Downshift
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Downshift is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers universes.
Contents |
[edit] Transformers: Generation 1 (1985)
| Transformers character | |
| Downshift | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Autobot  |
| Sub-Group | Omnibots |
| Function | Security Agent |
| Alternate Modes | Toyota Celica Supra |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
Toy Gallery
In the original Transformers toyline, Downshift is the name of one of the three Omnibots, a group of toys available only by mail-order in 1985. This Autobot's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota Celica Supra. This character never appeared in the television series, but did appear in the Generation One Dreamwave comics.
Another little-known fact is that the Omnibots were the Autobots' first "triple changers" -- a talent identified more with the Autobots Tracks, Perceptor, and (until 1986) the Decepticon Triple Changers. Downshift, like Overdrive, transformed into a heavily armed, flying version of his compact sports car mode.
The original Omnibots' instruction booklets described them as such new additions to the Autobot team that no tech spec data or statistical information was available about them. This left kids and collectors able to use their imagination regarding what personalities and roles the characters would play. No hint was given at possible profiles until a 1987 mail-order catalog was published, with Ultra Magnus giving synopses of each Omnibot's function. In this mail-order pamphlet, Downshift is referred to as a "Security Agent", a title which some fans and eventually Dreamwave used as an official function.
Bio
(From Dreamwave's More Than Meets The Eye Profile Book)
Downshift takes his job in security and law enforcement seriously, but sometimes interprets his function too broadly. He dutifully makes his rounds to assure that whatever he's guarding is protected and then often goes out on his own to seek out potential infiltrators before they strike. This has gotten Downshift involved in several messy and legally questionable entanglements, earning reprimands from his commanding officers. Although they appreciate his enthusiasm and proactive attitude, most wish Downshift would just focus on his job.
Downshift is fully trained in the latest law enforcement and military security tactics and electronic measures. He is also an expert in submission holds for disarming and incapacitating suspects. In vehicle mode, he's armed with two door-mounted lasers, as well as a roof-mounted energy net launcher for capturing fleeing targets. Downshift also uses the lasers in robot mode, along with a neural shock gun that disables targets by making it incredibly painful to move. It's painless as long as they stay still but becomes excruciating when they attempt anything else. The effect lasts for 3.6 breems per blast.
Downshift often leaves his objective unguarded and vulnerable when he leaves to hunt down criminals.
[edit] IDW Publishing
The original Downshift appears in the background of one panel of #1 of the Stormbringer series from IDW Publishing. It is unknown whether this was just a cameo appearance or if he might appear again, as the series is still ongoing.
[edit] Transformers: Armada (2002 - 2003)
| Transformers character | |
| Downshift | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Mini-Con  |
| Sub-Group | Race Team Road Assault Team |
| Partner | Dirt Boss and Mirage |
| Motto | "Nothing to prove, nothing to lose." (Race Team) There's no virtue in modesty, and no conceit in victory." (Road Assault Team) |
| Alternate Modes | Toyota Celica Supra |
| Series | Transformers: Armada Transformers: Energon Transformers: Universe Transformers: Cybertron |
Toy Review (Race Team)
Toy Review (Road Assault Team)
The second Transformers character to be named Downshift is a member of the Mini-Con Race Team. He transforms into a race car and combines with teammates Dirt Boss and Mirage to form the Skyboom Shield.
A repaint of the Race Team appeared a year later and was known as the Road Assault Team; the same characters only now under a Decepticon influence.
(From Dreamwave's More Than Meets The Eye Profile Book)
The hyper-fast Downshift is a racing champion among the Mini-Cons. His speed is only outclassed by a very small number of mechanoids in the galaxy, like fellow Mini-Con Incinerator. At one point, that may have bothered Downshift. He was once an arrogant competitor who couldn't stand the thought of being beaten by anyone, but Downshift has mellowed with time to become a solid and confident soldier. His actions are devoid of self-consciousness, which helps make him a brave and reliable ally. But the seeds of his old, negative mentality remain deep within him, released only when a Decepticon transforms him into his Road Assault persona by controlling the Skyboom Shield for an extended period of time.
Downshift is the capable driver of the team, with an established track record of racing victories. He uses those skills and his immense speed on the battlefield to make lightning strikes against his foes and easily evade counterattacks. He combines with Dirt Boss and Mirage to form the Skyboom Shield.
His quiet self-confidence helps him reliable but Downshift's inability to ask for help from others limits his ability to function in team operations.
[edit] Transformers: Energon
The Road Assault Mini-Con Team was repackaged with the Space Team as a discount six pack of Mini-Cons under the Energon label. These toys were identical to the Armada version.
[edit] Transformers: Universe (2004)
Armada Downshift was released as a Transformers: Universe toy, which sold individually with a "Tiny Tin".
[edit] Transformers: Cybertron (late 2005)
A recolor of Armada Mini-Con Downshift in a Tiny-Tin was released as a promotional item inside the boxes for Thundercracker and Dirt Boss as a Wal-Mart exclusive promotion. While this seemed like a novel way to keep Mini-Cons in the Unicron Trilogy toy and story lines, neither Cybertron’s Dirt Boss, nor Thundercracker had Mini-Con powerlink points on them. In fact, Mini-Con powerlink points would not return to larger Transformers until some figures released during the 2005 post-Christmas season were released.
Bio: (From the toy packaging)
(to be added)
Bio (From toy packaging)
[With Thundercracker)]
A specialty of Thundercracker is creating fear among the enemy, and the chance to snatch Downshift from the Autobots offered him a rare opportunity. Kidnapping the Mini-Con was a piece of cake, but he never counted on the speed of the tiny robot, or his willingness to help Thundercracker create chaos. The two have formed an uneasy partnership, dedicated to causing as much havoc as they can among the Autobot forces on Earth.
[edit] Transformers: Energon (2004)
| Transformers character | |
| Downshift | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Autobot |
| Sub-Group | Deluxe Vehicles |
| Motto | "If I can't beat ya' in battle, I'll beat ya' on the road." |
| Alternate Modes | Various cars |
| Series | Transformers: Energon Transformers: Universe Transformers: Cybertron |
The third Downshift first appeared in the Energon toyline in 2004. Designed as an homage to the original Wheeljack (the name Wheeljack had already been applied to another character in this continuity), he transforms into a sports car. As a nod to the obvious homage, Downshift's Japanese name was Wheeljack. This character appeared in the cartoon series, where his name and that of Cliffjumper were often misapplied to the other.
Downshift is a fast and courageous young Autobot. He relies on speed rather than strength to get him out of tight spots when battling the Decepticons. Although he is considered a good soldier by Optimus Prime and Hot Shot, he has been warned about rushing into battle without a solid plan of attack. Hot Shot, especially, can relate to this headstrong young Autobot and has vowed to mold him into a mature and seasoned warrior.
[edit] Transformers: Universe (2005)
Toy Review
A slightly recolored version of the Energon Downshift toy was available in 2005 exclusively at Kay Bee Toy Stores as part of the Transformers: Universe line, and appeared in the official Hasbro Transformers Fan Club exclusive Transformers: Cybertron comic book.
Although labeled as part of the Transformers: Universe line, the box style, storyline and co-sells presented for Universe Downshift were directly from the Transformers: Cybertron line.
Bio
One of the few Autobots left behind on Cybertron after the evacuation, Downshift has been assigned by Optimus Prime to guard the entrances to the shafts leading to the Energon core of the planet in the city of Iacon. A loner by nature, and a veteran of many tough, secret missions throughout the galaxy, Downshift is perfectly at home on the desolate and damaged planet.
[edit] Transformers: Cybertron (2006)
Cybertron’sDownshift is an original toy by Hasbro and does not appear in Transformers: Galaxy Force toy line or its cartoon series (shared with TF: Cybertron).
In 2006 a special edition of Downshift was available in Walmart stores which contained a DVD with the episode "Cybertron" as a promotional item — despite the fact that he wasn't in that episode.
Vehicle Mode (What is it?)
A deal of confusion is brought about by collectors and fans assuming, or trying to figure out what real-world vehicle Downshift resembles. While Cybertron's Crosswise clearly resembles a Bugatti Veyron, Downshift is an amalgamation of various muscle cars from the 1969-1970 era. The following cars have been identified in various parts of his car mode:
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| Year/Make/Model | 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner | 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1964½-68 Ford Mustang | currently unknown |
- The 1968-1970 Plymouth Roadrunner shared various features (as well as its chassis) with the famous 1968-70 Dodge Charger, so both are cited as the source of the car's rear and front ends.
- The 1970 Chevrolet Nova had a similar hood scoop design, but the grill may lend itself more to the Monte Carlo.
Bio
(From the toy packaging)
A few years of experience in the Energon Wars have gone a long way in Downshift. Once an impulsive speedster, he has learned patience and consideration from his mentor Hot Shot. Where he once would have raced straight into battle against even overwhelming odds, relying on his speed to get him out of tight spots, he has now learned to observe and enter a fight cautiously. His keen eye and quick reflexes allow him to exploit even the smallest opportunity to bring down Decepticons much bigger and stronger than him.
Unlocked Key Content (found by entering the alphanumeric code found on the back of the Cyber Key at www.transformers.com)
Downshift has found some new peace on Earth. When the evacuation of Cybertron took place he was separated from his fembot lifebond partner. They had just been joined together under the covenant of Primus and were looking forward to spending some time in the Crystal Cities. The evacuation occurred and tore the two of them apart. On Earth, Downshift spent every waking hour looking through every 'Robot in Disguise' staging base to locate his lifebond partner. Soon enough, they found one another and were ordered by Optimus Prime to begin their Earth assimilation in a small town south of Providence, RI. There, Downshift found a peace he never had on Cybertron during the great wars. After the struggle ended, Downshift and his lifebond partner stayed on Earth as envoys of Cybertron.
- (A design sketch is also included, showing a rear isometric view with rear taillights resembling those on a 1970 Dodge Charger.)
[edit] IDW Publishing
IDW's Transformers Collectors Club exclusive comic story, Revelations part 6, is set after the defeat of Galvatron but before Optimus Prime's mission to start a new Space Bridge project. In this story the Autobots from the IDW series (Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Sentinel Maximus, Downshift, Perceptor, Alpha Trion, Over-Run, Anti-Blaze, Checkpoint and Scythe) meet the Autobots from the animated series (Cybertron Optimus Prime, Jetfire, Override, Scattorshot, Red Alert, Hot Shot, Lori, Bud and Coby) and thank each other and remembering those who were lost in the battles.
