Toy Review - Masterpiece Sunstreaker

[GoktimusPrime]

I must be one of the few people who refers to the instruction booklet.

[graza78]

Anyone have an issue unfolding the side windows back for car mode? I was struggling with one side. I think the window was clipping the door, and the mirror was blocking the rotation somehow. Either way, the mirror somehow popped out and was proppelled across the room.

[Magnus]

I must be one of the few people who refers to the instruction booklet.

It's not just you. For a figure of this complexity, I think everyone should be following the instructions. If you don't, you're liable to get frustrated and/or break something.

I'm not a big fan of the Sunstreaker character, but I wanted to see for myself the engineering that's gone into this toy.

The degree of thought and engineering that's gone into the toy to create such a screen-accurate robot is amazing. Not only that, it can transform from the customised Lamborghini Countach Sunstreaker is known for into a stock LP500S without additional parts. I think additional parts to create the different cars would have understandable and forgivable, but TakaraTOMY went and made sure it was all self-contained.

The robot mode is also very well articulated, more so than most Masterpieces, and not just the cars.

Yes, he's not cheap, but you're paying for the engineering R&D and for the sheer part count - there are a lot of parts, so Sunstreaker has a lot more plastic in him than Sideswipe.

My one gripe is that I still wish he had the body-coloured spoiler that the first coloured prototypes had. Even if it's toy-accurate, it stands out too much for my taste.

Some photos of the stock Lamborghini Countach LP500S:







Comparisons with MP Sideswipe:

[GoktimusPrime]

It is true that much of the complexity comes from having the vehicle mode be able to transform from customised to standard Countach mode, as well as not having a split bonnet. The rumour I've heard is that this was to appease Lamborghini in order to use the vehicle licence for this toy. Apparently Lamborghini doesn't want their cars to have a split right down the middle of the bonnet (even AOE Lockdown and TLK Hot Rod leave the centre piece of their bonnets in tact), and apparently they wanted Sunstreaker to transform into a standard Lamborghini. So much of what we're seeing here seem to be compromises that TakaraTOMY made in order to make a G1-accurate Sunstreaker while fulfilling the requirements from Lamborghini.

[philby]

Mine got delivered today. I think it looks stunning in car and bot mode. Pretty complicated and fiddly transformation at times. As always though I can't help but smile as I see things coming together after every fold and twist. I'm not sure if I will be doing it very often though.

The chrome looks fantastic but I think it might wear or mark pretty easily. I changed from super tuning crazy mode to regular car mode once. When I started transforming to robot mode, I noticed a mark on each side which kinda lines up with the dark grey pieces underneath. dammit.

Kinda annoying having it happen straight away but I remember some horror stories about Ironhide and Ratchet so maybe I can consider myself lucky? I don't think I will use 'regular' car mode much anyway.

I don't even remember Sunstreaker that much from the cartoon. I don't have a real nostalgic feeling for him. Since I like the MP Car Robots and Lamborghinis in particular I really wanted to get this one. It doesn't disappoint.

It may be a nitpick but I really think it should come with a detailed Lamborghini logo too.

[Deano85]

Mine arrived today as well. I will agree the backpack is a bit tricky the first time you do it. Glad to finally have him in hand.

[Magnus]

It is true that much of the complexity comes from having the vehicle mode be able to transform from customised to standard Countach mode, as well as not having a split bonnet. The rumour I've heard is that this was to appease Lamborghini in order to use the vehicle licence for this toy. Apparently Lamborghini doesn't want their cars to have a split right down the middle of the bonnet (even AOE Lockdown and TLK Hot Rod leave the centre piece of their bonnets in tact), and apparently they wanted Sunstreaker to transform into a standard Lamborghini. So much of what we're seeing here seem to be compromises that TakaraTOMY made in order to make a G1-accurate Sunstreaker while fulfilling the requirements from Lamborghini.

The rumour I read was that Lamborghini didn't want the logo split, not the bonnet, but in that case, TakaraTOMY could have just made the split slightly asymmetrical so the logo would be intact if they had to split the bonnet down the middle.

[philby]

The rumour I read was that Lamborghini didn't want the logo split, not the bonnet, but in that case, TakaraTOMY could have just made the split slightly asymmetrical so the logo would be intact if they had to split the bonnet down the middle.

Well neither the logo or the bonnet splits. Ugh. Maybe someone can paint one for me 😀

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

It may be a nitpick but I really think it should come with a detailed Lamborghini logo too.

This struck me as a bit odd too.

The rumour I read was that Lamborghini didn't want the logo split, not the bonnet, but in that case, TakaraTOMY could have just made the split slightly asymmetrical so the logo would be intact if they had to split the bonnet down the middle.

I'm more surprised that Lamborghini isn't OK with a splitting bonnet/logo (depending on which it really is), but is fine with an unpainted lambo logo.

Just dug mine out of the box the other day and it sure looks impressive. Haven't had a crack at Transforming him yet, as I think I will need to set aside a substantial amount of time to do so.

While I do like the looks of both modes, I also like the figure to be quick(ish) to Transform. Something tells me Sunstreaker won't be in that basket.

[GoktimusPrime]

Just dug mine out of the box the other day and it sure looks impressive. Haven't had a crack at Transforming him yet, as I think I will need to set aside a substantial amount of time to do so.

While I do like the looks of both modes, I also like the figure to be quick(ish) to Transform. Something tells me Sunstreaker won't be in that basket.

It is certainly very tricky, yet still intuitive. I think it just takes practice.

Anyway, mine finally arrived today, so... PHOTOS!

Tuning vehicle mode from the front


Tuning vehicle mode from the rear


Surface-to-air weapon


Doors, bonnet and headlights opened


Standard Lamborghini mode from the front


Standard vehicle mode from the rear


With MP Sideswipe in vehicle mode


Robot mode


Pistol


Rifle (Flare Gun)


Gah! It's horrible! Get that silver thing outta there!


With MP Sideswipe in robot mode


Comparison with G1 Sunstreaker, robot mode


Comparison with G1 Sunstreaker, vehicle mode