Optimus Prime is an Autobot who transforms between his robot mode and his vehicle mode.  Being extremely intelligent, courageous and strong he is well suited to his role as leader.  He lives by the motto “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" as he strives to protect all beings against the Decepticons and will go to any length to do so, even sacrificing himself (according to his Tech Spec). 

Optimus Prime belongs to the group called Powermasters.  It is named so because these Transformers have Nebulan partners which transform into the engine of their vehicle mode providing them with extra energy.   He comes with the intelligent Nebulan/engine computer programmer Hi-Q. 

The Generation 1 Optimus Prime was released in 1988.