View source for Hubcap (G1)

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Hubcap}}
:''Hubcap is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Hubcapg1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Orange face and experimental dog energies not included.]]
Everybody likes '''Hubcap'''. He's friendly, always has a clever joke or compliment ready, and is generally a nice, fun, affable bot to be around. On the other hand, nobody actually ''trusts'' Hubcap. It's not his devotion to the [[Autobot]] cause that's the concern (mostly), but his ulterior motives for his friendship and jokes and the like. He is at his core a con artist, and everyone's a bit on their guard around him. Some think he's this way to cover for deficiencies or to stay in a position well above his actual aptitude level... or maybe he just likes tricking people. He doesn't seem to have made many enemies with his tricks and scams, though; quite the opposite. So perhaps it is all mostly harmless.

No-one doubts that he's got ''very'' good audio receptors, though, capable of picking up even the weakest of signals, which is why he's part of the Autobot communications hub. One can only guess as to what he might ''do'' with all he hears in that position, though.

{{bigquote|Weapons can win battles, but words can win wars.|Generation 1 Hubcap bio quote}}

==Fiction==

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:BlackSunshine Autobot training failures.jpg|thumb|Hubcap and his buddies weren't 1984 enough to beat the training drones.]]
Hubcap was among the group of new recruits seen failing to take on the [[auto-combatant]] training drones on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s rule was toppled. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}
{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{First|[[Megatron Origin issue 3|''Megatron Origin'' #3]]}}

[[File:MegsOrigin4 Hubcap.jpg|left|thumb|Actually doing his job!]]
Hubcap was secretly an [[Outlier (group)|outlier]], with the power to amplify or block any signal. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} Before the war, he was buddies with [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], forming a trio of friends who would often enjoy [[Cybertronian sport#Races|the races]] together. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}}

Hubcap's dayjob was in the [[Senate]] Security Services. He was among the mourners at the funeral of his comrades [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] at [[Security Services Headquarters]] in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], standing with his friends Bumblebee and Cliffjumper. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} He later served at an Autobot communications post, trying to radio through to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] for reinforcements during [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s "everything burns" offensive. In the end, the area was so devastated that Hubcap and the Autobots had to request evacuation from the area instead, leaving Kaon under Decepticon control. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}} Subsequently, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] took over the security forces and began restructuring them, Hubcap was among the earliest troops who assembled under him—though [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] didn't believe him or any of the others were ''real'' soldiers. {{storylink|Old Ways}} 

In the early days of the Decepticon uprising, Hubcap and Cliffjumper's close friendship with Bumblebee came to an end when he began acting strange and they stopped hanging out with him, unaware he was the victim of mental manipulation by [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Hubcap eventually took up a job as an intelligence analyst {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} and partway through the war, he was listed as a potential candidate for a mission that was ultimately given to [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie}} He became good friends with [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] and the two would often write to each other. His communications expertise also gained him a friend in [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} 

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers4 HubcapTraumatized.jpg|right|thumb|"''Pluh— please'', I-I beg [[Roadbuster (G1)|you]]... no... more... ''[[Ghostbusters]] references!!''"]]
Hubcap was later assigned as a cadet for training with the famous [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], but the experience was a horrific one: Roadbuster had been hearing the voice of what he believed to be [[Mortilus]], god of death, and following its instructions, had been torturing and murdering his cadets. Violently beaten and forced to endure "[[Transform-up|mode-drilling]]"—constant transformation, over and over—Hubcap was taken to the brink of death, but moments before Roadbuster could "deliver" the cadets to his master, security forces under the command of [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] arrived in the nick of time and took Roadbuster into custody. Once repaired, Hubcap returned to his work as an analyst, but one day, stumbled across a stray transmission that filled him with fury: Roadbuster had been released after minimum rehab on Prowl's orders, as a favor to [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]. The realization that the lives of little 'bots like him did not matter in the eyes of prime movers like Prowl tipped Hubcap over the edge; he fell in with the renegade scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], who also had a vendetta against Prowl, and was soon dredging up all sorts of dirt on Prowl that they could use against him. Even though Tarantulas admitted having ''been'' the voice of "Mortilus" that drove Roadbuster mad, the terrified Hubcap continued working with the spider in hope of seeing justice served, and the promise of getting a new, stronger body to use, so no one would ''ever'' overlook him again. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:Hubcap sins of the wreckers 1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left]]
After the war ended, Hubcap furthered Tarantulas' plot by becoming the administrator of [[Debris]], the [[Wreckers]]' space station headquarters, next to Roadbuster. The Wrecker didn't recognise him and assumed that with his reputation as a communications specialist, he must really want the job. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} Pipes was disappointed when Hubcap wouldn't leave to join the ''[[Lost Light]]'' with him {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} but the two stayed in touch; Pipes's last proper words before his death were a message sent to his friend. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

On the day that Tarantulas's revenge plan went into motion and he captured Prowl, Hubcap nervously approached Impactor and Roadbuster to warn them that the now incarcerated Wrecker [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] was about to break free of his makeshift prison. This was Impactor's first meeting with Hubcap, and he chose to question him about the station's other occupant, the comatose [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]], asking his opinion about him being kept on life-support. Fittingly enough, Springer chose that very moment to emerge from his coma, having been contacted by [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] for help in locating Prowl. Sufficiently motivated, Springer recruited Hubcap into a new iteration of the Wreckers and they travelled to [[Earth]] to rendez-vous with Kup and his allies [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] and [[Verity Carlo]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers2 WreckersRollOut.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right]]
While Arcee and Springer took to arguing over who they thought was responsible for Prowl's disappearance, Hubcap scanned the local area but was unable to find any trace of other Cybertronians nearby. Presently, the group came under attack from Tarantulas's employees, the anarchist organization [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]], whose [[Beast mode|bio-disguises]] shielded them from Hubcap's sensors {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}} (though of course, being in on the plan, Hubcap, ''knew'' they had been lurking around). {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} During the battle, gigantic Mayhem member [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]] became stuck in mid-transformation, and Springer, Arcee, Roadbuster, Hubcap, and Verity all ran inside his cavernous body in order to access his teleport gateway to Tarantulas's pocket-dimension hideaway, the [[Noisemaze (dimension)|Noisemaze]]. Taking Mayhem member [[Claw Jaw]] captive, they had him open the gateway to the Noisemaze, and with Hubcap's "assurance" that he had detected no transmissions from Claw Jaw to alert Tarantulas to their coming, the team headed through. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers3 HubcapBetrayal.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb]]
Upon arrival in the Noisemaze, Arcee, Springer, and Roadbuster were immediately rendered insensate by the Noisemaze's sensory maelstrom. Hubcap's frequency skills rendered him immune to the maze's effects, but when Claw Jaw—protected by neural blockers provided by Tarantulas—began laughing at the Autobots' plight, Hubcap was forced to use his powers to ''amplify'' the maze's effect on Claw Jaw, killing him before he could spill the beans about Hubcap's treachery to Verity. Verity's own ill health led to her passing out, and as her vision dimmed, Hubcap told her he admired her bravery in standing up to Prowl. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} 

[[File:sotw4 hubcap's fall.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right|"Perhaps, if you had more time... but then again, perhaps not. Redemption is a rare and special thing, after all. It is not for everyone."]]
When the team recovered consciousness, they were greeted with the sight of Hubcap standing at Tarantulas's side, and learned the full story behind the little 'bot's turn to the dark side. Hubcap vowed that he would expose every corrupt thing Prowl had done in the name of the "greater good," intending to beam it all out into the universe for everyone to see, but when push came to shove, it turned out he couldn't back up his big talk: Prowl made him see the potential for a new war to be ignited by the information if it reached the public, and all the loss of life that would be on Hubcap's hands if we went through with it. At the last second, just before transmitting the data, Hubcap relented and set the Wreckers free. As he led Prowl through [[Tor|Tarantulas's base]] to safety, he expressed relief that it was all over and that he could move on, even if he would have to do so in jail... only to turn around and see that Prowl had pulled a gun on him, having decided he possessed too much incriminating data to be allowed to live. Hubcap pleaded not just for his life, but for Prowl to see that, if he kept committing atrocities like that for the "greater good," everything would just keep happening all over again, as new victims sought restitution and revenge the way Hubcap had. Surprisingly, Prowl relented, seeing the logic in Hubcap's words and agreeing they had to be strong enough to end the cycle together. Impactor, lurking in the shadows, disagreed; believing it was too great a risk, he shot Hubcap through the chest, and the little 'bot plunged off the catwalk to his apparent death. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}
{{--}}

===''TransTech''===
[[File:Axiomnexusgonetoofar.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
After a routine [[space bridge]] accident, Hubcap and his best mech [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] ended up in the trans-dimensional processing hub of [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon]] Cybertron. They were released into [[Axiom Nexus]] proper after being properly [[identification bolt|cataloged and tagged]] to wait until their exit visas came through. Their tour guide [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]], an Autobot from the [[Aurex]] [[universal stream|universal cluster]], explained the deal with the [[Transcendent Technomorph|TransTech]]s, but Hubcap didn't get much further than "I hate quantum." The whole TransTech v. [[Lowtech|Offworlder]] system put Hubcap on edge, but Jackpot convinced him to live a little and mix it up with the locals.

While looking for someone to float them a line of credit, the two Autobots visited a local bank, only to be quickly escorted to the curb after Hubcap began loudly explaining all the ways the basic contract was designed to screw over the lendee long-term. Mixing their needs for adventure and profit, Hubcap and Jackpot journeyed to the relatively unpoliced Zone 6, and hit the scene at [[The Blue Deployer]]. Hubcap was initially annoyed at the low-level jamming field in the tavern that threw a blanket over his special senses, but soon perked right up when he saw the gambling tables. Hubcap got on a winning streak in his game, squaring off against a local Decepticon named [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]], and bet it all on what he thought was an unbeatable hand in [[Cybertronian sport#Fullstasis|Fullstasis]]. Unfortunately for their coin-purse, Jackpot wandered over at that moment and his luck-warping field (combined with the natural observer's bias when dealing with quantum mechanics) sent Gutcruncher's hand into superposition, costing Hubcap everything or, as he put it, "''fifty-slagging-three-slagging-thousand slagging credits!''"

Gutcruncher liked the cut of Hubcap's metal, and offered him a business opportunity to meet for later than night. Hubcap and Jackpot were in agreement to ''Never Trust a Decepticon'' when The Blue Deployer's patron, [[Cryotek (TransTech)|Cryotek]], interjected his opinion. He convinced the duo to take Gutcruncher up on his offer and see what their options were. A few hours later, Hubcap and Jackpot found themselves with mezzanine-level seats to the start of a war—Gutcruncher was rallying all the offworlder gangs and unions to strike back at the TransTechs and seize their transcendent technology for themselves. And, as the universe attempted to prove any situation could always get worse, a photon charge suddenly went off directly behind the duo, atomizing Gutcruncher's skull and leaving every crooked crankshaft and gear-spitting gang member in Axiom Nexus gunning for their heads.

Hubcap and Jackpot led their pursuers on a merry chase, but could find no help at The Blue Deployer or from their own doppelgangers in the Nexus. Finally, they were caught by agents of the [[Axiom Nexus Security Administration|Security Administration]] and hauled in to the cops. Hubcap tried to explain to [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Commander Cheetor]] that his [[Tech Spec|tech-spec]]s just didn't allow this level of violence, but Cheetor was already way ahead of them: ''obviously'' they didn't do it, but ''obviously'' the gangs weren't going to stop and listen to a reasoned explanation. He was planning to hold them indefinitely, so Hubcap set off his engines to create a smokescreen long enough for them to escape. Still lacking anything that resembled a cunning plan, Hubcap and Jackpot continued running around the back alleys of Axiom Nexus, occasionally out-maneuvering the [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] gang with sonic decoys and lucky electrocutions.

[[File:BlackShadowHubcap GoneTooFar.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Can't we talk about this? I'm good at *erkk* talking...]]
This might have gone on for ages if the REAL killer hadn't tracked them down. [[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]], one of Cryotek's employees, had been responsible for the execution of Gutcruncher, and was planning to add two more kills to his record. After all, icing the two Autobots not only prevented them from clearing their names and implicating him, it also gave him a shot at a second payday once he collected the bounty placed on their heads by Gutcruncher's second, [[Dirge (Timelines)|Dirge]]. The Autobots let him keep monologuing until they were ready to make a break for it. Unfortunately, Black Shadow was a [[Pretender]] ([[Crossformer]], really), and splitting up did little to improve their odds. Hubcap tried to outrun the flying Decepticon by hitching a ride on a passing jet mode Transformer. He used a high-pitched whine from his audio systems to pretend he was equipped with an [[Exponential Generator|exponential generator]], forcing his unwilling carrier to participate in the getaway. The next part of his plan was a bit dangerous, deliberately amplifying his voice and identifying himself to draw out the Malignus and Gutcruncher's lackeys. It worked, and just as Black Shadow was going to choke the life out of him and / or hand him over to Dirge and the Malignus for something even worse, Hubcap activated his internal playback and broadcasted Blackie's gloating confession for all to hear. After then tricking Black Shadow into identifying his guns as the murder weapons, the jury was in—the assembled gangs tore the assassin limb from limb.

Although they had successfully cleared their names, Commander Cheetor had deemed the two Autobots "undesirables" and fast tracked their exit visas as soon as possible, sending them on their way to [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|a universe similar to their own]]. Hubcap and Jackpot ended up crash-materializing atop a Decepticon named [[Killzone]], who was rampaging through a primitive civilization. A short talk with the locals revealed the planet was polluted with a certain kind of [[energon cube|squarish rock that glows and explodes when you hit it]]. As they arranged to contact the Autobot army for pick-up, Hubcap began negotiating with [[Yurgeth]] to remove all those nasty rocks...free of charge, of course. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

===''Wings Universe''===
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:FlashForward3 HubcapHiTest.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left]]
Hubcap spent most of his time listening in on radio "chatter" on Earth, on the lookout for both Cybertronian and human criminal activity which he could help in stopping. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 46|Hubcap's profile in Club magazine #46}}

In [[2010]], Hubcap was among the reinforcements sent from [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] to [[Switzerland]] via the [[Geneva Space Bridge Nexus]]. He assisted [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]]'s Autobots against the [[Decepticon Syndicate]], and was exposed to [[forestonite]] gas that gave him new super-powers. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}} Two years later, he accompanied Pyro and several others to follow up on a distress call from [[Nebulos]]. Upon arriving, they discovered that scientist [[Hi-Q]] had disappeared. Hubcap used his forestonite-enhanced powers of persuasion to convince Hi-Q's lab assistant, [[Hi-Test (G1)|Hi-Test]] to reveal the existence of Hi-Q's extensive security system. {{storylink|A Flash Forward, Part 3}} Following clues from the surveillance recordings, Pyro and his team tracked the kidnapped Nebulon to [[Qre]], where they were quickly incapacitated and captured by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|A Flash Forward, Part 4}} After [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] freed everyone, they rescued Hi-Q, destroyed the base, and returned to Earth. {{storylink|A Flash Forward, Part 6}} 

Circa [[2013]], [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] leader [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] cloned Hubcap to create a [[Hubcap (MW)|commander]] for his forces. {{storylink|Termination}} During the final stages of the [[Machine Wars (event)|Machine Wars]], the original Hubcap was on Earth. He alerted Pyro to [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]'s signal from Cybertron. {{storylink|A Common Foe}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
[[File:FSRLTFmanga8 Minibots.jpg|right|thumb|So which one of them is Tinky Winky?]]
Hubcap was part of a group who arrived to back up [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], who was defending a [[Battle Dog|dog]] that had been cruelly experimented on by the [[Decepticon]]s from being hunted and captured by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. He and the other [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] [[Minibot combiner|combined]] with Powerglide in their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s thanks to the energy within the dog, and, spinning furiously, smashed through [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]'s chest and out the other side in a flying drill attack. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

====''Legends'' comic====
At the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' in the late 1980s, Hubcap attended [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]]'s presentation of his new invention, the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

====Controverse====
In early [[2011]], Hubcap manned the dimensional portal that banished [[Primacron]] to another universe after his trial. {{storylink|Controverse}}

====''Generations Selects Special Comic''====
In [[2050]], Hubcap joined the Autobots warring with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s over the fate of the [[Selector]]s. He could not penetrate the wall of solar energy beams being emitted by [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:Swindles-Megaplex.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Hubcap attended an illegal [[skitter]] race at [[Swindle's]]. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:TFLegends Hubcap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Yes, he is doing a backflip in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] over a train which is ramming a [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]].]]
Hubcap was assigned to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'s team, guarding some researchers at a coastal town when they were attacked by [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]] and [[Nautilator]]. {{storylink|The B-Team Part Deux}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Hubcap.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8]]
Hubcap participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Super Rare character who first appeared in the "Sonic Clash" event, and could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, and 10 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1-toy Hubcap.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Not yellow Cliffjumper, dammit.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hubcap''' (Mini-Vehicle, [[1986]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number:'' '''C-57'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released in the third year of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original toy line]] in the US (second year in Japan), Hubcap is a [[retool]]ing of the [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys|Cliffjumper]] "penny-racer"-proportioned Porsche 924 Turbo sports car mold, giving him a new [[robot mode]] head and "no spoiler". (His seeming lack of a spoiler is actually scale-accurate to the spoiler found on the real Porsche 924 and 944.) He is sometimes mistaken for the variant yellow Cliffjumper, and even occasionally for [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]], who has a similar transformation, but an entirely different mold for his car parts and robot head.

:In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (incorrectly labeled as Cliffjumper) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (G1)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" and "[[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]]" fliers packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $3.50 and one [[Robot Point]]. The instruction booklet to mail-away Hubcap (sometimes bundled with [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]) also incorrectly refers to him as "Cliffjumper".

: The initial releases of all Mini Vehicles and [[Special Teams]] in 1986 were part of a promotional campaign that featured reflective [[iron-on patch]]es as part of a contest. Later in the year, packages without bonus patches were released.

: He was released in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s version of the line in a small box with a collector's card, rather than a bubble-card like the Hasbro version.

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-mini-vehicles-hubcap/1162/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Hubcap at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Hubcap/hubcap.htm More information on Hubcap at TFU.info]''

{{G1CliffjumperMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|IGA}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hubcap''' (Mini Vehicle, 1987)}}</ul>

: In the Mexican ''Transformers'' line produced by [[IGA]], Hubcap was ''probably'' released as a straight [[redeco]] of Cliffjumper, sold on Hubcap cards. He came in two different, but closely-similar color schemes: white-and-black, and flat-silver-and-black. Both versions feature red faces. The reasoning for the white version may lie in the [[Toy Fair 1986]] catalog, which shows a prototype Hubcap—still using the Cliffjumper head tooling—in white with a red face.

: We say "probably" because while IGA appears to have done this old-mold-new-colors-sold-as-new-character move with all of the third-year retooled Mini Vehicles, so far [[Tailgate (G1)#IGA|Tailgate]] and [[Swerve (G1)#IGA|Swerve]] are the only ones that have been confirmed with carded samples. All of the IGA versions of probably-Hubcap, [[Outback (G1)#IGA|Outback]], and [[Pipes (G1)#IGA|Pipes]] have only been found loose. So it is highly likely, but we do not yet have mint condition proof. On top of that, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#IGA|Bumblebee]] was also released in the same red-faced color schemes later in IGA's line, just adding to the confusion. Fun!

: IGA Transformers also eventually made their way to a variety of European markets, slightly decreasing their rarity.

: Given its prototype-based appearance, the white version of this Hubcap toy can [[Repurposing|reasonably serve]] as the ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'' incarnation of [[Rest-Q (G1)|Rest-Q]].
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Hubcap.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Really not Cliffjumper.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a2|'''Hubcap''' (Mini-Vehicle, [[1993]])}}</ul>

:Hubcap was re-released as part of the first batch of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' toys in the US, this time in shiny chrome red. There's speculation that this was because [[Hasbro]] had intended to release Cliffjumper instead but didn't have the mold, but it seems more likely it was simply to keep him from looking too much like his assortment partner [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Bumblebee]]. Likely due to the figure's production process, it's basically impossible to find a copy of him that doesn't have a pair of chips in the chrome on his front bumper/robot mode feet, as pictured here. 

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/HubCap/hubcap.htm More information on Generation 2 Hubcap at TFU.info]''
{{G1CliffjumperMold}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
[[File:TF 2010 Hubcap toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|If we don't get a [[GoBots|Super Couper]]-themed [[redeco]], we riot.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hubcap''' (Scout Class, [[2010]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AA-09'''

:{{note|Movieverse [[Hubcap (TF 2010)|Hubcap]] was repurposed as Generation 1 Hubcap in "[[The B-Team Part Deux]]".}}

:''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' Hubcap transforms into a hot rod based on a 1930s-style car of indeterminate make, but most closely related to the Willys 77 (with some elements of its successor, the Americar). His feet appear to be based upon the iconic foot design of the Japanese mecha franchise ''{{w|Gundam}}''. Compared to other toys from the [[live-action film series]], his transformation consists of a mere three or four very easy steps.

:Like most toys in the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]], Hubcap features a standard Autobot [[insignia]] rather than the live-action movie style Autobot insignia.

:This mold would also have been used to make ''Reveal the Shield'' [[Downshift (TF 2010)#Toys|Downshift]], but that release was cancelled.

:*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Hubcap/hubcap.htm More information on Hubcap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Generations Selects''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Selects-Hubcap.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Banana Laffy-Taffy Cliffjumper!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hubcap''' (Deluxe Class, [[2020]])}}</ul>
:*''Series'': '''''War for Cybertron: Earthrise'''''
:*''ID number:'' '''WFC-GS13'''
:*''Accessories:'' Three-piece blaster, two skis, car trunk

:A ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' add-on to ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'', Hubcap is a redeco/retool of [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Cliffjumper]], sporting a new head. Hubcap transforms from robot into a 1980s sports coupe that is strongly reminiscent of his original Porsche 924 Turbo alt-mode, though with a front end which resembles that of the {{w|Mitsubishi Starion}}, while omitting the Penny Racer aesthetic. Hubcap also has molded high-performance brake discs, a surprising detail for a mainline ''Transformers'' figure. Much like Cliffjumper's other mold-mates, Hubcap's depiction as being rather small in most ''Transformers'' media means this figure is much shorter than a typical Deluxe-priced figure and is closer to being a particularly large Legends-priced figure. Like all Deluxe Class figures of the ''War for Cybertron'' subline, Hubcap includes numerous 3 mm posts and [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]] for attaching other accessories as part of the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], but due to his small size he cannot easily accommodate an entire Weaponizer or [[A.I.R. Lock System|Modulator]] figure. Additionally, he is highly articulated for a mainline Legends-sized Transformer, with over 90-degree ankles and two-way elbows, and a complex transformation scheme. Undocumented in the instructions, Hubcap's neck is actually mounted on a ball-joint, and when popped out of its housing offers a larger range of articulation.

:The rest of his price-point is made up with Hubcap's large cannon. It can split into two smaller blasters and a pair of skis that can attach under his wheels. The backend of the cannon is folded out to fit in his car mode's underside to help balance when skis are deployed, while also being usable as a melee weapon. It can also mount on either his thigh or on the side or top of his shoulder meaning you can put the entire cannon in these spots. Similarly, his [[partformer|detaching]] car trunk can either be put into the robot mode's back or be used as a shield with the help of a flip-out peg. This peg and the backend of the cannon use a unique post and port to connect to each other.

:Almost ''all'' of Hubcap's yellow coloring is painted, with only his head and forearms being bare yellow plastic. While this avoids color disparity, particularly in vehicle mode, it also means he is ''incredibly'' prone to paint chipping. So, uh, be careful handling him.

:This mold was differently retooled into ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' [[Bug Bite (G1)#Generations|Bug Bite]] and ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Shattered Glass Collection|Shattered Glass Collection]]'' [[Goldbug (SG)#Generations|Goldbug]], and further retooled into ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Bumblebee]].
{{WFCEarthriseCliffjumperMold}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:ToyFair1986-TFpage01a-TailgateHubCap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Hubcap before discovering spray on tan.]]
* In the pre-[[Toy Fair 1986]] catalog, Hubcap (actually just a redecoed [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]]) is featured with a white car body, a black chest/torso, and a red face. Fellow 1986 [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] appears in Hubcap's final colors, though. The white "Hub Cap" would eventually become the basis for the non-toy character [[Rest-Q (G1)|Rest-Q]].
** Also in the pre-Toy Fair 1986 catalog, Hubcap's photo shows him mistransformed: his arms are not extended, making him look like his only limbs are his legs.
** This photo also lends credence to the theory that Mexican licensee [[IGA]]'s white and silver versions of [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]] are in fact supposed to be Hubcap; unfortunately, no carded samples of these variants have been found yet to provide concrete proof. Further backing this theory up is that IGA released several year-one Mini Vehicles in year-three decos... including a (very rare) yellow [[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]] on a [[Tailgate (G1)#Toys|Tailgate]] card, and look what color Tailgate is in that photo....
* Despite his availability with the rest of the '86 Mini-Vehicle assortment, Hubcap was completely absent from contemporary Western Generation 1 fiction. No [[character model]] was drawn up for him, and he was not included in either the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] or the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]]. He was even missing from Marvel's ''[[The Transformers Universe]]'' bio series, despite having a full-length bio written by [[Bob Budiansky]]. The reason for this omission is unknown.
* Speaking of that full-length bio, it notes that Hubcap's phosphorescent windscreen acts as a television monitor.<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/extended-bios.html Hubcap's full bio at [[Jim Sorenson]]'s blog "Disciples of Boltax"</ref> This is ''awesome''.
* The fan-commentary track for [[Sony]]'s 2006 release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' erroneously claims that a generic robot resembling Bumblebee seen on Unicron's conveyor belt late in the film is Hubcap.
* In [[Fun Publications]]' stories, his personality and mannerisms are based on comedian-magician {{w|Penn Jillette}}.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Hubcap''' (ハブキャップ ''Habukyappu'')
*''French:'' '''Virevolto''' (Canada)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Díshì''' (China, 的士, "Taxi"), '''Lúnzhàogài''' (China, 轮罩盖, "Hubcap"）

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]

[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects toy Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]