TF2 Deluxe Audi R8 Toy Pictures

The Arker.com has posted pictures of the Transformers 2 Deluxe toy for the Audi R8 seen at the Bethlehem and Philly shoot, usually involved in a chase sequence. It is also the same vehicle mentioned on the call sheets (which have yet to be contradicted) and it matches the leaked robot mode (pic above) of the character. The person with the toy just didn't quite do the transformation right. The name of the character currently isn't known. It is a Decepticon, it reminds me of Barricade but the face mold is different. However, there is nothing preventing Barricade from returning in a new mode since his final fate has never been officially confirmed. Below are a select pictures, but the full galleries of images are here and here.

Recent Toy, Robot Images Real

I just recieved a polite take down noticed from Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks and Hasbro requesting that I remove the recent pictures of the robot mode for the Audi R8, Chevy Trax and the Corvette Centennial. Per DMCA, I have to comply but its nice to get confirmation that those robot and toy images are 100% legit. Apparently there are watermarks confirming they are from one of the above companies but I can't see them.

Our client has requested the removal of several images that were leaked illegally. The images in question are owned by Hasbro and Dreamworks Animation. They depict Transformers 2 toys from the upcoming film and feature watermarks that are plainly visible in several shots.

The images in question are featured on the main page, and are also found at these specific links:
http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/09/audi-r8-robot-revealed.html
http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/09/chevy-trax-robot-revealed.html
http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/09/first-transformer-2-toy-leaked.html
http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/09/transformers-2-head-design.html

I completely understand that posting these images helps create hype and that your site has no intent to violate copyright laws (ed - good to know they realize this). As such I am extending a cordial outreach asking for your assistance in getting this images removed as they are the intellectual property of the aforementioned entities.

If desired, a standard DMCA notice, in compliance with all applicable laws can be provided for you.

Thank you for your help in the matter and feel free to contact me regarding this issue.

So there you go, the first robotic images of Transformers 2 are officially confirmed. Hopefully the toys will be better then matchbox style :P.

Audi R8 Robot Revealed?

Another robot design revealed, joining Stinger and the Trax. Same source, same small blurry style images. There is a definite Decepticon aesthetic going on with the robot design. Thanks to Dan and Thomas for the link.

Wal-Mart: Transformers 2 Day One Video

As part of the promotional push for the new release of Transformers on Blu-ray and DVD, Wal-Mart has a website of exclusive content for Transformers. Currently they have two videos up (both below thanks to MovieWeb). Click here to go to the site, the code is AllSpark62609 (yep All Spark and TF2 release date).

The first video, "On the Set: Day 1" is the first day of shooting at Bethlehem Steel. The video shows some of the set, Michael Bay at work, some prep work, actors and what would be a day of Bay on set without at least one big explosion. Of note is a scene is shown involving the "Arcee biker babes" and also show the Audi R8 that is unconfirmed as a Decepticon. From what I can tell the ladies are on three bikes (not sure if identical models) that are pink/red, purple/white, and blue/black. Now considering that Bethlehem is dressed a Shanghai, China location, you have to wonder what three Caucasian ladies are doing on those bikes. Could the three merge to form Arcee? Are they just riders up to no good? As usual, its all just guesses until showtime.

The second video, "Creating Transformers" is an amusing video with a good beat from ILM that show how some of the CGI work was done for Transformers I. It goes over many of the main scenes from the movie, shows the various stages in the creation of the TFs.


Thanks to Katie, Dave, Jeff, SpoilerTV, and Tahnee for the links.

First Pic of Audi R8

Siebertron.com has scored 4 images of night shooting for Transformers Revenge of the Fallen occurring at the Long Beach docks in San Pedro, CA. The photos, taken by VonSchlitzy, show the ice cream truck, the silver corvette and what appears to be the first image of the Audi R8 that was spotted in Bethlehem. The set dressings and the like reinforce the notion that this is a continuation of the footage shot at Bethlehem Steel.


Update: Thanks to Keith (thanks!), here are some touched up photos that helped bring out some details from those night pics. As usual, click em to make bigger.

Free Libary Set Report

As posted about the other day, TF2 production took over a portion of The Free Library on Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on June 14th. IESB.net posted a set report from John when he went by there to drop off a book.

He noticed that the 2nd floor of the Free Library was where the shoot centered and it involved an actress in a long blue gown, possibly a prom or wedding gown. Just as interesting is a chase sequence from Friday:

[A security guard] went on to tell us about a chase scene that was filmed the previous Friday right on East River Drive. He didn't know the names of the cars but by his description it was Ironhide, Bumblebee, and Prime in pursuit of some silver car. He said this silver car is nothing like what's out there now and didn't even know the make on it. He said it's really slick & looks way cool. But he said the chase scene is way cool especially for people who live in the city here. He said there's 3 wks left of filming in Philadelphia.

A gown? Could be a party dress to go with the frat party and just misinterpreted as I am assuming the dress description came from a guy but regardless what does it have to do with the story.

What of the East River filming? Could it be the Audi R8 that was spotted at the Bethlehem shoot and also filmed being chased? Another Transformer? With three weeks to go, what other places will Transformers 2 production pop up?

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Cheat Sheet

In an attempt to keep up with the information about Transformers 2, it seems a cheat sheet is needed. I have tagged items as "rumor" if information has not been verified for various reasons such as the name, the appearance, the alt mode, etc. If I miss anything be sure to note it in the comments or email me as I intend to update with any new information and spoilers about the film. The below is ultimately speculation until someone officially with the film confirms the information but part of the fun of tracking a movie like this is the speculation.

Official Title: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Production Start Date: June 2nd, 2008
Production Shoot Length: 84 days
Budget: $194 million
Marketing Budget: $100 million
Runtime: 147 minutes (IMAX 149 minutes)
Rating: PG-13
Release Date by Country: click here
Trailers:
Superbowl Commercial - February 1st, 2009
1st Theatrical Trailer - February 13th, 2009
ShoWest Montage - April 18, 2009
2nd Theatrical Trailer - April 30th, 2009
DVD Release Date - October 20th, 2009

Director: Michael Bay
Producers: Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Ian Bryce and others
Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay and others
Writers: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Ehren Kruger
Visual Effects Companies: ILM, Digital Domain

Story: When the story begins, the Autobots and the military have been waging a secret war against the Decepticons. As more of the giant robots continue to resurface, though, it becomes apparent the Transformers have been part of Earth's history for longer than they'd led mankind to believe. One group of bureaucrats even wonders if the Decepticons are only appearing because of the Autobot presence. Desperate not to leave Earth undefended, Optimus Prime turns to Sam and asks him to become a human advocate, someone who will convince mankind that the Autobots should be allowed to stay. Sam refuses to believe he can help, though, wanting to go to college and live a normal life - as normal as possible with the strange thoughts and visions that have haunted him since being exposed to the All Spark's primal energies two years earlier. Alas, Sam's refusal will have harsh consequences for himself, the Autobots and possibly the entire world. The Decepticons fallen leader, Megatron has been resurrected and brings with him an ancient evil from the Transformers own history.
Artifacts:
Splinter - remaining piece from the AllSpark
Matrix of Leadership - essentially a battery for a device to rebuild the AllSpark, has healing capabilities.
Total Transformers: 42

Principle Cast:
Shia LaBeouf - Sam Witwicky
Megan Fox - Mikaela Banes
Josh Duhamel - Major Lennox
John Turturro - Agent Simmons
Ramon Rodriguez - Leo Spitz
Tyrese Gibson - Master Sergeant Epps
Matthew Marsden - SAS Captain Graham
Isabel Lucas - Alice

Supporting Cast:
Kevin Dunn - Ron Witwicky
Julie White - Judy Witwicky
Rainn Wilson - College Professor Colon (pronounced "koh-lawn")
Glenn Morshower - General Morshower
John Benjamin Hickey - Galloway

Transformer Voices:
Peter Cullen - Optimus Prime -
Hugo Weaving - Megatron -
Tony Todd - The Fallen -
Mark Ryan - Bumblebee, Jetfire -
Robert Foxworth - Ratchet -
Jess Harnell - Ironhide -
Charles Adler - Starscream -
Frank Welker - Soundwave, Devastator, Reedman -
Grey DeLisle - Arcee -
Tom Kenny - Skids, Wheelie -
Reno Wilson - Mudflap -
John DiCrosta - The Doctor (Scalpel) -
Andre Sogliuzzo - Sideswipe -
Michael York - ancient Prime #1
Kevin Michael Richardson - ancient Prime #2, Skipjack
Robin Atkin Downes - ancient Prime #3
Wheelbot (Demolisher) - Calvin Wimmer

Transformers Cast - Alt Mode:
Autobots
Optimus Prime - blue, dark red Peterbilt 379EX
Bumblebee - yellow 2010 Chevy Camaro
Ratchet - lime yellow 2009 Hummer H3
Ironhide - black 2007 GMC Topkick C4500
Sideswipe - 2011 Chevy Corvette Centennial
Jetfire - black SR-71 Blackbird, ex-Decepticon that can combine with Optimus
Skids - green 2010 Chevy Spark, half of ice cream truck (twin to Mudflap)
Mudflap - red 2010 Chevy Trax, half of ice cream truck (twin to Skids)
Jolt - blue 2010 Chevy Volt
Wheelie - blue Toy Size RC Truck
Arcee - three blue (Chromia), purple (Flare-up), red (Arcee) Ducati Hypermotards custom modified by RetroSBK with one personality among the three.

Decepticons
The Fallen - Cybertronian jet
Megatron - Cybertronian tank and jet
Starscream - gray F-22 Raptor
Bonecrusher - truck (specifics unknown)
Scorponok - metallic scorpion
Sideways - dark gray Audi R8
Soundwave - a satellite and Cybertronian jet
Ravage - raw beast mode
Scalpel ("The Doctor") - microscope
Alice - Pretender human shell
Grindor - MH-53 Pave Low Helicopter (Blackout repaint)
Kichen Bots - about 8 appliances that turn into robots (clock, toaster, microwave, disposal, blender, vacuum)
Insecticons - tiny spies for Soundwave
Devastator - merge of 6 or 7 construction equipment (information conflicts)
Constructicons - Below characters that do NOT form Devastator but share many of the alt modes of the vehicles used for that gestault.
     Demolishor - red O&K/Terex RH400 Hydrolic Mining Excavator
     Overload - Komatsu HD465-7 Articulated Dump Truck (upper body, alt mode unverified)
     Scrapper - yellow Caterpillar 992G Front Loader (right arm)
     Long Haul - green Caterpillar 773B Dump Truck (right leg)
     Mixmaster - silver Mack Cement Mixer and weapons platform (head)
     Rampage - red Caterpillar D9L Bulldozer (left leg)

Shooting Locations:
June 2-5 Bethlehem Steel (Bethlehem, PA) as Shanghai, China
June 6-7 Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly, VA) as same
June 9 - 21 Philadelphia, PA
     June 9 Cappucelli's Meats, Italian Market South Philly
     June 10-11 Laurel Hill Cemetery
     June 11-12 University of Pennsylvania, Quad
     June 12-14 University of Pennsylvania, Psi Upsilon (Castle) Fraternity as Princeton
     June 13 East River Drive
     June 14, 18 Richmond Power Plant
     June 14 Free Library on Ben Franklin Parkway
     June 18 Front Street
     June 13, 17, 20-21 Eastern State Penitentiary
     June 18-19 Philadelphia City Hall as Ecole Militaire in Paris, France
June 22-25 Princeton University, NJ
San Pedro, CA - dates, locations unknown
Sedona, AZ - dates, locations unknown
August 26-27 - Long Beach, CA Queensway Bridge
September 12-October 6 - Holloman Airforce Base and White Sands Missile Range (Alamogordo, NM) as Egypt
October 7 - Tucson International Airport (Tucson, AZ)
October 8-? - The Boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (Tucson, AZ)
October 9 - Naval Base Coronado (Coronado, CA)
October 17 - Valley of the Kings, Egypt
October ?-? - Petra, Wadi Rum Valley, Salt (Jordan)

Rumors and Information
Ugo Movie Blog - A nice, concise summary of all the information both real and rumored about Transformers 2. Currently up to date as of 11/16/08.

Box Office
Screens: approximately 10,000
Theatre locations: 4,234
Midnight Opening Gross: $16 million
3-Day Weekend US Total: $109 million
5-Day US Total: $200.1 million
5-Day International Total: $166.1 million
Worldwide First Week total: $390.4 million

Notes:
*Arcee's alt mode biggest source of confusion right now. For Transformers 1 her alt mode was a 2006 Buell Firebolt XB1LR. However, script re-writes along with her tiny size (about 9 feet tall) resulted her in being moved to the second movie. Size may no longer be an issue with Frenzy being a proof of concept. Or her size could be augmented with the merging of multiple vehicles. Current contenders for her alt mode include 3 Can-Am Spyders or 2 Trikes seen at the Bethlehem set. However, they could also be NEST vehicles. One report said a purple, pink, blue custom made motorcycle has been seen but that remains unconfirmed.
6/10 - Removed Go-Kart and Porsche as alt modes for Transformers. Checking the call sheet and its formatting of the scene descriptions, both vehicles are probably camera vehicles used for coverage.
6/10 Removed the listing of Jazz (white 2008 Pontiac Solstice) as a potential Transformer in the movie. Despite rumors, there is clearly a move to adding new characters to the movie, not revisting dead ones. Except maybe one based on the movie's title. Besides, Bay himself said "Jazz is dead."
6/25 Removed the Brooklyn Bridge and Bannerman Island locations as the shooting hiatus is apparently starting on June 26th nor did I ever recieve information that supported the locations. When the hiatus will end is unknown.
6/29 Removed Jon Voight (John Keller) from cast list as he said he would not be in the sequel.
8/26 Changed Stinger alt mode to Corvette Centennial since released pictures of that concept car more closly match pictures of the car seen on Transformers 2 sets.
9/8 Added "Faction Unknown" section to Transformers section. Used for either characters (The Fallen) or Chevy concept cars (ex: Volt) that seem to have no verified alliegance to either Decepticons or Autobots.
9/8 Moved the Ice Cream Truck categorization to Faction Unknown since the Ice Cream Truck's alt mode, character name and alliegance remains unverified. Still possible early movie alt mode of the "The Twins" and therefore an Autobot but more info needed.
9/23 Added Megatron, Devastator, and Ravage to villian list. Replaced Stinger with Sideswipe name. Changes based on recent rumors from Hasbro's toyline.
9/28 Replace 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (Tucson, AZ) with The Boneyard. Both mean the same thing. Removed Andrews Air Force Base as a location since never verified.
10/9 Updated the identity of the the Chevy Beat to Skids
12/16 Added Springer as possible Autobot cast member.
12/20 Based on leaked toy info, gave Volt the name of Jolt.
12/29 Updated story, moved Jetfire to Autobot section.
1/5 Removed Megatron from Decepticon cast as info from Hasbro toys and Michael Bay indicate he doesn't return for the sequel.
1/11 Skids' alt mode name change from Beat to Spark. Beat was the concept name, Spark is the production name.
1/30 Re-added Megatron to Decepticon cast since what appears to be his image is popping up on the toys and other promotional items.
2/1 Superbowl commercial proves RH400 Transformer has role in movie but not if is a component of Devastator.
2/2 Decided to remove Wheeljack (Saab Aero-X) mostly because the car has yet to be reported to have been seen on set nor is it a GM vehicle. Considering how often the other Autobot vehicles have been spotted, the Saab would have been eye balled at least once by now.
2/7 Updated to indicate the Fallen as a seperate character with Cybertronian jet and that Wheelie has been confirmed as character with RC alt mode.
2/9 Based on toy pictures moved The Fallen to Decepticon case due faction symbol on waist. Move Ice Cream Truck to Decepticons as do see a very vague and unproven Decepticon symbol under left back window.
2/11 Names of the Twins and Sideswipe has been verified. Devastator images came out but unproven if fan art or not.
2/15 At Toy Fair 2009, Hasbro releases name and look of Devastator and the Constructicons. Previous information accurate except red Komatsu HD465-7 Articulated Dump Truck was not a part of the combiner. Also added Breakaway as possible Autobot.
2/17 From toy packaging, the Audi R8 verified as having the name of Sideways.
2/21 Removed rumor note from Megatron with verification from Orci and Leader class toy.
2/25 Changed Lennox from Captain to Major based on mention in Transformers Prequel comic, Alliance #3.
3/5 Added Hugo Weaving as voice of Megatron.
3/10 Potential name for one of the Arcees is Chromia, specifics on the Arcee bikes still unknown.
3/15 Added Jon Turturro as voice of Jetfire (unverified) and new Voyager transport plane that could explain how the Autobots get from the states to Egypt to fight the Decepticons and The Fallen.
3/20 Leader class toy confirms that Jetfire has a combined mode with Optimus Prime. Jetfire is also previousily a Decepticon that becomes an Autobot. Whether or not it is used in the movie is not known.
3/20 Topps ROTF Trading Cards confirm the entire voice cast from the first film returns for the sequel to reprise their various roles.
3/26 Chromia as blue motorcycle verified via toy packaging pictures. Ice Cream truck as potential alt mode of Skids and Mudflap suggested by Alliance #4 comic.
4/1 Added Scalpel to potentially part of the Decepticon cast in the movie.
4/1 Articles verify that Scalpel, also called The Doctor, is a character in the movie. Also articles indicate a total of 8 Constructicons in the movie, seven of which form Devastator which conflicts with reports from 2009 Toy Fair.
4/13 Added runtime for movie as provided by Bay.
4/27 Roberto Orci verified that Frank Welker will voice Soundwave.
4/29 Added Grindor to Decepticon list based on appearance in ShoWest Montage and FAB toy.
5/5 Finally able to remove "possible" from description of Ice Cream truck, now confirmed to be the Twins. Also changed Arcee's color from pink to red.
5/5 Added a potential official story synopsis.
5/13 Added Glenn Morshower to supporting cast list.
5/15 Added John Di Maggio (Sideways) and James Arnold Taylor (The Fallen) to voice cast list due to their playing the roles in the video game. Movie involvement is not confirmed.
5/16 Based on official novel, Arcee bikes do have a single robot combiner mode. Whether used in movie however is not confirmed. The name of the combiner is unconfirmed. Basically Arcee remains the mystery she has been since the character was known to be in the movie back in June 08.
5/19 Based on information in the novelizations of the movie, added the Matrix as an artifact.
5/19 Added Tony Todd to voice cast list, who he is playing is unknown.
5/21 LA Times interview with Bay reveals has joined the voice cast, which character is unknown.
5/22 Article confirms seven constructicons merge Devastator. Alt mode of Overload remains unknown.
6/8 Added Insecticons, Ejector, microwave-bot to list. Added number of Transformers at 42 as provide by Michael Bay. Current known named count: 35 If include combined mode (Devastator, Arcee, Jetfire/Prime, Twins ice cream truck): 39
6/12 Based on new information from premiers and sneak peaks, Barricade not in movie, no Arcee combiner (one personality among three bodies), Bonecrusher apparently returns, Megatron is a triple changer (jet and tank modes) and so is Mixmaster (weapons platform).
6/15 Added Susan Blu and Jason Griffith to voice cast list, removed Stratosphere and Springer from Autobot TF list.
6/16 Variety review confirms Tony Todd voices the Fallen.
6/21 Added data to the Transformers voice cast section. Arcee voiced by Grey DeLisle (not Susan Blu), Jetfire is Mark Ryan (not John Turturro), Mudflap is Reno Wilson, Skids and Wheelie verified for Tom Kenny, Sideswipe is Andre Sogliuzzo (not Jason Griffith), The Doctor voiced by John DiCrosta, a Prime is Kevin Michael Richardon and Demolisher has a line but actor unknown.
6/23 Based on movie, Constructicons and what forms Devastator are not the same thing but share similar alt modes. High Tower (yellow Kobelco CK2500 Truss Crane) and Scavenger (red O&K/Terex RH400 Hydrolic Mining Excavator) do not appear seperately in movie. It seems the naming conventions for the Constructions (which are not named in the movie) are like Arcee, used mostly to help name the toys.
6/26 Changed film budget to $194 million, direct info from Bay.
9/27 Corrected the voice cast based on DVD credits list, removed John DiMaggio (Sideways) and Mike Patton (Mixmaster) as they were not listed so assuming they did not voice any characters in the movie.

Bethlehem Call Sheet Reveals TFII Revelations

Thanks to an anonymous source, I have a scan of the call sheet used on Wednesday June 4th for the Bethlehem Steel shoot. A call sheet is used to direct the cast and other crews to where they need to be, when and what for. It usually includes a breakdown of cast members participating in a scene, brief description of the scene and many other details. I plan on summarize a lot of information within the call sheet along with the images of it. Suffice it to say, there are spoilers contained within about the cast, some of the Transformers, where the next bit of shooting is occurring and other details.

!!! BIG SPOILER WARNING !!!
There have been rumors about who was at Bethlehem Steel to shoot for the film. Was Shia or Fox there, who else was there, what did the cars do, which where Transformers, which where not. Now this is just for Wednesday but not a reach to infer this went for the other days to.

From the sheet, the movie is given the code title of E7². From the comments,
around the Bethlehem base camp there where "E7" signs which apparently are reused at each location. The shoot is scheduled to go 84 days, not including days off or the built-in hiatus.

Bethlehem Steel's Role
Based on the scene descriptions, the role of the factory is a Shanghai, China steel factory. The scenes describe action and vehicle chases occurring along a "Shanghai Steel Yard" and "Shanghai Side Street". The scene is the Autobots, SAS and Lennox's team chasing after Decepticon Audi R8. What the air attacks are about is not on the call sheets but I imagine they are Decepticons.

Also the Sands Bethworks, a casino on the otherside of the steel factory, was used for an exterior shot of Bumblebee and the Ice Cream truck for below describe next stop in Transformers II filming.

Bethlehem Steel Human Cast
The cast at Bethlehem Steel was Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Matthew Marsden and Andrew Howard. Josh and Tyrese was already confirmed (pics here and here). The news of Marsden's casting as SAS Graham was just out this week, didn't know he had already started shooting.

A new addition is Ramon Rodriguez, (The Wire) who was cast as "Leo" and based on being number five on the call sheet, I am guessing he is Spike's college roommate.

Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox did not film at the site. The call sheet has multiple gaps in the cast numbering which simply suggests that are more principle cast members, its just they didn't work on the scenes on the sheet. It appears the first 12 numbers in the count represents the "core" cast for the movie. One is Shia LaBeouf, 2 is Megan Fox, 3 is Josh Duhamel, 8 is Tyrese Gibson, and 12 is Matthew Marsden. Of note is the gap for 4 (John Turturro), 6 and 7 (one of them is Jon Voight) and 9 - 11. Could some of those be the rumored casting of Nina Dobrev or Aaron Hill?

Vehicles Used
As far as vehicles used the 3 Can-Am Spyders, an Ice Cream Truck, Bumblebee (not in Shanghai), Ironhide, 3 NEST Hummers, 2 Trikes, Go-Kart, 10 Shanghai dressed police vehicles, Audi R8 and a NEST semi. Also a Chinese Police helicopter and 2 Blackhawks all equipped with spotlights.

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Production's location is the Smithsonian Air and Space Mueseum. The schedule is June 5 to Sunday June 6. The cast will include Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, John Turturro and Ramon Rodriguez. Based on the scenes it appears they are hunting for something Decepticon related at the museum after hours involving the SR-71 Blackbird (with a Decepticon insignia) that is there.

There is also a mention of "Splinter". I am not sure if that is a TF or an Autobot artifact for the film. As someone in the comments noted, this could be the piece of the All Spark that Prime removed from Megatron at the end of the movie.

Transformers
Known Transformers at the sites was Ironhide and Bumblebee (at the Smithsonian). Additional NEW Transformers from what I can tell is Arcee (combines from 3 Can-Am Spyders or 2 Trikes), The Twins (the Ice Cream Truck), Stinger (a Porsche I think), unknown Decepticon (Audi R8), Wheels or Wheelbot (the Go-Kart?), Jetfire (the Blackbird) and a "Constructicon Earth Mover".

The rumors have been around for a while that the Constructicons and therefore Devastator could appear in this movie. Considering a theme of merging Transformers, this seems to be confirmation of that rumor.

A final note is that for the first movie Bay did use placeholder names for some of the TF cast until a final determination was made. However in pretty much all of them the names became final. The only exception was Devastator instead of Brawl.

Summary
Locations: Shanghai, China and the Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC
New Transformers: Arcee, The Twins, Stinger, unknown Decepticon Audi R8, Wheels, Jetfire, and Constructicons
Alt Modes: Can-Am Spyder or Trike, Ice Cream truck, Blackbird, Audi R8, Go-Kart, and earth mover
New Human Cast: Ramon Rodriguez (Leo)

Still no clue what the story is about but clearly Bay is taking Transformers in a new direction with the merging Transformers theme on a large and small scale in a way that Hasbro only dabbled in. I can't wait to see what the visual effects on that looks like. I imagine many future headaches making it work to the perfection that was the effects in the last film.


Updates have been made based on information in the comments.

Day 3 Cast Info and New Transformers Vehicles

A source for Seibertron.com, "Chaingun" says he spoke with a guy on set and learned some information about what is being shot for Day 3 and 4 at Bethlehem Steel. He also reviewed the possible new vehicles for the Transformers in the film.

The main points:
- Wednesday, June 4th, Megan Fox is supposed to be on site for a stair chase sequence with Tyrese near a blast furnace.
- Shia Labeouf should be on site Thursday for scenes. (However, Wednesday night is scheduled as the last day)
- "A good chunk of the movie is taking place here." Not sure if "here" means Bethlehem or Pennsylvania but either way a 4 day shoot isn't enough to do more then one major action sequence.
- New vehicles seen were an Acura NSX, a grey and black Audi RS6.
- Also an old ice cream truck is actually two twin Autobots. (img source)

This might explain the various rumors that the entire core cast was supposed to be at Bethelem Steel. Some of the information may not be true but really you simply never know thanks to all the secrecy around the film.