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Autobots get a makeover for Transformers 4

Apparently, having a robotic fire truck with the voice of Leonard Nimoy hold Chicago hostage wasn’t enough mechanistic action for Michael Bay.

Transformers fans will be happy to know that a fourth movie featuring these Japanese toys turned action heroes is imminent, and some pretty cool cars will be in starring roles as usual.

Simply called Transformers 4, the film is already being shot in Arizona and Utah. Based on what we’e seen with the past three Transformers movies, we’re not expecting this one to be a cinematic triumph, but Bay and company’s choice of cars is still impressive.

Let’s start with Bumblebee, everyone’s favorite late-model Camaro. This time, he’s taking the form of a 1967 Camaro with some mean-looking modifications. That front spoiler and those flared fenders are powerful eye candy, and we don’t even mind the unorthodox color scheme.

Bumblebee might be overshadowed by his fellow Autobots, though.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray hasn’t even gone on sale yet, but General Motors was apparently able to get one to the Transformers film crew. However, with its electric green paint and huge rear spoiler, this Corvette looks more like something from the Fast and the Furious than a robot in disguise.

Between the Camaro and Corvette, it looks like GM will continue it close association with the Autobots, but neither of those American muscle cars can hold a candle to the third new addition to the team.

The producers of Transformers 4 were somehow able to line up a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the fastest open-topped car in the world, for some on-screen time. The Vitesse has a 1,200 horsepower, quad-turbocharged W16 engine, and was clocked at 254 mph at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track back in April.

If the audience can look away from one of the world’s fastest and most expensive cars for a minute, they’ll notice that Autobot leader Optimus Prime has also gotten a makeover.

Optimus is trading his Peterbilt disguise for a Freightliner Western Star look with some pretty gaudy modifications. This robot will have a hard time blending in.

We don’t know what story the writers have planned for these retooled Transformers; maybe they’ll fight the giant robots from Pacific Rim in some kind of ultimate showdown. Expect a slew of updates as Transformers 4’s release date approaches.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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