Cars set to take center stage in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" 06/09/2011
The Transformers movies have become smash hits worldwide, with millions flocking to theaters to see giant robots battle each other for supremacy. Although the writing and acting aren't likely to win any Oscars, the Transformers movies epitomize the summer blockbuster: big, loud and filled with cool cars.
Yes, the vehicles are one of the key components of the Transformers series, as it's essentially the entire hook to the franchise. The giant robots are cool and all, but what makes Transformers special is the fact that these robots can suddenly shift into everyday vehicles. With "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," the third entry in the series, slated to hit theaters at the end of the month, we decided to take a look at some of the vehicles moviegoers can expect to see.
General Motors has a close relationship with the Transformers series, and many of the cars to be featured are General Motors models. Among the "Autobots" (the good robots), there are quite a few GM vehicles. Perhaps the most visible is Bumblebee, who transforms into a bright-yellow fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro.
There are plenty of other GM vehicles in the film as well, however. Ironhide transforms into a GMC Ironhide. Sideswipe is actually a Chevrolet Corvette Continental. Some of the vehicle choices show how much the auto industry has changed in just a few years. For example, Ratchet, a character introduced in the first film, transforms into a Hummer H2 - a vehicle that has now been discontinued.
Yet the robots are not all GM exclusives. Two Mercedes-Benz cars also feature in the film: Que, a Mercedes-Benz E550, and Soundwave, an SLS AMG. Another high-powered sports car is joining the film this year in the form of Dino, a new Autobot that will take the form of a Ferrari 458 Italia. Ferrari fans will likely recognize the name as a reference to the old "Dino" lineup of Ferraris, which were in turn named after the Enzo Ferrari's son.
Of course, these are just the cars revealed thus far - there's always a few surprises as well, so car fans should keep their eyes peeled and see if they can spot any other models when the movie hits theaters.