Downshift
Encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Downshifting
, the social trend.
Downshift is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers universes
.
's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota 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 Changer
s. 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.
Original show bibles discovered in 2007 revealed the biography written by Bob Budiansky
. This biography describes Downshift as an Air Defense specialist. A war-weary veteran, he enjoys the planet Earth and children.
The resulting Dreamwave bio described him as a serious and competent security agent, often being assigned to protect important positions. The only problem is that Downshift often sees enemy agents where there are none: as he tries to root them out he leaves what he is guarding open to Decepticon
attack.
's rampage. They did not appear again before Dreamwave went bankrupt.
series from IDW Publishing
.
Downshift was on the Autobot Orbital Command Hub in Spotlight: Blaster. He was present when Blaster was recovered and returned to the Autobots.
Race Team. He transforms into a race car and combines with teammates Dirt Boss and Mirage
to form the Skyboom Shield
.
the Race Team were among the Mini-Cons survived crashing on Earth's moon. Under the leadership of Dualor they built a fortress there and defended it from an attack by Megatron, Starscream, Thrust
and Cyclonus
. Once Megatron overpowered the base the Mini-Cons escaped to Earth.
Downshift appeared among the Mini-Cons in issue #18 of the Transformers: Armada comic book who aided Over-Run using the Mini-Con Matrix in the defeat of Unicron.
After initially being released 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. His Dreamwave bio attempted to explain how this change came about, noting that in his past he had been an arrogant speed demon few could outpace. Eventually settling and becoming a more mature and focused individual alongside his comrades in Race Team, Downshift's dark competitive side still existed, being fully unleashed when the Decepticons get hold of the Skyboom Shield.
(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.
This Downshift was a brave soldier who relied solely on his speed and wits to outmaneuver his Decepticon foes. While he often rushes into battle without a clear plan in battle, this flaw has been recognised by Hot Shot
. The former Autobot rookie recognises these flaws that he once had, and has sworn to correct them.
's head with his body under the command of Bulkhead
and alongside his firiend Cliffjumper
. They eventually succeeded, and brought Optimus Prime's team back to the normal universe. In the final battle, he gave his spark
energy to empower Optimus Supreme against the Unicron possessed Galvatron
.
's team of reinforcements that headed to Earth to battle the Terrorcon
invasion. He was part of the team that battled the Terrorcon clones in Moscow
, but was bailed out by a surprising source - Megatron, resurrected in a new body by Prime, who decimated the Terrorcon attack.
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.
His Universe bio revealed he stayed behind on the black hole threatened Cybertron
at the instruction of Optimus Prime himself to guard the entrances to the energon shafts of Iacon city - and by extension the core of the planet itself. Though daunting, the mission suits this veteran loner perfectly. Ironically this contradicts the later bio for the Cybertron Downshift.
(this version turns into a Buick Gran Sport
).
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.
His bio revealed that Hot Shot's tutoring, mentioned in his Energon toy bio, had indeed paid off. Once an immulsive racer, he was now a much more mature and balanced individual. He now weighs up his options before entering into battle, using his speed and agility wisely to take down even the largest opponents. His Cyber Key data, found on the Hasbro website somewhat oddly revealed that he had been partnered with a Female Transformer prior to leaving Cybertron, similar to Earth marriage. Separated when leaving Cybertron, they reunited back on Earth, and eventually stayed behind on Earth after Galvatron
was defeated. (A design sketch of his alternate mode is also included, showing a rear isometric view with rear taillights resembling those on a 1970 Dodge Charger
.)
clearly resembles a Bugatti Veyron
, Downshift seems to be an amalgamation of a few muscle cars from the 1970-74 era. The following cars can be seen as inspiration for his vehicle mode:
proved too much for him, and the deranged Herald of Unicron almost killed him. Rebuilt in a new body that transformed into an Earth car - his Cybertron toy - he went on to take part in the Mini-Con
civil war, and was one of those that received Optimus Prime's party bearing word of Vector Prime
's death.
. He was part of an Autobot team led by Kup
.
Downshift appeared in the story Reunification by Fun Publications. He investigated an unusual energy readying at Alpha Trion's abandoned lab, only to be ambushed and stabbed by Alpha Trion.
Downshifting
Downshifting is a social behavior or trend in which individuals live simpler lives to escape from the rat race of obsessive materialism and to reduce the “stress, overtime, and psychological expense that may accompany it.” It emphasizes finding an improved balance between leisure and work and...
, the social trend.
Downshift is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers universes
Transformers universes
is an entertainment franchise. It began with the Hasbro Transformers toy line, centered on two factions of warring alien robots which are called the Autobots and the Decepticons...
.
Transformers: Generation 1
This AutobotAutobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota Supra
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is a sports car/grand tourer that was produced by Toyota Motor Company from 1979 to 2002. The styling of the Toyota Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was both longer and wider. Starting in mid-1986, the Supra became its own model and was no longer based on the Celica...
. 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
Tracks (Transformers)
Tracks is a character in the Transformers Universes. The name is now too generic to license in recent times; so the toys creator, Hasbro had to add a "modifier" - a prefix to the name in order to use it on their product, in this case the name became "Autobot Tracks" or "Turbo...
, Perceptor
Perceptor
Perceptor is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Perceptor transforms into a microscope ....
, and (until 1986) the Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
Triple Changer
Triple Changer
Triple Changers are Transformers that can transform from robot into two different alternative modes.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
s. 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
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than 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
Dreamwave Productions
Dreamwave Productions was a Canadian art design studio and comic book publisher founded in 1996 and is best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series...
used as an official function.
Original show bibles discovered in 2007 revealed the biography written by Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky is an American comic book writer, editor, and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel's Transformers comic. He also created the Marvel character Sleepwalker and wrote all 33 issues of that comic.-Career:...
. This biography describes Downshift as an Air Defense specialist. A war-weary veteran, he enjoys the planet Earth and children.
The resulting Dreamwave bio described him as a serious and competent security agent, often being assigned to protect important positions. The only problem is that Downshift often sees enemy agents where there are none: as he tries to root them out he leaves what he is guarding open to Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
attack.
Manga
In the Transformers Manga #5 Galvatron and his Decepticons attacked the Prime Energy Tower. Galvatron ordered the Decepticons to form Menasor, Devastator and Bruticus and attack. Rodimus Prime counted this move by ordering in Superion, Omega Supreme and Defensor. Galvatron then ordered in Predaking, knowing that Sky Lynx was elsewhere and couldn't counter them. Rodimus ordered the Omnibots to attack Predaking's legs. Tripping up the giant he fell into the other Decepticon giants, winning the day for the Autobots.Dreamwave Productions
Downshift and the other Omnibots featured briefly in the second G1 miniseries from Dreamwave. He and the other Omnibots were seen lying lifelessly, victims of MenasorMenasor
Menasor is the name to several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. The original version was the combined version of the Stunticons. Since then, other characters have taken the name Menasor.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
's rampage. They did not appear again before Dreamwave went bankrupt.
IDW Publishing
Downshift appears in the background of one panel of #1 of The Transformers: StormbringerThe Transformers: Stormbringer
The Transformers: Stormbringer is a comic book mini-series, published by IDW Publishing.The series debuted in July, 2006 and is set during the same time frame as The Transformers: Infiltration...
series from IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
.
Downshift was on the Autobot Orbital Command Hub in Spotlight: Blaster. He was present when Blaster was recovered and returned to the Autobots.
Toys
- Generation 1 Omnibot Downshift (1985)
- Originally part of the Diaclone toy line. The three Omnibot toys were offered exclusively as mail order items by Hasbro in the US, obtained by sending in collectable Robot Points off boxes plus $5 shipping. During 1985 the number of orders for Omnibots exceeded expectations by Hasbro, who extended the offer. They had nearly 50,000 orders for Camshaft alone by July.
Transformers: Armada
The second Transformers character to be named Downshift is a member of the Mini-ConMini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
Race Team. He transforms into a race car and combines with teammates Dirt Boss and Mirage
Mirage (Transformers)
Mirage is any of several distinct fictional characters in the various Transformers series. Mirage is one of the single most re-used names in the Transformers series, and is almost entirely synonymous with characters possessing Formula One racing car alternate modes.-Transformers Generation 1:Some...
to form the Skyboom Shield
Skyboom Shield
-Transformers: Armada:right|thumb|The Road Assault color Skyboom Shield toyFormed from the combination of the Mini-Con Race Team , it is one of three most powerful weapons in the Universe...
.
Dreamwave Productions
In Transformers: Armada #9-11 by Dreamwave ProductionsDreamwave Productions
Dreamwave Productions was a Canadian art design studio and comic book publisher founded in 1996 and is best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series...
the Race Team were among the Mini-Cons survived crashing on Earth's moon. Under the leadership of Dualor they built a fortress there and defended it from an attack by Megatron, Starscream, Thrust
Thrust (Transformers)
Thrust is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. The original character was an evil red Decepticon jet, with most of the following character using the name Thrust being a variation on that concept...
and Cyclonus
Cyclonus
Cyclonus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:The tech spec from the box art of the Cyclonus toy describes him as a compassionless Decepticon air warrior and saboteur...
. Once Megatron overpowered the base the Mini-Cons escaped to Earth.
Downshift appeared among the Mini-Cons in issue #18 of the Transformers: Armada comic book who aided Over-Run using the Mini-Con Matrix in the defeat of Unicron.
After initially being released 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. His Dreamwave bio attempted to explain how this change came about, noting that in his past he had been an arrogant speed demon few could outpace. Eventually settling and becoming a more mature and focused individual alongside his comrades in Race Team, Downshift's dark competitive side still existed, being fully unleashed when the Decepticons get hold of the Skyboom Shield.
Toys
- Armada Race Team Downshift (2002)
- Part of the Race Team.
- The original Armada Downshift was released in 2004 as a Transformers: UniverseTransformers: UniverseTransformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
toy, which sold individually with a "Tiny Tin".- Armada Road Assault Downshift (2003)
- Part of the Road Assault Team.
- 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.
- A recolor of Armada Mini-Con Downshift in a Tiny-Tin was released as a promotional item inside the boxes for ThundercrackerThundercrackerThundercracker is the name given to multiple fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Thundercracker is almost always depicted as a blue color Decepticon who turns into a jet fighter.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
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. - Thundercracker's bio revealed that he had abducted Downshift, using him to boost his own power levels. However, the Mini-Con's dark side eveidently resurfaced, as he and Thundercracker now formed a loose partnership in terrorizing the Autobots on Earth for the sheer thrill of the chaos they cause.
Transformers: Energon
The third Downshift first appeared in the Energon toyline in 2004. Designed as an homage to the original WheeljackWheeljack
Wheeljack is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Wheeljack is the mechanical engineer and scientist of the Autobots in the Transformers television and comic series based on the popular toy line produced by Takara and Hasbro. His...
(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
Cliffjumper
Cliffjumper is the name of several characters from the Transformers line of toys. His name is usually associated with an Autobot whose toys are often red repaints of Bumblebee toys.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
were often misapplied to the other.
This Downshift was a brave soldier who relied solely on his speed and wits to outmaneuver his Decepticon foes. While he often rushes into battle without a clear plan in battle, this flaw has been recognised by Hot Shot
Hot Shot (Transformers)
Hot Shot is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are young Autobot cars.-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:In Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Hot Shot is the leader of the Spy Changer team....
. The former Autobot rookie recognises these flaws that he once had, and has sworn to correct them.
Animated series
Downshift appeared in the Transformers: Energon series as one of the inexperienced soldiers sent into the rift caused by the collision of UnicronUnicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
's head with his body under the command of Bulkhead
Bulkhead (Transformers)
Bulkhead is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All incarnations of Bulkhead are Autobots and are green in color. He was introduced in Transformers: Energon as a Mega Vehicle and later redebuted in Transformers: Animated as a completely new character...
and alongside his firiend Cliffjumper
Cliffjumper
Cliffjumper is the name of several characters from the Transformers line of toys. His name is usually associated with an Autobot whose toys are often red repaints of Bumblebee toys.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
. They eventually succeeded, and brought Optimus Prime's team back to the normal universe. In the final battle, he gave his spark
Spark (Transformers)
Spark can refer to several objects in the fictional Transformers universe. A spark is usually the "soul" of a Transformer. It is also the name of several Transformers characters. An AllSpark is a term for two different objects within the Transformers media franchise. In the Beast Machines...
energy to empower Optimus Supreme against the Unicron possessed Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
.
Dreamwave Productions
In the Energon comic series, Downshift appeared as part of JetfireJetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
's team of reinforcements that headed to Earth to battle the Terrorcon
Terrorcon
The name Terrorcons refers to several different groups in the Transformers toyline. They are referred to as Terrortrons in Japan.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
invasion. He was part of the team that battled the Terrorcon clones in Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
, but was bailed out by a surprising source - Megatron, resurrected in a new body by Prime, who decimated the Terrorcon attack.
Transformers: Universe
A slightly recolored version of the Energon Downshift toy was available in 2005 exclusively at Kay Bee Toy Stores as part of the Transformers: UniverseTransformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
line, and appeared in the official Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
Transformers Fan Club exclusive Transformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron, known in Japan originally as , is the 2005-2007 Transformers toy line and animated series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara...
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.
His Universe bio revealed he stayed behind on the black hole threatened Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
at the instruction of Optimus Prime himself to guard the entrances to the energon shafts of Iacon city - and by extension the core of the planet itself. Though daunting, the mission suits this veteran loner perfectly. Ironically this contradicts the later bio for the Cybertron Downshift.
Transformers: Cybertron
Cybertron’s Downshift is an original toy by Hasbro and does not appear in Transformers: Galaxy Force toy line or its cartoon series, which was dubbed into English to become Transformers: CybertronTransformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron, known in Japan originally as , is the 2005-2007 Transformers toy line and animated series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara...
(this version turns into a Buick Gran Sport
Buick Gran Sport
The Buick Gran Sport or GS was a high-performance option package available on a number of Buick models, including the Riviera, Skylark, Century and Wildcat. A special version of one model was given the package's name as its model name....
).
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.
His bio revealed that Hot Shot's tutoring, mentioned in his Energon toy bio, had indeed paid off. Once an immulsive racer, he was now a much more mature and balanced individual. He now weighs up his options before entering into battle, using his speed and agility wisely to take down even the largest opponents. His Cyber Key data, found on the Hasbro website somewhat oddly revealed that he had been partnered with a Female Transformer prior to leaving Cybertron, similar to Earth marriage. Separated when leaving Cybertron, they reunited back on Earth, and eventually stayed behind on Earth after Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
was defeated. (A design sketch of his alternate mode is also included, showing a rear isometric view with rear taillights resembling those on a 1970 Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. There have been several different Dodge vehicles, built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate...
.)
Confusion over alternate mode
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 CrosswiseCrosswise
-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:Crosswise was the name of one of the Autobot Spy Changers. He is the science officer of the Spy Changers....
clearly resembles a Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
, Downshift seems to be an amalgamation of a few muscle cars from the 1970-74 era. The following cars can be seen as inspiration for his vehicle mode:
| |
|
|
|
|
| Make/Model | 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Plymouth Barracuda The Plymouth Barracuda is a 2-door car that was manufactured by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1964-1974.The first-generation Barracuda, a fastback A-body coupe based on the Plymouth Valiant, had a distinctive wraparound back glass and was available from 1964-1966.The... |
1967 Plymouth Barracuda Plymouth Barracuda The Plymouth Barracuda is a 2-door car that was manufactured by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1964-1974.The first-generation Barracuda, a fastback A-body coupe based on the Plymouth Valiant, had a distinctive wraparound back glass and was available from 1964-1966.The... |
1967 Plymouth Barracuda Plymouth Barracuda The Plymouth Barracuda is a 2-door car that was manufactured by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1964-1974.The first-generation Barracuda, a fastback A-body coupe based on the Plymouth Valiant, had a distinctive wraparound back glass and was available from 1964-1966.The... /1978 Dodge Challenger Dodge Challenger The Dodge Challenger is the name of three different generations of automobiles marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler.The first generation Dodge Challenger was a pony car built from 1970 to 1974, using the Chrysler E platform and sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda. The second... |
1978 Dodge Challenger Dodge Challenger The Dodge Challenger is the name of three different generations of automobiles marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler.The first generation Dodge Challenger was a pony car built from 1970 to 1974, using the Chrysler E platform and sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda. The second... |
- The 1968-1970 Plymouth Roadrunner shared various features (as well as its chassis) with the famous 1968-70 Dodge ChargerDodge ChargerThe Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. There have been several different Dodge vehicles, built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate...
, so both could also be cited as the source of the car's rear and front ends. - Actually the car as a whole is closest to the 1968 Plymouth GTX. The front end much more closely resembles the GTX's vs. the 'Cuda's.
- Several muscle cars from the 1970s shared the same hoodscoop design found on Downshift. Most prominently the DodgeDodgeDodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
MoparMoparMopar is the automobile parts and service arm of Chrysler Group LLC. The term was first used by Chrysler in the 1920s and has been in continuous use ever since. Mopar parts are original equipment manufactured parts for Chrysler vehicles...
designs.
Fun Publications
Downshift also made a number of appearances in the Hasbro Club Collector's comic. His appearance here was faithful to the bio laid down for his Universe incarnation, as he guarded the tunnels leading to the core of Cybertron. Unfortunately an attack by Nemesis PrimeNemesis Prime
Nemesis Prime is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers storyline. He is often depicted as an evil incarnation of Optimus Prime.-Transformers: Armada:...
proved too much for him, and the deranged Herald of Unicron almost killed him. Rebuilt in a new body that transformed into an Earth car - his Cybertron toy - he went on to take part in the Mini-Con
Mini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
civil war, and was one of those that received Optimus Prime's party bearing word of Vector Prime
Vector Prime (Transformers)
Vector Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers: Cybertron toyline, animated series and comics. In fiction he is an ancient Autobot, one of the first ever created, with powers over time and space, and turns into a spaceship...
's death.
Toys
- Energon Downshift (2004)
- A homage to Generation 1 WheeljackWheeljackWheeljack is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Wheeljack is the mechanical engineer and scientist of the Autobots in the Transformers television and comic series based on the popular toy line produced by Takara and Hasbro. His...
.- Universe Downshift (2005)
- A redeco of Energon Downshift.
- Cybertron Downshift (2006)
- Initially sold individually.
- A value 2-pack repackaging Cybertron Downshift and Cannonball in Transformers: Universe packaging was first seen online in September 2007, called "Search For The Pirate Moon".
- This toy was later redecoed into movie Big Daddy.
Transformers: Timelines
Downshift is a mirror universe duplicate of the Generation 1 character. He is one of Optimus Prime's evil Autobots.Fun Publications
Downshift appeared as a member of the Autobots in the story Do Over by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
. He was part of an Autobot team led by Kup
Kup
Kup is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe. All are older Autobots who are members of the Elite Guard. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time...
.
Downshift appeared in the story Reunification by Fun Publications. He investigated an unusual energy readying at Alpha Trion's abandoned lab, only to be ambushed and stabbed by Alpha Trion.
Toys
No toy has been made for Downshift, although he seems to be based on the original Generation 1 version of the character, repainted in the colors of the Generation 1 Decepticon Reflector.Transformers: Reveal the Shield
Toys
- Reveal the Shield
- A black/yellow redeco of Hubcap from the 2010 movie toy line.