This is the first "Transformers" feature that stars the Decepticon Fracture. He had previously appeared in the IDW comics and the live-action film tie-in comics.
Drift's sportscar alternate mode in this is based on a Gumpert Apollo. However, his lamellar armour design is a homage to his appearance in Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014).
Fracture's missile minions are named Airazor and Divebomb. These two have always been portrayed as bird/aerial robots within the "Transformers" saga (however, Airazor was a heroic character originally, while Divebomb has always been evil).
Drift's minions are named Jetstorm and Slipstream. These two have always been portrayed as aerial robots within the "Transformers" saga (however, Jetstorm was an Autobot and a car originally).
Eric Bauza (Drift) is a big fan of Transformers, and had previously auditioned for a role on Transformers: Animated (2007).