Originally a Turbofox that found its way into the ark, he eventually re awoke on earth and tried scampering away, only to be caught by the Autobot Longshot, who then decides to have Wheeljack turn the advanced turbofox into what the Scientist-Wrecker would call a "Predafox", a larger, faster, stronger and more aggressive variant with Predacon CNA/DNA added ontop of it along with a mounted battling gun and better armor.
Ironfang being a superior version of a Turbofox not only means exceedingly stronger and more durable, but also a tad bit faster in straight lines(Turbofoxes are generally the fastest creatures on Cybertron), significantly smarter and has high endurance and stamina.
The "Predafox" also has been given the added function of being a mount for minicons, cassette transformers and even humans, with the thrusters mounted on the back sliding to the rear as the gatling gun's barrel reduces its length halfway, as what can be described as a saddle mixed with a motercycle seat with handles transforms out on his back, allowing someone of manageable size to ride him and even use the gun mounted on his back.