The alt modes for these characters would be the ones that resemble their G1 looks, but are as modern as possible. Some characters, ie Springer, did not have an Earth alt mode, so I gave him one. Just type in what you think is the best alt mode.

Astrotrain
Arcee - Aston Martin Valhalla
Beachcomber
Blaster
Blitzwing - M-1A2C Abrams Tank/Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor
Bluestreak - Lucra L148
Blurr - Fenyr SuperSport
Bombshell
Brainstorm
Brawn - Land Rover Defender Kingsman
Bruticus
Bumblebee - Tesla Roadster
Chromedome - Dodge Challanger
Cliffjumper - Tesla Model 3
Cosmos
Cyclonus - Learjet 40
Devastator
Defensor
Elita-1
Fortress Maximus
Galvatron
Grapple
Grimlock
Hardhead
Highbrow
Hoist - Ford F450 Tow Truck
Hot Rod - Ferrari SF90 Stadale
Hound - Jeep Rubicon
Inferno
Ironhide
Jazz
Jetfire
Kickback
Kup - Ford Ranger 2000
Megatron - Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II
Menasor
Metroplex
Mindwipe
Mirage
Omega Supreme
Optimus Prime - Tesla Semi
Overlord
Perceptor
Pounce
Powerglide
Predaking
Prowl - Lucra L148
Ratchet - Rezvani Tank X
Red Alert - Corvette C8
Reflector
Rodimus Prime - Tesla Cybertruck
Scorponok
Scourge
Seaspray
Shockwave
Shrapnel
Sideswipe - Corvette C8
Sixshot
Skullcruncher
Skywarp - Dassault Rafale
Slag
Sludge
Smokescreen - Lucra L148
Snarl
Soundwave - GeneralAtomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle
Springer - Terradyne Gurkha RPV/Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
Starscream - Dassault Rafale
Sunstreaker - Corvette C8
Superion
Swoop
Thundercracker - Dassault Rafale
Tracks - Ferrari 812 Superfast
Trailbreaker - Ford F450
Trypticon
Ultra Magnus
Warpath
Weirdwolf
Wheeljack - Zenvo STI
Wingspan

 

Optimus Prime as a fire truck is absolutely perfect in my mind.

 

What kind ?

 

I really dig the one he transformed into in 2001's Robots in Disguise:



According to TFWiki, it's a Japanese Hino Brandlier fire truck.

 

Not sure if you're the same person that repeated this in other threads, but I have to say that to me, it really doesn't work at all

Optimus is a standalone type of character and figure, he's not one that would have a hose as a primary function, but as a strong mode, something that tends to mean "here comes trouble for the bad guys" and the original truck design worked for that and his weapons stood out as being unique and not one that lesser characters could handle.

We already have other characters and figures of firetrucks that covers the basis for it, and fire trucks tend to be more more limited and are more a background type vehicle.

I know that it might be a favourite for a few due to their love for fire trucks, but overall, a firetruck simply doesn't represent Optimus at all.

 

While not my favorite version of Optimus, I have to agree that the RID firetruck is one of the more appropriate alt modes for his character. Firetrucks are generally massive and eye-catching, but they also represent safety and protection, which are other key characteristics often synonymous with Optimus.

 

I'm pretty sure I've voiced this opinion in a number of other threads before.

I don't think his primary function would be a hose, actually - in fact, I think he'd still have that 'strong vehicle' vibe considering that he's still a big red truck. It's just that a fire truck builds on that idea. To me, Optimus isn't really about making things difficult for the bad guys; I've always seen Optimus as someone's who's main focus is on protecting the innocent and improving the world around him. I mean, it seems like every single time he dies it's in the defense of others. A fire truck reflects that philosophy, which makes it a fitting vehicle mode. I also think that a fire truck goes great with his signature energon ax for reasons that should be obvious. His weapons and characteristics are still unique to him, and I don't think that's really tied to what he transforms into.

Sure, we do have characters like Inferno or Heatwave who already turn into fire trucks, but it's not quite as fitting for them as it is for Optimus. Optimus is a protector and a leader, and a fire truck embodies that idea very well. I disagree with the idea that fire trucks are more of a background vehicle - they're a first response vehicle, and as such they're usually at the center of an emergency situation. I don't really see how a fire truck is limited either, considering that they're very versatile vehicles with a number of tools to them. Just the image alone of a fire truck driving into danger with sirens wailing fits Optimus.

Fire trucks are also just cooler than normal trucks too, so there's that.

 

I do understand your points, but while they seem good, they are actually a big part of why he doesn't work as a fire truck.

1) Prime isn't a first responder, he's the commander and chief. His main role and responsibilty is to coordinate and ensure that the situation is covered on all sides.
2) A fire truck doesn't have the weight, mass and "agility" that a rig has. A fire truck can't "smash" into action like a rig does.
3) A fire truck leans toward single purpose for emergencies, aka "fire" and more in the rescue humans in limited situations, instead of a neutral multi-purpose truck.
4) A semi type truck can handle long winding roads, even poor roads and/or rough terrains, while fire trucks, not so much. Semi-trucks are built for strength and endurance, and I need to repeat that fire trucks are single purpose vehicles, while strong, they require a lot of maintenance, and only useful during an emergency situation.
5) The siren thing, the semi hooking his blowhorns is much more powerful than a blaring siren.

I respect your points and your preference and since they did do a few fire trucks version of prime, others do see it like you do, but for me, it just doesn't work and I'd never buy a fire truck prime because it has no appeal to me at all and I don't see it as a true OP, but more like a secondary character that would be in charge of a local division and not the main leader.

 

If Optimus transformed into a fire truck, he would not be a fire truck. he'd be a hyper-advanced alien robot in the disguise of a fire truck. The limitations of a fire truck would not apply to him.

I love him as a big rig, but I also love him as a fire truck. And I think @CyberstormSM brings up some great points. Optimus is not about punishing the wicked. He wishes to protect the innocent.

 

That's like saying that any of the cars shouldn't be limited to just drive around and should be able to fly because ”limitations".

The characters do take on their alt modes capacity and lots of examples in all media, except the Deus ex machina moments

And alt mode has nothing to do with protecting or punishing, not sure why that's even being used as a point for being a fire truck or other. My point was about being a firetruck making him a "first responder" to not really be valid, as he's the leader and not having to always be the first one (or part of the first ones)to arrive to save the day.

And note that I'm not saying that one can't like him as a fire truck, I'm saying that to me it just doesn't work/fit the character. But like I said, I'd see it work for a secondary level character, a small faction/team on an outpost or such, just not as "THE" Optimus Prime as leader of all Autobots. Similar to Beast War's Primal.

 

Bumblebee as a Tesla Roadster does not work for me at all.

 

For all those for and against the idea of Optimus being a fire truck/engine, I see the value of both points. On one hand...servo, a fire engine represents what Prime is standing for the best. And it also has the power and authority that such vehicles carry.

On the other hand/servo, the regular truck hauler is what people most recognize and has been a staple of his legacy so far. Not to mention it makes Prime more relatable to the common masses.

Both points have merit, and to hear a civil discussion about which is preferred is quite a pleasant change from people saying which they like and why it is the best without giving any reason why.  

If I had to choose which was best for Optimus's alt mode as perfect for him, I would have to choose a Multi-purpose truck. Why? It could be used for a variety of purposes, including being a fire engine if configured right.

 

First off...

I'd switch the vehicles for Rodimus and Optimus. The sleeker Tesla semi would work for Rodimus, while the bigger, heavier one Western Star 5700XE would go to Optimus.

Bumblebee as a Tesla roadster is also a no; Bumblebee, it seems, seems to go to extremes. Smaller, more compact cars, or larger muscle cars. The Tesla roadster is too much in between.

I would agree on your Seeker mode: the Dassault Rafale is a nice vehicle for them.

I would recommend a Peterbilt 389 for Ultra Magnus, with a car carrier trailer. White, of course.

I... would vote for a semi.

As said before, I second this motion.

 

Well, if it's Transformers: Energon...



 

But seriously? Last time I checked most cars/trucks don't have heavy laser cannons and/or missile launchers underneath their hood. F-15 fighters don't have the cargo capacity to hold a dozen or so people, nor can they make escape velocity and can operate in deep space. And this is off the top of my head, mind.

They take on the capabilities of their alt mode, yes, but they are not limited by any real-world concenrs. So Optimus, if a fire truck, will absolutely be a fire truck... with heavy weapons and the ability to smash through brick walls. Because beneath the hood is a million-years old robot from a species that made the laws of physics their own personal bitch before we could even walk.

 

Yeah.. until it's a plot device to have or not have an ability.. then everything's up for grabs. 

That's kinda the stuff I tend to hate in everything that "forgets" the deus ex machina from last episode. Again, it's the cheat/poor/lazy writing that makes all the BS possible.   

 

In the end, you know that my biggest grip with the fire truck thing is probably that it is too much of a stereotype. Full blown in your face stereotype to the point of insulting.

Like "that" is his job, and limits him, he becomes linked to emergencies, fires, etc. that we regard as associated with fire trucks.

And that's why I will repeat that I view Optimus as the leader, the one that needs to give the orders, makes the plans, and will commit himself to action only when absolutely needed, as otherwise, why have subordinates? Why not be the only one needed to save the day every time?

The basic truck gives him a more "every day" persona that carries the load of leadership (pun intended), but at the same time is a universal look for everything thrown at him, not just the stereotypical stuff that a fire truck brings to mind.

If he started out as a fire truck and then moved to the standard truck after, I truly believe that I'd feel the same, if anything, even more inclined towards the truck as refreshing, as I would look at it in the way that he moved beyond the role linked to the fire truck stereotype.

 

Other than a fire truck, I think a locomotive is one of Prime’s finer forms as well, especially since it breaks away from the truck template.

 

That's... that's... no!

 

Can’t go wrong with a pickup truck for Optimus, either.

Top 3 alt modes for Optimus are probably:

1. Cabover (G1)
2. Firetruck (RID)
3. Locomotive (Hearts of Steel)

 

NOOOO! Just NO! Optimus is not a mother-loving pickup truck! A semi is ideal! A firetruck is damn okay! A locomotive... works, ish... but a pickup? Hell no!

Whoo... let's get back to business. I would suggest a Rezvani Tank X for Soundwave, if you're not doing a tape deck for him. And I guess if you really want to think about it, Blaster can be a Tank X too.

Ford F550 flatbed truck, customized into a tow truck.

2020 Chevrolet Express 3500, in red. Customized and in white for Ratchet.

Ford Ranger from the year 2000. An older car for an older 'bot.

Oh, that's easy. A Leopard 2 tank, in grey.

2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 van.

Saleen GT4 Concept, colored in white, red, and green.