Sunday 14 July 2024

Meister BT-08

 


Profile (Translated from the Character Card) 
BT-08 Cybertron Lieutenant Meister
● Function: Lieutenant
● Transformation: Mazda RX-8
Well-versed in Earth's culture and trusted as Commander Convoy's right-hand man, Meister was one of the few members of the Cybertron Earth Command to escape the ravages of Cosmic Rust. However, to carry out a top-secret investigation crucial to the survival of the Binaltech Project, his consciousness was transferred to a transformable body made by Mazda. This provided him with a more discreet appearance and GT System-compatibility, resulting in his rebirth as a new Binaltech warrior. In conjunction with his partner, a replica automaton, he utilises his superior intelligence to execute dangerous missions with style.
● Weapon(s): Photon Rifle, Flamethrower
STR...5; INT...9; SPD...7; END...7; RNK...8; CRG...9; FPR...5; SKL...10

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


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Overview


In June 2004, it was announced that two versions of the BT-08 Meister would be available for sale in late September 2004. The first version, "Snowflake White Pearl," would feature Meister's original colour scheme without the racing livery. The second version, "Velocity Red Mica," would offer a striking alternative. Both versions were to be produced in equal numbers. According to Takara's website, the BT-08 Meister would be available for purchase ahead of the general release at the Mazda Premiere event in Tokyo, which ran from 16th to 20th September 2004.



The Velocity Red Mica edition was revealed to be an AI robot, remotely controlled by Meister and nicknamed "Zoom Zoom," reflecting Mazda's advertising tagline at the time. 



Another unique version of the BT-08 Meister, limited to a single piece, was the "Meister Mayuko Iwasa Edition." Designed by Japanese model Mayuko Iwasa, this edition featured a custom colour scheme and an autographed roof. It was sold through Yahoo Auctions for charity from 21st September 2004. The winning bid was 301,000 Yen (approximately USD $1,500 in 2004), with the proceeds donated to the Asian Children Orphaned by Traffic Accidents Support Association (ACTAS). 


BT-08 Meister came with a large Cybertron/Autobot emblem sticker, while a similar Destron sticker would be packaged with the BT-13 Laserwave.




Packaged in vehicle mode, the incredibly detailed RX-8 alternate mode looks impressive and was a great alternative, especially considering that Porsche did not grant a license to Takara. On the underside of the car, the exhaust silencer (muffler) is removable and transforms into Meister's handgun.



Like other Binaltech figures, BT-08 Meister features opening side doors, bonnet, and boot. The tyres are made of rubber, and the front wheels are magnetically connected. 



The transformation process is similar to that of the Subaru Impreza Binaltech, with an improved foot transformation that feels more robust. The arms also feature a much better transformation than the Subaru's.



The robot mode is unmistakable Meister / Jazz helped by the great head sculpt featuring a detailed translucent blue visor. The articulation was good for its time and it of course does not have the same movement you would find with modern Masterpiece or even mainstream figures.



Overall this is one of the best Binaltech figures, whereas BT-01 is iconic, Meister is far easier to pick up and transform.





Translations


Back of the Box



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)




Mazda RX-8
An accurate model of the new-generation sports car, the Mazda RX-8. The exterior's most distinctive feature is its B-pillarless design, with centre-opening freestyle doors that open and close just like the real car. The aerodynamic body lines, with a drag coefficient of 0.30, and the body colour of Snowflake White Pearl Mica or Velocity Red Mica, finished with three coats on the actual car, are reproduced with a rich sense of realism. 

Cybertron Meister 
Meister, the popular Cybertron Lieutenant known for his tough appearance and cool personality, returns with the ability to transform into a modern sports car, the Mazda RX-8. Numerous enhancements have been made to the standard transformation process, including the successful recreation of the rear seat, resulting in an impressive mechanism.

FRONT BODY
Features prominent overhanging fenders. The bulge at the rear of the bonnet is inspired by the rotor shape, symbolising the rotary engine. 

REAR SEATS 
The major selling points of the actual car include the highly practical rear bucket seats and the centre console which extends the length of the car's interior.

WHEELS 
The high-spec 'Type S' model features a high-power engine and exclusive 18-inch tyres and aluminium wheels. 

STEERING
The front wheel steering mechanism features a completely new mechanism, achieving smoother transformation and improved articulation in robot mode.

HEAD
The redesigned head features a double visor design inspired by the original version. The ball joint allows for unrestricted movement. 

SECRET WEAPON
The muffler block in the rear exhaust section transforms into his Photon Rifle.

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

CAR STICKER 
Includes a special car sticker featuring the Cybertron emblem.


Instruction Manual Page 9 & 10





SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 
This Binaltech body, which faithfully reproduces and enhances the performance of his original form, meets all of Meister's demands, whose marksmanship with his photon rifle allows him to hit targets from any position. The built-in flamethrower, full-spectrum headlights, and 180-decibel stereo speakers combine to produce a captivating light and sound spectacle. Furthermore, the incorporation of auxiliary wings on his back and his side thrusters allows him to glide for approximately 3,000 metres. 

The other Meister, whose entire body is crimson, is a Cybertron replica automaton and represents the original research achievement of the BT-08 plan. The AI, constructed by emulating Meister's personality program, exhibits a high level of autonomous behaviour, though not yet sufficient to be considered sentient, and can be remotely controlled by Meister for deployment in actual combat. Meister affectionately calls this AI robot, who is like a brother or son to him, 'Zoom-Zoom,' and occasionally gives him dance and music lessons. 

The “BT-08” project initially began as an effort to artificially recreate and replicate the Transformer's cognitive program using cutting-edge AI technology. For the control body, Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan had been producing several Binaltech units modelled after Meister's functions and appearance. However, due to situational changes, it was quickly decided that these units would be better utilised as a disguise body for Meister himself. Consequently, his brain core and personal components were secretly transported to Japan and installed at Mazda's Concept Lab in Hiroshima.


STORY OF BINALTECH 

Operation: Car Wash
The Binaltech Transformers are a new generation of Cybertron warriors revived on Earth through human efforts, entrusted with advanced technology from Planet Seibertron.
The inadvertent involvement of the Binaltech Project, a symbol of the Earth-Cybertron Alliance, in the resurrection of a Destron soldier came as a profound shock to the allied camp. However, concerned that this incident could cast doubt on loyal collaborators and fracture the project, the Alliance conducted extensive information operations to suppress the facts. They initiated an emergency command known as 'Operation Car Wash' to uncover the truth of the situation, specifically regarding the extent of Destron infiltration in the Binaltech project. Thus, while an expert team led by Dr. Faireborn conducted a covert investigation, the Cybertronian military also deployed their top agents to address and resolve the situation.

MAZDA RX-8 VEHICLE DATA
The Mazda RX-8, introduced in 2003, represents a new generation of sports car that redefines the concept of a “four-door sports car.”
Unlike conventional reciprocating engines, the RE (rotary engine) features a simple structure that efficiently harnesses power directly from the rotational motion of the rotor. It is known for being lightweight, compact, and capable of high rotation speed and output. In 1967, Mazda introduced the Cosmo Sport, featuring a high-performance engine that many manufacturers had attempted but failed to achieve. Since then, Mazda has distinguished itself as the only manufacturer in the world that continues to produce vehicles with rotary engines.
The RX-8 is a completely new car equipped with the new generation rotary engine, called "RENESIS" (RE+GENESIS).

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 4435mm 
Width: 1770mm 
Height: 1340mm 
Wheelbase: 2700mm 
Weight: 1310kg 
Engine: Water-cooled inline (2-rotors) 
Total Displacement: 654x2cc 
Maximum Output: 250ps/8500rpm 
Maximum Torque: 22.0kg-m/5500rpm 
Compression Ratio: 10.0 
Transmission: 6-speed MT 
Wheels: Aluminium Alloy 
Fuel Tank Capacity: 61L 

※The data pertains to the “Type S” model, which features a high-power engine.



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