Skids

Profile: Skids has a tendency to bump into things, which, at speeds of 60 mph, can be a very unhealthy habit. It's not that he's reckless... he's just a bit of a daydreamer. His analyzer circuitry is frequently pondering some arcane data about Earthen life forms rather than the Decepticons' latest attack. Usually he can rouse himself out of his daze before it's too late, as evidenced by the screeching of his suddenly applied brakes when he's in his car mode. Given his former career on Cybertron as an anthropologist and researcher, he considers his new home -Earth- to be one vast laboratory of limitless opportunity. In fact, it would be perfect if it weren't for the war's interference. Often, his findings are of invaluable assistance to his fellow Autobots. "Sometimes I wonder if he knows who we're fighting," says Gears. Sometimes Skids wonders too.

Abilities: Skids has an enormous memory storage capacity. He can record visual information virtually instantaneously, and has been known to scan an entire college library's collection in two hours. In Autobot mode, he carries a liquid nitrogen rifle, which shoots a stream of the super-cooled element up to 600 feet. He also uses an electron blaster, which emits a burst of 20,000 volts and can short-circuit virtually any mechanical foe. In car mode, his brakes, by far the best among the Autobots and courtesy of Wheeljack's genius, can decelerate him from 50 mph to zero within 25 feet. Of course, such sudden stops aren't too good for the well-being of any car, including Skids.

Weaknesses: Skids isn't a very fast car. His daydreaming often puts him in very dangerous situations. Often, he can be trapped into letting his guard down when distracted by something that piques his scientific curiosity.