It's a common practice for comics though.
Marvel has been doing it for over a decade, featuring characters not even in the books.
It was a bit of a thing particularly with Morrison's New X-Men run.
I'm fine with it. It'll get the interest of the casual audience who wouldn't know Machine Wars designs. If it gets their attention and gets them to pick up the book, then job done, and hopefully they'll enjoy the introduction to a wider TF-verse.
Looking To Buy Either Siege Or Earthrise Ratchet, and Buzzworthy SS86 ER Cliffjumper.