Skip to main content

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…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more