The original figure that would be known as "Marlboor Wheeljack" was a Diaclone figure that was later redecoed and retooled into Wheeljack for the original G1 toyline. It was known as "Marlboor Wheeljack" for decades until the retool of Masterpiece Wheeljack was announced and given the name "Exhaust" in 2015.
The only previous figure of Exhaust went through a lot of controversy (due to his original deco being too close to the trademarks and deco for Marlboro cigarettes) and wasn't able to be officially imported into the U.S., due to U.S. laws forbidding the advertising of tobacco products on items that could even potentially be marketed towards children.
Selects Exhaust looks to still retain his red and white color scheme, though any sponsor decals in car mode aren't able to be seen. Interestingly, though packaged as a Decepticon, he has an interesting faction logo, likely that of the "Mercenary" faction that was rumored to be a part of the War for Cybertron Trilogy.
So, history lesson aside, what do you think of this (unofficial) reveal? Are you excited to be able to add this to your collection in the future? While these images come from an Ebay auction, it's likely that with the recent pictures of Hubcap we've seen, we'll likely see an official reveal of Exhaust soon, along with a release date.
While you're checking out this news, why not also check out the galleries of Masterpiece Exhaust, courtesy of our own Seibertron himself? Click any picture below to be taken to them.
Just remains to be seen who the other mercs going to be. Can't have a faction of just one.