Saturday, 10 February 2024

Smokescreen GT BT-07 (Binaltech, 2004)

 


BT-07 Cybertron Tactician Smokescreen GT
● Function: Tactician
● Transformation: Subaru Impreza WRC 2004
The most recent iteration of Smokescreen now features the innovative "Genetronic Translink" technology, to compensate for the critical shortage within the Cybertron Earth Guard. This breakthrough enables the creation of clones from an individual and they share a singular spark. As a result, up to four Smokescreens can now function simultaneously. However, the potential impact of this experimental technology on the vital activities and mental equilibrium of the Transformers remains uncertain. Consequently, deploying them into combat at their maximum operating range is considered a last resort.
● Weapon(s): Electro Disruptor Rifle; Blaster Launcher
STR...4; INT...9; SPD...8; END...6; RNK...6; CRG...8; FPR...8; SKL...9

Tech Spec values are taken from Hirofumi Ichikawa's initial notes


Other Resources:





Overview



Around May 2004, it was revealed that "BT-07 Smokescreen WRC 2004" was set to be released at the end of August that year, with a retail price of 4,980 Yen. The following month, various hobby magazines showcased photographs revealing a retooled BT-01 Smokescreen, featuring a brand-new shoulder launcher reminiscent of the original G1 toy. 



BT-07 Smokescreen GT was launched in August 2004, with a distinctive sticker on the box to distinguish it from the original BT-01. The sticker read "2004 WRC Rally Japan Commemoration." Like the original BT-01, BT-07 was released with two variants, car #1 driven by Petter Solberg and Phil Mills; and car #2 driven by Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtine.



The car's body has been updated to resemble the 2004 WRC Subaru Impreza, while other aspects of the figure, such as the transformation, remain identical to BT-01. As mentioned, the figure also comes with a new missile launcher accessory that can be inserted into a port on the robot mode shoulder. It can also attach to the wing of the car in vehicle mode for storage. The missile launcher features a spring-loaded missile. 



This figure is also one of the Binaltech models that did not see a release in the Alternators line.




Translations




Transformers Binaltech
The transforming car robots were the core product of the original Transformers. Now they have been upgraded for the modern era with fully licensed vehicle modes. The vehicle mode is 1/24 scale with opening and closing doors as well as a detailed interior. The car is fully painted to reproduce the quality of the real car with a finish to match that of a scale model. The robot mode is fully articulated allowing you to enjoy various action poses. 

Instruction Manual Page 1 & 2 (Same text as the back of the box)




Subaru Impreza WRC 2004
This model faithfully represents the World Rally Champion "WRC" Impreza WRC 2004, which made its debut in Mexico during the third round of the 2004 season. The newly designed components have been enhanced, and the paint scheme has been meticulously reproduced.

BT-07 Cybertron Smokescreen GT
Smokescreen, the first Binaltech Transformer, returns with a heightened evolution featuring a new transformation mode - the Impreza WRC 2004. With the reintroduction of optional weapons, a prominent aspect of the original "G1" model, this version boasts a more aggressive styling and enhanced playability, surpassing any realisation seen before.

FRONT
A notable exterior feature of the WRC2004 is the side-mounted air duct on the front bumper, designed to expel superheated air from the radiator.

WING 
The carbon-fibre construction of the exposed rear wing contributes to a Spartan aesthetic. 

ROOF 
The roof ventilator has been reintroduced through a modification in the intake system, particularly useful when racing in high-temperature environments.

WHEELS 
The wheels exclusive to the 2004 version have been meticulously replicated to capture a realistic representation. 

HEAD
A head design that enhances the contours of the animation model, coupled with flexible movement facilitated by ball joints. 

HAND
In addition to wielding the weapon, the flexible hands can be utilised for a range of expressive gestures. 

ADDITIONAL WEAPON
An innovative addition is the newly incorporated blaster launcher, designed to be attached to various parts of the body based on its intended purpose.


Instruction Manual Page 9 & 10




SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
"BT-07" serves as the development code for a sub-project focused on researching "the possibility of increased production and mass mobilisation of robot lifeforms." In response to Smokescreen's request, Subaru's newest Binaltech body was employed as the experimental base. The EDC Advanced Technology Development Bureau undertook modifications, enhancing its functions to ensure compatibility with the GT system.

The recently integrated multi-purpose projectile weapon, the Blaster Launcher, features a loading mechanism connected to a subspace link, enabling an unlimited supply of missiles from Cybertron City’s ammunition depot. However, occasional malfunctions may arise due to its loading mechanism. BT-07 primarily utilises jamming rounds containing materials that disrupt enemy detection.

The Transformers Life Force emanates from a "Laser Core," situated at the centre of a force field, propagating throughout the entire body. The GT System ingeniously places this Laser Core in subspace storage outside of the body while concurrently connecting it to a translink port installed in each Binaltech terminal. This process breathes life into each unit, duplicating the personality data. Upon each unit's return from a mission, the stored memory data is amalgamated.

STORY OF BINALTECH

 Activate the GT units!

The Binaltech Transformers constitute a group of revived Cybertron warriors, resurrected by the humans on Earth, bestowed with the advanced technology of Planet Seibertron. The sudden appearance of evil Binaltech warriors startled the Earth-Cybertron alliance, casting a shadow of ongoing concerns and uncertainties. Even as the production of Binaltech bodies was steadily on the rise in preparation for a significant enemy counteroffensive, a critical shortage persisted in the essential control systems needed to operate them - specifically, the number of robot lifeform sparks. In contrast to regular data files, which can be duplicated endlessly if necessary, Transformer personality programs function exclusively based on their unique energy signature or "life force." Consequently, duplicating their personality files does not enable their execution. Nevertheless, Chip Chase, a prominent Transformer researcher and longtime friend of the Cybertrons, devised a daring solution. It was an astounding new technology that leveraged the Cybertrons' subspace communication technology to deliver life force’s to cloned personality programs seamlessly across time and space. Through this so-called “GT (Genetronic Translink) system,” new alter-ego Transformers were brought into existence, possessing identical minds, memories, and righteous sparks. The Binaltech project has ventured into unexplored realms!

Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 Vehicle Data
The Impreza features a distinctive layout known as "Symmetrical AWD," one of the few in the world with a compact flat-4 engine and vertically mounted transmission. This configuration provides exceptional weight balance, enabling the vehicle to maintain its posture even during jumps. Thanks to its remarkable attributes as a rally car, in contrast to many WRC rivals that frequently undergo significant modifications, such as retrofitting crucial mechanisms like turbochargers and 4WD, to mass-market cars, a notable feature of this car is the nearly identical basic structure shared between commercially available cars and the rally versions. 
The Impreza WRC 2004 made its debut in Round 3 of the WRC 2004 in Mexico, narrowly missing victory in the first race but leaving a lasting impression by setting the best record in 9 out of the 15 Special Stages. In Round 4 in New Zealand, it achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first new rally car to clinch victory. Despite being in production for over four years, the Impreza continues to be regarded as one of the most competitive cars, even in the current landscape where most teams have 2004 models. 
A significant exterior modification involves the incorporation of air outlets on both sides of the front bumper, fitted with electric fans for forced ventilation to cool the radiator. The redesign includes separating the exhaust flow paths of the radiator and intercooler, which were previously combined, and discharging them independently. This not only enhances cooling efficiency but also mitigates turbulence, with a secondary effect of augmenting front downforce. 
In the WRC, it has accomplished the remarkable feat of being the first Japanese car to secure the Manufacturer's title three times consecutively. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive track record in the Driver's title category, producing three champions. The 2004 season will feature the return of the Mitsubishi Lancer as a rival. Rally Japan, the first WRC event in Japan, is scheduled to be held in Hokkaido. The team aims to defend their title with two cars: number 1 driven by 2003 champion Petter Solberg and number 2 driven by Mikko Hirvonen, a 23-year-old from Finland endorsed by Tommi Mäkinen after his retirement last season.

Specifications
Length: 4415mm
Width: 1770mm 
Height: 1390mm 
Wheelbase: 2535mm 
Weight: 1230kg (WRC minimum regulation weight) 
Engine: EJ20 (Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine) 
Bore x Stroke: 92.0 v 75.0mm 
Total Displacement: 1994cc 
Maximum Output: 300ps/5500rpm 
Maximum Torque: 60kg / 4000rpm 
Transmission: Prodrive 6-tier vertical installation, electro-hydraulic control 
Torque Split: 50:50 Turbo: Made by IHI (with 34mm restrictor) 
Engine Plug: Made by NGK 
Brakes: Made by Alcon/Prodrive 
Aluminium Wheels: OZ Magnesium 
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80L 
Radio Equipment: Kenwood 

Car #1 Driver: Petter Solberg 
Co-Driver: Phil Mills 
Car #2 Driver: Mikko Hirvonen 
Co-Driver: Jarmo Lehtinen



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