Japanese retailer Yodobashi Camera have updated their website with a new listing for something called “Transformers FJ Optimus Prime“.
There is very little information on the Optimus Prime on the listing beyond the name, the price – 3,780 yen, with an MSRP of 4,200 yen, which is similar to the pricepoint of the Alternity line – and a release date of 28 September 2013.
What this is, and what the “FJ” stands for are unknown. Details on the order page are scant and no photos are provided. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available.
Update – the latest thoughts suggest this might be the RC Toyota FJ Optimus Prime shown at the Tokyo Toy Show 2013, which is an RC car Transformer capable of transforming from car to robot and walking in robot mode all completely independent of any human interaction.
down_shift
I put them just under the greatest truck ever made, the Toyota Hylux. Truly unstoppable in almost every way, so to is an FJ.
Looks wise, I prefer the all white, black alloy rim "C" package myself. These Sally-repellant, water proof bad asses are as rugged as Tom Sellecks nut sack.
Shin-Gouki
Ren & Stimpy Mr. Horse – No Sir I Didn't Like It – YouTube
Ace Convoy
I Actually really like the FJ Cruiser. It's honestly no different than a Hummer H3 and a Jeep Wrangler… and it can keep up with them on the trail as well. a respectable truck, just a bit goofy.
ironscythe
You talk a good sales brochure, but you can bet a 1980 Kenworth K100 Cabover (Optimus Prime's original vehicle mode) has delivered at least a few hundred FJs to the dealerships. I wonder how many FJs will be on the road in 30 years?
NamelessOne
P * A * S * S.
Looks like a glorified, motorised, ROTF Activator.
Arrrrgh my eyes!!!
gakken85
New cars look like electric shavers and plastic turds.
80's or bust!
But yeah. One rule: If it doesn't look good in all modes, I don't buy it. haha
Powersa
This will make a great bumper sticker
Weremole
Not sure at all where weeaboo enters this conversation.
vrba79
Super fugly, but that won't stop the weeaboos from eating it up.
guard convoy
I will own that remote control figure
Rifleman
YES! High Five!
Ninjahandz
Wow! That explanation actually made me wanna buy a fj now. Wait! I already own one! High five!
Rifleman
I am crazy excited about this, I have an FJ and I have been waiting for a long time for a good FJ Transformer, this looks a little weird but I don't care. I did kinda expect a Brawn, Ironhide, Bulkhead, Trail Cutter type version but Optimus! Hell yeah.
ahem.. a few things…
The Roof is not Plastic it is white to reduce heat in long excursions, safari, or desert rock area in which the sun beats down all day. This is common on Safari vehicles. The roof is also 3" thick in many spots and is well insulated, I get in my truck in the heat of the summer and it is just warm, where as anyone with a black car usually stands outside the vehicle for a few minutes to let the air out…
There sales are better than they planned for the niche market it is designed for, the FJ Land Cruiser is usually only brought into production for 5 yrs and then takes a hiatus, the sales have been impressive enough to keep it in the lineup for 6 yrs going on 7 (this iteration).
It has won Kelley Blue Book awards almost every year since 2007 for Best Resale Value, Intellichoice awards for every category every year including best overall value 2 yrs in a row and so on.
Most Sport Utility Vehicles are Mini Vans without a sliding side door. The FJ is a TRUE Sport Vehicle, that can pull and haul its fair share. One of the only True offroad vehicles left.
If any vehicle is worthy of Optimus, it an FJ.
C310 Ginrai
I guess they figured if it's Optimus Prime / Convoy, someone will buy it right? Doesn't matter how bad it looks as a basic humanoid robit.
ironscythe
It's not a figure at all. It's an actual robot. Hobbyists have been making, programming, and fighting small humanoid robots in Japan for almost a decade now, and TakaraTomy has finally jumped on the bandwagon.
Here's a homemade one from about eight years ago:
Real Transformer – YouTube
[Wing_Saber-X]
eh, no, just no.
Raiju
^ What has science wrought?
On a more serious note, I don't think this product is aimed at me so it's a pass. Still, it's interesting to see Takara try out a figure that actually transforms itself. Makes me wonder what a TF figure will look like (and be capable of) 20 years from now (in time for the 50th anniversary of the franchise XD).
ironscythe
Seriously, I worry sometimes. Who doesn't know what a Toyota FJ is? They're the plastic-roofed, TONKA-tough SUVs made by Toyota. They get horrible mileage and sales have dropped like a rock ever since 2008.
Also, this is literally it. It's a production-model Robo-One-style RC robot, and it looks terrible. It is, however, a licensed Transformers product, so it's official:
THEY FINALLY MADE ACTUAL TRANSFORMING ROBOTS. THAT TRANSFORM. ON THEIR OWN. AND WALK. FUCK. YES.
MetalicGrunt
down_shift
Come on guys, it's that brutal looking remote control FJ Prime. No two ways about it.
I really do hate it… I've wanted a good FJ Transformer for FOREVER now! Shoulda been Trailbreaker…