The Binaltech series was Hasbro's idea to have licensed versions of real world
cars and update the G1 cast in 1:24 scale. The first prototype made was Jazz
and was a Porsche 986. When Takara were requesting permissions from car
manufacturers, Volkswagen refused to grant permission which also meant the new
design for Bumblebee would be scrapped. The second Binaltech which was in
design stage was Tracks, however Chevrolet also refused permission and Tracks
was reworked as a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Mid development however Chevrolet
changed their minds granting permission and the Dodge Viper was changed to
Lambor (Sideswipe).
Hasbro intended that Streak (Silverstreak) would be the first release, however
Takara insisted the WRC version of Smokescreen should be released instead.
Another change between Hasbro and Takara that was made were the materials the
toys were made of. Whereas Hasbro used plastic for the Alternators, Takara
opted to use die cast metal. Takara did this to help their domestic sales with
a more premium looking product as well as to tempt model car enthusiasts.
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