if only they had different heads than their original brothers.

The overall effect, as stated before, is that you have a plain street version of the Impreza. Unfortunately, as a result, Silverstreak also comes off as considerably more boring in vehicle mode. The robot adds touches of red here an there and looks considerably more impressive than the vehicle does.

Of the two molds, I’d say Smokescreen is all around superior, if only because his vehicle mode is a lot nicer looking. However I’d say I prefer Silverstreak’s robot mode a bit more than Smokescreen’s. I’d say there isn’t really a reason to not get them both except that the Alternator’s line is slightly on the expensive side. Each figure will set you back around twenty dollars, though you can probably find these older guys for a bit less on clearance by now. Twenty dollars isn’t a bad deal at all though given the licensed vehicles, complexity in transformation, and overall detail. They really aren’t even smaller than a twenty dollar level Energon or Armada toy either.

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