Jalopnik: Transformers

Transformers 2 Corvette Centennial Design Concept Caught Filming Action Scene

Mark Arnold — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EDT

We were the first to reveal the true identity of the General Motors Corvette Centennial Design Concept, and now it's been spotted not just driving around, but in a full-on action scene. Followed closely by a camera car, as well as other GM product-placement-bots like Bumblebee and Ironhide, it's hard to tell if that mean exhaust note you hear is coming from the 'Vette or not, but either way, we're just glad to see it's fully functional. [via TransformersLive]

EXCLUSIVE: The Transformers Mystery Car Is The Corvette Centennial Design Concept!

The Auto Insider — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:54:00 EDT

There's been much speculation of late on the gleaming silver "Corvette-like" concept car spotted on the set of the new Transformers movie. Some outlets have incorrectly asserted the concept is a potential design for a next-generation C7 Corvette. They're wrong. Oh, it's a Corvette, but our well-placed sources tell us the concept, which we've revealed in an exclusive shot of the clay concept above, is GM's Corvette Centennial Design Concept. We expect to see it revealed early next year, months before it debuts on the silver screen in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen.

GM's Corvette Centennial Design Concept coincides, as you'd expect, with GM's 100-year birthday party. The concept's meant to be a means of merging design elements of the past with the next century of GM design. As such, the concept car is expected to hearken back to a number of key design elements from GM power cars but not, as some have speculated, be a first-look at the design of a new C7 Corvette.

Although the concept will have long, sweeping Corvette-like lines, all it takes is one look at the front end's Camaro-like wide open mouth to see it draws inspiration from something more than just a Corvette Stingray. Coming around to the back, and the very non-Corvette-like rear end lacks any of the obvious cues you'd expect from a next-generation Corvette. The concept has a very distinct four-pipe exhaust in the center of the back end, and a sharp concave taillight housing — both are nothing like any Corvette ever seen.

Except for those rear haunches. They will be, as we've already seen in our exclusive spy photos, almost cartoon-like in their size. They're Corvette-like, but only inasmuch as they're caricatures of it. But, they'll be necessary to house the ginormous rear tires the Corvette Centennial Design Concept's sporting.

No, anyone thinking this design's a showcase of what the next-generation Corvette will look like needs to get their glasses checked. It's so much more than that.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

Nissan GT-R Transformers Toy Turns Godzilla Into Killer Robot

Mark Arnold — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EDT

The Nissan GT-R may be known as Godzilla, but Japanese toymaker Takara-Tomy sees the supercar more as a super robot. Don't get too excited: This 1/32 scale model doesn't mean you'll be seeing the GT-R on the big screen in Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. Nope, this is just a toy, for now at least. But you'll at least be able to take one home in either red or black when they hit the shelves in November. [via CarScoop]

Transformers 2: Megatron To Return As A Tank?

Mark Arnold — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:20:00 EDT

Rumor has it that the Decepticon bad boy, Megatron, may be making a return to the screen for Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. This time, Megatron is said to be in the form of a military tank, but that's caused some people to wonder if that means the Autobots have resurrected him to help them defeat The Fallen. Either way, Megatron will have a hard time upstaging all the glimmering General Motors product placement. Wait, does GM make tanks? [via chud, image via plasticcrack]

Oh Optimus, What Have They Done To You?

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT

JList, purveyors of all things Japanese and crazy, is offering for sale an iPod dock in the shape of Optimus Prime towing Convoy. The trailer acts as the actual dock, while Optimus' job is apparently to transform and protect the ~~all spark~~ iPod. It's available in original colors, but it also comes in all-white, which is interesting since white is the symbolic color of death in Japan. Perhaps they're beating the dead horse of marketing and have decided to just run with it. It's available for $138 plus shipping if you happen to be an iPod fanboy and a Transformers dork (...Wert?). [JList]

New Set Pics From Transformers 2 Show Audi R8 Buddying Up With "Corvette Concept"

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:40:00 EDT

A TFW2005.com reader snapped off a couple more set shots from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The shots not only show off some serious pyrotechnics in play, but we're also treated to a tiny glimpse of an Audi R8 cast as something in the movie. We're assuming it's a bad guy, considering there's no GM badge plastered on the quarter panel. Also lurking in the murky shots is the Corvette-like concept, a couple of Hummers, and a semi truck too dark to positively ID as Prime himself.

You want to know what amazes us the most? For some reason Transformers 2 fan-boys go to the set to ogle the goings-on and yet they only bring the crappiest cell-phone cameras. Seriously, do none of you guys even have a point-and-shoot? [TFW2005]

Shia LaBeouf's Passenger During Alleged DUI-Related Accident Was Transformers 2 Co-Star Isabel Lucas

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:40:00 EDT

The name of the passenger in Shia LeBeouf's alleged DUI accident in LA this weekend wasn't initially released: Turns out it was Transformers 2 co-star and Aussie hottie Isabel Lucas. If you happen to be Shia "The Beef," and find yourself inexplicably famous after last summer's Transformers movie and this summer's ~~horrible crap-fest~~ Indiana Jones flick, you'd be aiming high on the lady ladder too. Oh Beef, you know Megan Fox is going to be all jealous now, stewing on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. She'll probably throw herself at you, even though you never had a chance with Isabel. You sly, sly fox. [TFW2005]

Hummer HX, H3T Spotted On Transformers 2 Set

Ray Wert — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT

The robots-in-disguise fan-boys at the Transformer Live Action Movie Blog have snapped some close-up pictures of the Hummer HX concept taken at the San Pedro, California set for the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie due out next summer. Also spotted was a Hummer H3T decked out with the same kind of "NEST" decals as the HX. Want to see the shot in higher resolution? Click here. [Transformers Live Action Movie Blog]

Transformers Star Shia LaBeouf Busted For DUI After Early Morning Accident

Ray Wert — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:21:03 EDT

TMZ's reporting Transformers star Shia LaBeouf faces misdemeanor DUI charges after he allegedly made an unsuccessful left turn in front of another car this morning at the corner of La Brea and Fountain in Hollywood. The Ford F-150 he was driving flipped with such force Spike Witwicky's real life counterpart sustained an injury to his left hand that required him to have minor surgery. An unidentified female riding with him and the male driver of the other car sustained minor injuries. Oh, if only he'd been driving Bumblebee, he'd have been able to take over the wheel from young Shia. Wait, why wasn't Shia's trusty Camaro driving the young lad?

As you can see from the photos below taken by the Transformers fan-boys of TFW2005, Bumblebee was busy this weekend in San Diego at the Comic-Con. Oh, Prime's gonna be SO pissed!

[TMZ, TFW2005]

Up-Close Photos Of Mystery Corvette Concept From New Transformers Movie

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:17:23 EDT

We've seen the mystery Corvette concept (who some dare to believe may be named "Hot Rod") from the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie three times already. The first photo was a blurry camera phone shot from far away. The second shot was of the folks at Saleen busily painting the new movie star up and making him all silvery-looking. The third shot showed the mystery Transformers Corvette concept and a buddy about to be loaded up to roll out. Now, thanks to an e-mail tipster, we have the fourth and fifth shots as it gets close enough to the camera to see the "GM Design" logo on the rear end. Is it a prototype for a "C7" Corvette? Is it some hot Rodimus action? We guess we'll have to wait and see. (Hat tip to Anonimus Prime!)

Mystery Corvette Concept From Transformers 2 Movie Gets New Beauty Shots, Multiplies!

Ray Wert — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:04:10 EDT

Remember that mystery Corvette concept we saw last month getting painted by the folks at Saleen for the new Transformers movie, Revenge of the Fallen? We've got new pictures of it today thanks to our friends over at the Don Murphy board by way of Seibertron. These new shots show not only the Corvette concept in all its silver-skinned beauty, but also show off the entire Autobot team, just sitting around and lounging about in the sun. There's the Beat and Trax, and Optimus and Ironhide and...man, we wish we had a job like that. But wait, is that another one behind it? What's going on? Anyone out there have any more details?

[Don Murphy via Seibertron]

Chevy Volt To Become Transformer

Travis Hudson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Following word this morning the production version of the Chevy Volt will be shown in September, we hear the rocking-down-electric-avenue Lutz-mobile will also be featured in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen.

Although there's no official word if the Volt will actually be a Transformer, but given its guts and looks, it's just begging to become some kind of electric-themed Autobot. The Volt would join the Trax and the Beat as not-yet-available Chevy vehicles featured in the movie.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: This may be the reason why they're hurrying up the production look of the car. They've got to beat set filming times, right? [Reuters via TFW2005]

Transformers 2 Pictures Show GASP A Robot!

Travis Hudson — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Another day of filming Transformers 2 has unveiled some key insights. The first is that Transformers 2 will feature robots; in this particular case, a sort of smaller, dragon-like Transformer who feeds on whomever is inside that vehicle. Given that most of the scenes filmed at Princeton University have featured the Saturn Astra, one could make an assumption that the vehicle pictured is the same Astra, especially noting the windshield slope and sunroof placement. Click through to see the next insight. Yes, it's about Megan Fox.

Our next photo includes a shot of Isabel Lucas, Ramon Rodriguez and Megan Fox. The item we immediately notice is that Megan Fox isn't as tanned as she was in the first installment of Transformers, which is a damned shame. Check out the picture and video below for reference, and you be the judge. [The Prox]

Hummer H3: Decepticon or Autobot?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EDT

It seems that the HX won't be the only Hummer vehicle featured in Transformers 2. At the Cinema Expo International 2008 in Amsterdam, GM shelled out some bucks for a big platform that includes the H3 logo, the Transformers logo and dual black H3's to go along with it all.

If you recall, Ratchet from the first Transformers was a tweaked Hummer H2. Could Ratchet be getting a upgrade? Or will the Hummer H3 serve as a completely new Transformer? GM might just using the black H3s because it doesn't have enough spare Hummer HX concepts for a measly movie expo. Only time will tell.

Maybe that "strategic review" of the Hummer brand meant just dumping all of the Hummer eggs into the Transformers basket. [TFW2005]

Transformers 2: The Chevy Trax Declares Its Allegiance

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EDT

We first saw the Chevy Trax last week on the set of Transformers 2 in the City of Brotherly Love, but the shot raised more questions than answers. Who was this new Transformer? Friend or foe? Well, today reveals the truth: The Trax will be playing for the good guys in the role of an as-yet unnamed Autobot. We find a certain humor in the fact that we can't tell who just yet because the robot is in disguise; of course, that's the point. We're wondering if Ironhide gets chopped in twain and melted down to make two more fuel-efficient 'bots. After all, we haven't seen the Chevy Beat, the Trax and Ironhide all in the same place yet. [TransformersLive via TFW2005]

Princeton Transformers 2 Video Reveals Speeding Astra, Sweet Pursuit GKart Camera

Travis Hudson — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen is filming some kind of chase scene this week on the set of Princeton University featuring the Saturn Astra we saw on set last week. These videos, caught by some intrepid students, indicate the Astra appears to be damaged, so one could suggest it's probably not a Transformer and rather the daily driver for a character other than Shia LaBeouf's. We mean, why would he want to cheat on his beloved Bumblebee? Also caught on film is a scene of Shia running around carrying books and talking on a cell phone and seemingly running from giant fake robots. You know, like every other student in the world. But if there's one car we want more than the Camaro, it's got to be the little Shelly Ward-created Pursuit GKart Camera. That go-cart-on-coke looks a lot more fun than the Astra. [Transformers Live]

Transformers "Corvette Concept," "Z28" Bumblebee Get A Close-Up

Ray Wert — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:50:58 EDT

Last time we saw it from afar, but now we've got the first close-up shot of what we're now told is a Corvette concept shot on the set of the new Transformers 2 movie, Revenge of the Fallen. The latest shot, posted to the Motown Muscle forum, comes with some degree of reliability given it comes with two new shots of the "Bumblebee" version of the 2010 Chevy Camaro Z28. That's right, our e-mail tipster, who also posted the shots on the forum, claims not only that this is a 2010 (or 2012) Corvette concept, but also that this isn't the "SS" Camaro, it's the Z28. Whether this mean we'd not only get a "Super Sport" package, but also a "special performance package" via a Z28 check box remains to be seen. UPDATE: We've also been told it may just be a package we can order from the folks at Saleen. But, we digress — if we're to believe the poster, both vehicles are getting some sort of paint treatment as part of work they're undergoing at the hands of Chip Foose. How the producers of the new Transformers 2 movie got Foose to step away from his work on "Foosical: The Musical" we'll never know. Hit the jump for the Camaro shots and some of our own speculation.

So we're starting to think GM's decided the auto show scene isn't where they're going to capture the next generation of car lovers. Instead, they're decided — why not take the show to the people by way of the silver screen?

Other than the Detroit show, how many other shows really draw the attention of the mainstream international media? So it kind of makes sense with the shows becoming places over-crowded with product and variant reveals and under-crowded with mass media. Why not reveal a concept for the first time at a place like the Detroit Auto Show — then reveal it a few months later for the "rest of the world" on the big screen. Sure, we're speculating here — but the idea itself may actually make some sense. Of course, this could just be some really evil Decepticon — but why sully the American Revolution by making a bad guy a Chevy concept? Just sayin'...

UPDATE 2: That front end really has a very distinctly distended fourth-gen Camaro vibe to it...old Camaro concept perhaps? Does Bumblebee go bad for a short time in the movie? Just some more speculation on my part.

Surprise! Chevy Trax Shows Up On Set Of Transformers 2

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:06:00 EDT

We thought we had all the new vehicles already figured out for Michael Bay's next GM-gasm — Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Turns out there are still a few secrets to suss out as a Chevy Trax was spotted running chest to chest with the Chevy Beat moments after the the Bumblebee/Chevy Trax chase shot we saw earlier. Obviously we have no idea which robo-character this little fella will be playing — hey, maybe all the minicars will join together to form Voltron, and we'll have a crazy giant fighting robot crossover movie! (Again, thanks go out to Rueben)

Bumblebee And Chevy Beat Racing Around Philly

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:20:00 EDT

The hotted up 2010 Chevy Camaro SS version of Bumblebee was snapped either running from, or leading whatever 'bot the Chevy Beat will be playing on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen today in Philadelphia. Hopefully they don't run into the NYC 2009 Renault Laguna Coupe, because we're pretty sure the Renault would be a Decepticon, and nobody wants to see giant transforming robots fight. Oh wait. (Thanks Rueben)

Could This Be Arcee From Transformers 2?

Wes Siler — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:20:00 EDT

Chances are, Arcee will resemble this bike in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
[via Hell For Leather]

One More Shot Of Bumblebee's Newish Camaro SS Nose

Travis Hudson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EDT

We found one more full frontal shot of Bumblebee dressed up in his new alt-mode form of the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS — so why not leave you with one more opportunity to stare at his newish-looking nose. [via Transformers Live]

Yes, That's A Saturn Astra On The Set Of Transformers 2

Travis Hudson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Leaked screenshots from the set of Transformers 2 continue to trickle in. With a movie that has the likes of the Camaro SS, Saab Aero-X, Hummer HX and more, it's a bit odd seeing this seemingly plain-jane Saturn Astra hatchback roaming around the set during filming. Well, as odd as can be in a movie all about the product placement.

There's no word whether this vehicle will serve as a Transformer or just an "extra," but right now our best guess tells us it's more likely an "extra." The clue are the bullet holes which tend to indicate human interaction with the vehicle rather than robotic — that would show up, we'd assume, as laser or "plasma" burns. We're thinking the special GM paint can deflect mere bullets.

[Transformers Live]

Bumblebee, Shia LaBeouf Spotted Cheating on Megan Fox on Transformers 2 Set

Wes Siler — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EDT

Flickr photographer Zacklur got a shock a couple of days ago when he woke up to find Michael Bay filming a scene from Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen outside his bedroom window. An even bigger surprise was seeing Isabel Lucas (of Home and Away fame) riding in the passenger seat of the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS instead of Megan Fox.

According to Zacklur, the scene being filmed showed the yellow Camaro spinning out shortly before Isabel gets covered with "green goo," then storms off. Could this be Bumblebee trying to tell Shia something?
[Flickr via Bush's Auto Blog]

Video: Bumblebee Shows Off His Newish Camaro SS Nose

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:12:31 EDT

It might be from a low-quality cameraphone, but here are the first images of the brand new 2010 Chevy Camaro SS-bodied Bumblebee from the upcoming Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen movie. In addition to the side shot we saw yesterday, this new shot gives us some full frontal muscle car action via a much improved look at Bumblebee's newish nose — which may very well be actual SS styling. And then there's the video — we can barely make out the sweet up-powered Camaro engine music. But the taste is all we need. More pictures below the jump.

[via TransformersLive]

Looks Like Bumblebee Gets An Upgrade To Chevy Camaro SS For Transformers 2

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:07:40 EDT

Update: We managed to snag some clearer pictures and video of the Bumblebee version of the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS. Caught hot on the set of Transformers 2, the next iteration of Bumblebee seems to have been augmented with a very snazzy, very different 2010 Chevy Camaro SS treatment than we've seen in the past. Could this be the first glimpse we get of the as-yet unseen version for the bow tie brand? We like to think yes, or it's just a piece of magic. As far as Bumblebee's new choice of wheels, we're a little disappointed, we always imagined giant, intergalactic transforming robots had better taste than that.
[Camaro5]

Random-Ass GM...Something...Spotted On Set Of Transformers 2

Wes Siler — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:20:00 EDT

Is it a concept car? Is it a concept car for the future? Is it a bird? A plane? What the hell are those huge-ass tires? We know not. But maybe you know. If so, tell us. [via Transformers Live]

Transformers 2 Call Sheet Leaked, Confirms Even More Autobots To Roll Out

Wes Siler — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:20:00 EDT

EXT SHANGHAI STEEL YARD Strike force in hummers & Trikes pull off HazMat suits EXT SHANGHAI SIDE STREET Kids run up to get ice cream. DOLLY FRONT SHOT Chinese kids. Headlight flare. THIN TRACK RIG BETWEEN KIDS TRUCK DIGITAL PASS THRU in front of Chinese kids. Wind kicks up. Two halves of Ice Cream Truck. One spins. Join together. Ice Cream Truck splits around Chinese kids. Leaves treats. DOLLY BACK OR CAMERA CAR REVERSE for POV shot of Ice Cream. POV kids. EXT SHANGHAI STEEL YARD GO CART & PORSCHE chasing all vehicles. Arcee motorcycle rip past Ice Cream twins EXT SHANGHAI STREET COVERAGE British SAS look at stacks. Leader tries to calm him. OVERLAP EXPLOSIONS. Ratchet soldier into window HANDHELD. Follow Lennox & team meet up with IRONHIDE. He drives up. EXT SHANGHAI STEEL YARD - BACKSIDE COVERAGE. Strike Force team searches thru interior steel yard. Old rail cars. EXT SHANGHAI STEEL YARD CONVERAGE. On actors - TO COMPLETE GO KART, Arcee & Stinger chase R8 Along street with stacks R8, Arcee, Stinger, Hummers, Trikes all race past Ice Cream Truck. Ice Cream Truck chases R8 thru alleys, Crashes, Splits in two, Twins fight LOW CAMERA R8 in bushes. Overlap explosion. R8 races away towards Backside EXT SMITHSONIAN AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Foursom getting ready to go inside-TO COMPLETE
INT SMITHSONIAN AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Museum is now closed. Simmons w/ metal box. Leo distracts guards.
Simmons Tasers Guard. Duct tapes his hands together. Lets WHEELS out of box
Simmons drags Leo behind information desk
Sam & Mikaela come out (from hiding place. Film can & splinter
Sam & Mikaela run up to Simmons. Lets WHEELS out.
Sam & Mikaela walk past ENOLA GAY, WHEELS follows
Simmons uses radiation tracker. Leo talks over microphone
WHEELS pulls up in front of SR-71. Points. Simmons takes reading
Splinter glows. Leaps from Sam's hand. Drawn to SR-71. Hits it. Pulse Blast
Sam & Mikeala race to SR-71. Discover Decepticon symbo.
Jetfire transforms. Knocks Spce cpsule onto floor. Rolls to stop. Drops missles.
JETFIRE & group exit thru large doors to exterior. Simmons stops. Gets in capsule.

[via ComicBookMovie]

Transformers 2 To Include Chevy Beat, Saab Aero-X Concept?

Travis Hudson — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Can you believe it? There's only a year left until the release of Transformers 2, and both Ray and I can hardly control our robogasms. Today brings news we may see the inclusion of the Chevy Beat and the Saab Aero-X concepts in the movie.

What's particularly interesting about the Beat and the Aero-X is that both will be the second and third high-profile concept vehicles to be used in the filming, the first being the Hummer HX. Rumor suggests the Aero-X will play the role of Wheeljack, and while there's no word on what role the Chevy Beat will be playing, we can safely assume it'll be a small one... *rimshot* [TFW2005; TFW2005]

Transformers 2 Gets A Name: Revenge Of The Fallen

Ray Wert — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:40:00 EDT

We've already had a number of reports on the new Transformers 2 movie — from the Hummer HX to the Chinese Malibu — but it seems the second new movie about everyone's favorite ~~Chevygasm~~ robogasm now has a name beyond "the deuce." Apparently, a blurb and graphic on Hasbro's web site indicates the name for the new movie will be "Revenge Of The Fallen." Oooh, sounds scary! It also sounds like perhaps "Jazz" might be back for this second go-around. Although we don't want to totally geek out here, we have heard other options on reasons for the title including something to do with "Vector Prime." We guess we'll see. But, for you film geeks (Bumblebee, we're looking at you) we do have something really cool you might want to see — a potential look at a rendering of what the hottest Autobot ever —"Arcee" — might look like, after the jump.

Now we don't expect this to actually "be" Arcee. But it'd be pretty cool if it were. [Latino Review]

Hummer HX Featured In Transformers 2?

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

All this time we thought that the Hummer HX concept was going to be in the next version of Halo, given its resemblance to the Warthog. But lo and behold, this HX appears to be some sort of character in the next Transformers movie. Maybe the HX can use its video recording feature to grab some video from the set and send it to us. Or would that be a copyright violation? Would they have to send a Chinese Malibu police car after us? Do the fake Chinese also not enforce intellectual property laws?

These questions and more will probably not be answered for some time, but in the meantime someone over at Releaselog managed to capture some photos of vehicles, including this one of the Hummer HX as some sort of military vehicle.

[ReleaseLog via TFW2005]

2008 Chevy Malibu, Transformed, Rolling Out...As A Chinese Police Car

Ray Wert — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Sure, the 2008 Chevy Malibu's selling better than the last model, but it's still an orgasm of mid-size mediocrity like everything else in the class of cars that include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Ford Fusion. Sure, the Nissan Maxima may be somewhat sporty, but nobody's going to confuse it with a GT-R anytime soon. But, it looks as though the latest car-star to hit the big screen in the next Transformers movie's going to be none other than the General's budget brand's middling mediocregasm. True, this Malibu's decked out in all sorts of fancy Chinese characters, so we're expecting it to play less of a transforming role and more of a background role as Transformers 2 begins filming in Bethlehem, PA. But whatever, let's not take too much away from this be-stickered new Malibu. We're sure he's already feeling envious of his Chevy brother picking up all that hot robogasmic action, no sense in beating his already battered self-esteem any further. One more shot of the not-so-much-transforming 2008 Chevrolet Malibu after the jump.

[TFW2005]

Ironhide Spotted With Can-Am Spyder, Motorcycle

Travis Hudson — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

More details regarding everyone's favorite movie sequel trickle in by the day. We know that filming is set to begin next week in the Philadelphia area and Ironhide, better known as the GMC Topkick, was spotted en route to the location for filming. The interesting item to note is what was being hauled along with Ironhide. A motorcycle was spotted in the bed of the truck as well as a Can-Am Spyder being hauled alongside. We could get all excited speculating about whether the motorcycle and Can-Am Spyder are miniature Transformers, but they're probably just props or stunt vehicles for the less robotic stars of Transformers 2. Click through for more details about the first shoot next week.

Rumors suggest that the first shoot next week will take place in Bethlehem, Penn., and the set is outfitted to look like a Chinese city. It will feature a new concept car not seen in the first movie as well as two Blackhawk helicopters. A car hauler was also seen around the set with two Saturns and five unidentified Chinese cop cars.

[TFW2005; Transformers Live]

7-Foot Recycled Optimus Prime Sculpture Is A Junkyard Nightmare

Travis Hudson — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:20:00 EDT

This Optimus Prime sculpture should debatably be part of our Junkyard Finds series because this seven-foot monstrosity is constructed entirely of car parts. Unlike the original Optimus Prime, this sculpture lacks color and any Mack truck affiliation, but nevertheless, it's pretty spectacular. The best fact of all is that this 551-pound Optimus Prime is even for sale for a blistering $4,838.71 (likely plus shipping). And Optimus isn't the only Transformer receiving some artistic love.

The company behind this model, Robot-Models.com, also has a smaller version of Optimus Prime currently available as well as Bumbelee. A descriptive paragraph also suggests that Jazz, Ironhide, Megatron, Barricade, Starscream, Blackout and Frenzy will also be available for purchase soon. [Robot-Models via Giz]

We saw Speed Racer after a few hours of donwload, ...

Ray Wert — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:55:00 EDT

We saw Speed Racer after a few hours of donwload, and yes, it was horrible. But speaking of movies involving cars, anyone see those pics of Megan Fox topless over at brother site Defamer today?

Ratchet, Ironhide Spotted; Transformers 2 Filming In Arizona?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Today's daily Transformers 2 update comes with more spotted Autobots and rumors of a filming location. Photographed in the Culver City, Calif. is this truck loaded up with Ironhide and Ratchet. This is the third Transformer spotting we've seen over the past week. Last Friday we saw twin Barricades, yesterday we caught glimpse of Optimus Prime and now we have Ratchet and Ironhide. My keen eye also noticed that all of the spotted Transformers are being hauled around from seemingly the same truck and trailer. That's one hell of a lucky truck driver.

The second tidbit of news comes by way of the Sedona, Ariz. film commission that is reporting multiple production inquiries for Transformers 2. Given the geographic nature of Arizona, it's not that shocking to hear Michael Bay and company looking to the Sedona to film the sequel. At least there is plenty of room for overly epic and amazing Transformers fight scenes. [Superhero Hype; Sedona Film Commission via TFW2005]

Optimus Prime Spotting Reaffirms Transformers 2 Filming

Travis Hudson — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:15:00 EDT

Who's that familiar truck spotted on a Los Angeles freeway? Oh! It must be Optimus Prime! This Optimus Prime spotting comes less than a week after we saw twin Barricades in Culver City, Calif., and it just continues to affirm that the sequel to the robogasm Transformers is, indeed, in the early filming stages.

I would assume that the Transformer beauties are being relocated to the film set from their respected storage areas. We'll just have to wait and see for ourselves as more pictures begin to pop up. [Superhero Hype via TFW2005]

Two Barricade Saleen Mustangs Spotted, Transformers 2 Already Filming?

Travis Hudson — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:00:00 EDT

These shots, snapped in a drive-by of a trailer in the movie-making capital of Culver City, Calif. are two Saleen Mustangs outfitted with that familiar paint scheme that marks a very special 'stang. This can only mean filming of Michael Bay's next masterpiece is underway or getting pretty damn close. We can already hear Wert's robogasms from here.

The latest word is the script is still in development with filming to start in June, and really, why worry about something as silly as a script when there's giant freakin' robots to blow stuff up. But as we saw earlier this month, Bay is pretty excited about the sequel, so we wouldn't be surprised if things were already starting to get underway.

Now the questions start to fly: why would there be two Barricades? One would think that multiples would be needed for the filming process, but the little kid in us believes Barricade multiplies and fights as twins, or, you know, Ford's bringing out their new Barricade special edition Saleen 'stang. Nah. [FilmSchoolRejects]

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Revealed Early On Pontiac Web Site

Ray Wert — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:47:53 EDT

Maybe they'll be changing the name of the "GM display" at the New York Auto Show this week to the "Pontiac display." All we know is they'll be doing a lot of driving excitement at the show. We've already revealed the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP and more importantly, the 2010 Pontiac G8 "El Camino" sport truck. Now they've accidentally revealed the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe in an ad button on the official Pontiac site — further confirming what we'd already told you about the targa-topped Solstice coupe. Awww...poor Pontiac. Well, there had to be a misstep somewhere — and accidentally revealing a hot little tamale like a coupe-roofed Solstice ain't a bad way to misstep. Since we've seen this hard removable-topped coupe in person we can say...

...it's much hotter than the over-pixelated shot above — with a gorgeous line running from the front of the Jazz-y transformer-wannabe around the coupe-top in the rear and all the way back to the front. We're assuming you'll be seeing this up on this page in the very near-term future — so stay tuned.

Transformers Mustang Cop Car Replica Not Police Approved

Travis Hudson — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:40:00 EDT

A man by the name of Jesse Vigil has decked out a 2007 Mustang to look like Barricade the Saleen Mustang from Transformers and not surprisingly, the local cops don't approve. Much to the delight of Transformers fans everywhere, including Vigil's son and the inspiration for the mod, the cops can't do a damn thing as long as Vigil isn't impersonating the police.

Despite not being a Saleen, the car is a fairly solid replica. It include the slogan "To punish and enslave and more. It does also include a non-functional siren bar. The police shouldn't bust Vigil's chops too much. He did the replica for his son after returning from Iraq. It should be illegal to bust the chops of somebody with those credentials. [AP; YouTube] (Image)

"Transformers 2" Countdown Clock Live On Michael Bay Site, He Probably Thinks It's "Awesome"

Ray Wert — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Whoever knew Michael Bay had the guts to make fun of himself as much as he has in this new Verizon FiOS commercial? Especially given he's the director that brought us the robogasmic explosion of fury that was Transformers. Well, we must admit it's rather funny. But a love-fest starring everyone's favorite Chevy-lover ain't the only reason to mention the man behind the robots' disguises today. We've also just noticed Bay's got himself a countdown clock running on his personal website to the supposed June 26, 2009 release date for "Transformers 2." Our guess is he thinks the new movie'll be pretty "Awesome" too. Remember when Bay used to just direct Chevy commercials? No, real Chevy commercials. [Michael Bay]