Blitzwing
Bombshell
Cliffjumper
Cyclonus
Elita-One
Galvatron
Gears
Grimlock
Hoist
Hot Rod
Hound
Inferno
Ironhide
Jazz
Megatron
Optimus Prime
Perceptor
Prowl
Ramjet
Ratchet
Rodimus Prime
Rumble
Skyfire
Skywarp
Slag
Snarl
Starscream
Swoop
Thundercracker
Thrust
Tracks
Ultra Magnus
Wheeljack

Function: The "Teenager With a Big Future" Voice Actor: Movie: Judd Nelson Series: Dick Gautier First Appearance: "The Transformers: The Movie"

Nightwind's Words of Wisdom:

Before he was Rodimus Prime (and after he was Rodimus Prime, unfortunately...) he was Hot Rod. Many people, me included, don't like his personality as much when he's Hot Rod. And many people don't like him either way. As far as I'm concerned...Well, Hot Rod's your typical bratty, headstrong "Teenager With A Big Future," much like Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. And I hate typical, bratty, headstrong teenagers. I had to deal with them every day when I taught; I don't need to see 'em on the TV.

But it's rather ironic, is it not, that this guy — so cocky, so sure of himself, so forceful — "grew up" into Rodimus Prime, the epitomé of the uncertain, reluctant hero. Well, I think so, anyway... That uncertainty, that reluctance, that vulnerability is really what I love about Rodimus — and its absence is why I like Hot Rod here a whole lot less than I like him once he's "growed up."

Still, I love how Hot Rod looks as Hot Rod. I love his car form. It's so much niftier-looking than the "flaming Winnebago" he has as Roddy Prime... And I love Hot Rod's brighter, more "youthful" colors, too.

The Official Word:

Profile: Hot Rod is the all-American-boy Autobot. Not too sweet, not too sharp, not too snotty... not a goodie-goodie, but basically a typical adolescent who has dreams of doing great stuff and being as heroic and important as Optimus Prime and other famous and revered top Autobots. He tends to follow rules until they bug him- and he sometimes learns, to his regret, that disobeying wasn't exactly smart. And he often acts without thinking in an effort to do the right thing- and this gets him and sometimes his friends in trouble. But he's not afraid when trouble does arrive and is a brave and honorable fighter and friend. He is especially close to Kup, the grizzled old mentor of an Autobot, although he sometimes resents hearing "wisdom." And he likes Daniel, the Earth kid, a lot. (In a way, Hot Rod is big brother to Daniel -a role model- and Hot Rod knows it and takes the responsibility seriously.) In robot or automotive mode, Hot Rod is sometimes hot-headed, but always a well-meaning, admirable "lad" and popular with all who know him.

Abilities: He carries two photon lasers that temporarily electromagnetize an enemy robot's microcircuits. Speed: 120 mph. Range: 4 miles.

Weaknesses: Hot Rod's impulsive actions often get him into trouble.

Miscellaneous:

Best Place to Hot Rod-Watch:
Erm...Well, actually, Hot Rod in "The Rebirth" doesn't offend/annoy me... I guess he's OK in the movie, too; it's just that you can see his future coming a mile off. You knew what was going to happen as soon as he caught the Matrix, for pity's sake... *yawn*