Names of Ferrari and Mercedes Is...

Nelson, admin for MichaelBay.com, has officially revealed the actual Transformers names of the red Ferrari 458 Italia and Mercedes-Benz E550.

Post 1:

Let's welcome the Ferrari 458 Italia to the Transformers family
His name is "Dino."
It's pronounced Dee-No.

Post 2:

And the Mercedes E550 is...
Que. Pronounced "Q."

The second post also had a link to the wikipedia article on the famous "Q" of the James Bond movies. The name of the Ferrari is out of left field and has no correspondence to Transformers that I am aware of. As for the "famous Italian”, Nelson said it is after Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredo Ferrari for which the 458 was named in the design stage. There was also the Ferrari Dino from 1968-1976.

Ironically, the name of the Mercedes was leaked last July but none of us gave it serious thought that would be the final name mostly due to copyright/trademark problems with the 007 franchise. I guess the change in spelling to "Que" gets around that obstacle. The loud groan you here from California is probably everyone at Botcon as this news spreads. Thanks to NHLfan for the links.

Red Ferrari No Longer Called Mirage? (Updated)

Nelson dropped a minor bomb over at the Shoot for the Edit forums when he posted that the red Ferrari 458 Italia is no longer going to be called "Mirage" in the movie. He wrote, "All I will say is that he speaks with an Italian accent and is named after a famous Italian.”

The name Mirage was first confirmed due to an unintentional leak from Hasbro with an image of the Mirage Speed Stars toy and repeatedly verified in the various novel and comic book adaptations recently released. However, Nelson's response to that is "That doesn't mean shit. In the comic and novels the twins are still in it." His point being that the Twins where cut from the film (to the point of a $25k bounty if see them in it).

DOTM Children Books Reveal Spoilers

Two images from book removed due to DCMA request from whoever the publisher is. If they had contacted me directly could have learned what else they found questionable but I guess contacting me directly like an adult is beyond their capabilities.

Last week a leak of the comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon revealed major story spoilers from the moon that was significant enough to get Don Murphy to force all sites (including this one) to take them down. The info is significant enough that I don't recommend looking for it. Now this week it seems the childrens' book of "The Lost Autobot" and "Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes" is doing the same thing but not nearly at the same degree as Cth from TFW2005 reports (mirror). Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

To start with what I don't consider spoilers (the name and alt mode of characters), the images do finally confirm beyond doubt that the alt mode of Wheeljack (aka "Einstein")is the blue Mercedes-Benz E550. A whole lot of hints up to now made it common knowledge but this is the first real piece f official anything that put it all together. This would mean that Wheeljack is the new BFF for Wheelie that Nelson mentioned.

SPOILER WARNING!

Dark of the Moon Comic Adaptation Preview Reveals Story Spoilers (Updated)

Per the request of Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Don Murphy, the copyrighted images and spoilers have been removed. Due to the content of the comments, they have been cut off.

Amazon.com has posted a preview of the official comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon scheduled for release on May 25th. If you click the cover or "Search inside this book" you get about the first seven and last seven pages of the trade. A system error revealed more pages than intended leading to major story points being revealed.

I don't consider characters and alt modes to be spoilers. So knowing that, I will reveal that the leaked images did confirm that Soundwave's alt mode is the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as indicated by the game image. Also Wheeljack is a confirmed Autobot in the movie but I saw only has his name being said. Did not see his robot mode or vehicle mode to confirm if "Einstein", the blue 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

It should be noted that adaptations usually work from a final movie script along with designs and storyboards offered by production. However, as Sir Peter Jackson points out, there are three phases to a script - writing it, filming it and editing it. As a result what the comic shows for a scene and what the movie shows may not be the same. Certain elements like the major plot points, characters, etc tend to stay static due to cost but the specific details can easily change (scenes, characters, etc being left on cutting room floor).

If you wish to seek out the spoilers, that is up to you. Be warned the pages did reveal major plot and character developments in the story. If you are even a little bit sensitive about spoilers it is advised to not seek out that information.

Name of the Transformers 3 Ferrari is...

Hasbro released a bunch of official images from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. One of them accidently revealed one of the bigger secrets Transfans has been trying to work out. As the images below show, the red Ferrari 458 Italia is named Mirage. It is too early to tell if he sports any homage to the G1 character but the change from blue to red color scheme is clearly not one of them. Now all that is left is the names of the rest of the Decepticons and the Einstein character (my guess is Wheeljack).

There is also an image of "Big Hoss" with Monster Truck alt mode. No idea if this is based on a movie character. If interested in more official Hasbro images of DOTM toys, hit the links - Speed Stars & Stealth Force, Cyberverse & Sets, Wal Mart & TRU Exclusives, and Ultimate Prime. Thanks to Sahara for the links.

More DOTM Toys and Repaints

Yet more Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys are revealed with some probably new additions to the line, some repaints and possibly a few fakes thrown in for some confusion.

DOTM Legion 3 Pack (1x)
A Yahoo Auction shows of a legion class 3 pack that includes the first use of the name "Rodimus" (aka Hot Rod) in relation to the movie toys. The robot mode suggests a color scheme is designed to invoke his G1 as based on the Universe legends class toy. As a result trying to take a leap that this is confirmation of the red Ferrari's name would be premature. The pack includes Bumblebee and Soundwave with his satellite alt mode. (via TFW2005)

DOTM Silver Bumblebee (2x)
We already knew that deluxe Starscream as a repaint in the works and now it appears that Bumblebee does to. I guess it could be a custom figure but its size does match the smaller deluxe class being used for the DOTM line and the mold cracks don't seem to match the two deluxe class 'Bees that have already been revealed. (via Seibertron)

DOTM Sentinel Prime and New Optimus Prime in Robot Mode

The April 2011 issue of Empire Magazine, now hitting newsstands has scored a heck of a coup. As the images from TFW2005's Shockwaved show, they provide a fantastic look at Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime in their full CGI glory. A summary of the article (which is not available on Empire's website for turn of the century reasons) from TFW2005's knook:

Does and Don'ts for TF3:
1. No sand
2. No "dorky" humor ("we wanted to make the movie much more serious, more adult)
3. When robots die, they're really going to die and we're gonna show that
4. We're not bringing people back
5. Give the robots more 'weight' in the story ("They were missed in movie two. We've given them a strong back-story and pathos")

- Sentinel Prime is "A big brother and mentor to Optimus Prime"
- The Ferrari is a 'Con who (Michael) bay is dubbing as 'Dreadbox' [incorrect info, see below]
- New companions for Starscream, Shockwave and the rest
- "The scale on one of them is jawdropping" - "It will be 'what the Hell was that thing?"
- Apollo 11 'incident' show in the teaser is government secret
- No army for this, Chicago is left up to the 'Bots but some heroes sneak in through the back-door so to speak
- The human gliders are used because they slip under the 'Con radar - as do humans - so they'll be the people who can hammer it to the 'Cons and create an opening for the 'Bots

As pointed out in the comments by cypherXR, the information about "Dreadbox" is incorrect. As Bay posted on his forums back in March before production started saying "I also was at a Ferrari charity event this week raising money for a hospital being built by Ferrari in Haiti. I announced that night the newest Autobot to join Transformers: the Ferrari 458 Italia."

I have not read the article but it appears its the usual job where a reporter got hold of pictures but no interviews or additional information. Since just posting the pictures for a front page story isn't enough, they compiled the article from other online sources from the previous months of set leaks which we all know can lead to incorrect information. I guess they didn't check out my cheat sheet to verify what has and has not been officially confirmed. Thanks to Sahara, Chris, Katie, Ryan, Kris and others for the link.


Corrections made in regards to "Dreadbox" and relating it to the Ferrari.

Nelson Update on Twins (Updated)

Nelson, the admin of MB.com and general inside man on all things Michael Bay has posted a new update on the forums that says the Twins are not in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I am guessing the post is a response to an IO9 article that inexplicably brought them up when posting about the Daytona 500 TV spot. Nelson wrote:

Just a little update:

1.- Michael is NOT directing a movie starring Taylor Lautner. It's a project Platinum Dunes might produce.

2.- And for the final time the Twins are not in this movie period - end of story.

PS. I will have the DOTM 1080p Daytona ad tomorrow night.

Transformers 3 Big Boy Toys

In a little break from all the Transformers: Dark of the Moon pictures how about more pictures of the various Autobot vehicles including the Ferrari, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and few others. The full gallery can be found here. Thanks to lordberti for the link.

Michael Bay Interview on Transformers 3

As a run-up to tonight's debut of the teaser trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Collider has posted an interview with director Michael Bay. The site previewed the trailer and a "huge chunk of footage" but sadly they did not reveal any major story points in the articles. The overall impression of the chunk was very positive and that is without the visual effects (anima tics used as placeholders). Empire also was there but Collider's article is much more detailed.

Below is a video from Collider as "Frosty" and AICN "Mr. Beaks" kind of expresses everything they saw during the three hour visit with Bay while the experience was still fresh on their minds. The article is so click here with a few highlights below. Thanks to Ray and Kris for the links.

More Images, Video from TF3 in DC

The pictures and video continue to hit various websites and YouTube as Transformers 3 continues production around Washington, DC. Yesterday a big crowd showed up to the Lincoln Memorial as Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel and NEST members filmed.

The set of images below come thanks to Shane W. who took them while visiting the city on Tuesday. The pics where taken at the 9th Street base camp. Also below are links to additional galleries with the 1st gallery from Bryan showing the fans ringing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool while filming occurred with a break taken as Shia and Josh met fans including one fan that was able to get his ROTF 1st movie DVD signed. Bryan also reports that Tyrese was not on set but his stunt double. From comments, turns out the INOVA thingie on his uniform is a powerful flashlight.

As for videos, the first one comes from MyFox DC as they interview fans as they wait for the big Pennsylvania Avenue explosions from Monday. This is also the report that started the rumor that the Bumblebee accident would be incorporated into the scene, something that MB.com's Nelson says is untrue. Speaking of those explosions, Shane also posted five of his videos. The first three show a close look at the action from PA Ave. between 3rd and 4th Streets, the Mad Max car driving by on H Street, and the arrival of the replacement Bumblebee(s) to continue filming. Links to others show the unloading of 'Bee and Shia driving the Datsun along Pennsylvania Ave.

The fifth video is a nearly eleven minute look at some of the filming that occurred near the reflecting pool. At about that time, Bryan recorded 15 short videos from around that time that seems to include scenes with Shia, Josh and NEST. I chose a sample one, be sure to hit link below for the rest. The 7th video is from Sunday as at Constitution Hall. Not entirely sure but think Kevin Dunn (blue shirt) and Julie White (pink dress) were there. To finish things up, the last video returns us to explosion. This time from Constitution Avenue as it goes off and two cars smash into each other. Thanks to Shane, Bryan, Sideswipe, digifruitella, Katie, and Mauricio for the links, vides and images.

Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery

Thanks to Allison, here are images of the Washington, DC parking lot that is essentially base camp for Transformers 3 production complete with make-up, costume trailers and so forth. It is located near the Old Convention Center Parking Lot on 9th Street, between New York Street and H Street. The crew, once again showing their friendliness to fans, allowed picture to be taken as long as didn't touch anything and treated the property with respect. Sadly the Wreckers remained in their trailers so no pics of them. I believe the pictures were taken before the Bumblebee car accident which is why get a look at all of them including a peak of 'Bee next to the Ferrari. Still Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Ironhide, the Decepticon Suburbans and more are on site.

TF3 Florida: Autobots at the VAB (Updated)

Transformers 3 production continues in at the Kennedy Space Center. A source provided a report including identifying the person in the wheelchair and a video they found of most of the Transformer car as they drove away from NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The TF vehicles on site include Optimus Prime with trailer, Bumblebee, Ratchet, the Ferrari, and Mercedes, the 3 Wreckers, and Sideswipe.

I was pretty close to the filming in the VAB yesterday as were about 150 extras. The guy in the wheelchair was John Turturro. I didn't snap any photos while they were filming because they are pretty strict about photos and I didn't want to get in trouble.

Many KSC employees and all the extras were able to witness some street filming last evening at KSC about an hour before sunset. A long convoy that included OP, bumblebee, a silver topless stingray (sideswipe), a red Ferrari, and three or four NASCAR based autobots, and I think Ratchet all sped down the street in front of the VAB and into the front gate of the VAB for numerous shots that were shot from different directions using the Camera chase car.

As for images, Florida Today reported about yesterday's filming along with a gallery of images here of the Wreckers. The article describes a little bit of the casting and costume process for extras cast for the shoot. It was noted that filming at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, "where the Atlas and Delta unmanned rocket programs are housed -- to the filming schedule apparently was a last-minute decision by Bay." Thanks to Sideswipe, Ray, and Richard for the links.

Update: Thanks again to Sideswipe, below are three additional videos that show off the Autobots as they drive in front of the VAB.

"The Dreads" In Indiana

Collecticon.org has posted two videos from the video shoot in Hammond, Indiana from last month. The first video has Agent Simmons' Mayback, Autobots and the Decepticon SUVs (called "The Dreads" by crew) as they filmed on the I90 Skyway. The second video gives you a good look at the digi-truck (not Prime) that was "later destroyed in a stunt where the front of the truck was heavily damaged." The truck's color is so it can be replaced by post-production visual effects.

International Filming Classified, Tyrese Tweets

A few odds and ends related to Transformers 3 production. International filming has not been completed but it is doubtful we will get a full list of locations and dates anytime soon as Nelson posted, "International locations and dates are not being released due to security issues." With filming rumored to be ending by mid to late October, I am guessing that it is the overseas filming that is next on the schedule after Florida (and DC) wraps.

Tyrese has commented a few times over the last few days about the production. One tweet verifies production has finished in Detroit when he tweeted "Detroit.... Were ALL DONE in your town.. God bless you ALL we were ALL treated with the best of respect and love..." Of note is while production is moving to Florida, Tyrese may not be with them as he posted "On yet another plane.. Headed back to the AtL got some HUGE scenes in the AM with Vin, P.Walker, and my dude @Ludacris #FF5 Full THrottle!!" He does seem to be commuting between TF3 and Fast and Furious 5 so it’s possible he isn't scheduled to join them in Florida until later in the week.

He also posted the pics of him in costume with the Ferrari and the guy to the right with comment "Ladies and Gents this is the guy thats been driving Optimus Prime in Transformers for ALL 3 Movies.. Wow!! http://twitpic.com/2skvsc" Just in case the Optimus driver doesn't excite you, he also tweeted a video interview with the voice of Prime, Peter Cullen from back around Transformers 1. Thanks to Charlotte for the info.

Update: Forgot that Washington DC is after Florida. Also, here is the quote that Tyrese posted with the Ferrari picture, "When I was Detroit I had lunch with the REAL star of Transformers... Jealous!??". Speculate away. Thanks to Charlotte for providing it.

Megatron Rumor, Florida and Detroit End Date

This is kind of a catch-all post for various news and rumors related to Transformers 3 which continues production in Detroit. The rumors in include a Megatron alt mode, Florida casting, and Detroit schedule info.

To start, a new rumor is making the web rounds that Megatron might have a new alt mode. Specifically the Mad Max-ish truck that was spotted in Chicago back in early August. The Imagination Studios posted info without any sources or details to attempt to vet its veracity. Just add it to the theory pile along with the rest (the Ferrari, the Fire Truck, etc) for which vehicle is for which character.

Next, a source tells me that today began the casting process for extras for when TF3 shows up at the Kennedy Space Center. Specifically it was for "badged" employees at the center so not really for the general public. Sounds like work is going to get a lot cooler for a select few. Update: An added note is around 600+ Space Center employees were at the extras casting call with the intent to use them sometime during the September 29th to October 7th date range of the shoot in Florida.

To swing things back to Detroit, The Detroit Times blog is reporting that filming in the city is schedule to end on October 1st. Filming will continue along a "three-block stretch of Griswold. The Griswold stretch, from State Street, past Capitol Park and up to Clifford Street, looked like a war zone, with charred cars flipped everywhere, building burned out, and broken concrete scattered. It was really cool to walk through." This was the location that J1000 and Surge29 captured their images and video. Filming along that stretch will wrap over the weekend.

TF3 Detroit: Downtown with the Big Gun and Bayhem

The area around the Farwell Building in Detroit and the Clifford and Woodward area was invaded today by Transformers 3 production. Most of the Autobot vehicles showed up along with the gigantic gun/jet prop, and the cast. Part of the filming appears to be a continuation of the scene from last week with Shia and Rosie on the prop sharing a hug then later that night which brought some more Bayhem boom to the set (video below). Thanks to J1000 and Surge29 we have two galleries of pictures and videos to enjoy from the day. The set report, first set of pics and last videos are from J1000. The second set of pics and 1st video is from Surge29.

Lots of great stuff going on today; Shia and Rosie were filming on the TF Jet prop (which now appears to definitely not be an "arm" or anything like that, as it was sitting street-level as they climbed on and off of it in front of the deli/liquor store set on Clifford. They were also shooting at the Farwell building with probably close to 100 (maybe more) extras running to the center of the intersection, as they were preparing to blow out a store front there. Towards the end of the evening, as the guys that haul the Autobots around were packing them up for the night, they were very cool and gave me a chance to get some pics of my son with Bumblebee and Sideswipe; then, one of the guys gave my son a NEST logo sticker that they actually us on the vehicles! What a cool souvenir! As you can see in the pic, he's super excited about that! I also noticed the classic silver Mercedes in the hauler that has been seen on other sets. I had my wife and kids with me, and we even got a mention in the local paper (Detroit Free Press), who was there covering some of the goings-on.

J1000

TF3 Detroit: Transformers at Central Station

J1000 returns with more pictures and video of Transformers 3 production in Detroit. Today brought cast and crew, along with basically all of the Autobot Transformers vehicles including the Wreckers, Twins, Ironhide, Prime (with trailer), etc to Michigan Central Station. At same time the crew was putting the finishing touches on the Clifford and Woodward faked store front set while adding the huge Transformers jet thingy prop from last week. J1000's report, pictures and 9 videos below speak for themselves.

Things are full speed ahead in Detroit now! They were filming at Michigan Central Station most of the day, followed by a quick trip over to the Packard Plant in the late evening for some other shots. The downtown sets should be shooting tomorrow; the Deli/Liquor store they've been setting up at Clifford and Woodward now has the Transformer Jet prop assembled in front of it; they were putting it together around lunch time (the engines were still at Packard at that point), and had it assembled when I came back by around 5PM. At Central Station, they were filming Shia, and I think Duhamel and Tyrese and possibly Hardcore Eddie, as well.

The Wreckers were being filmed racing across the front of the Station, while Ratchet was positioned at the left side door, and tires could be heard squealing inside the station. They were shooting closeups of the NEST squad and Shia on the right side of the station. After they wrapped at Central for the day, I heard a crew member's radio say they had to rush over to Packard; I got some great HD video shots of them leaving, and then arriving at Packard. I caught a glimpse (and pic) of a second Optimus cab inside the gates (I've seen doubles of the other cars, but not Optimus yet). As they were filming at Packard, there were a few small explosions. Tyrese's Chevelle drove by, and a bit later, Ironhide and the Twins finally arrived on a car hauler! Exciting day here in Detroit! Stay Tuned!

J1000

TF3 Detroit: Set Prep and Transformers

J1000 is back on the case with information, pictures and video of the various shooting locations being used as production continues its possible final week in Detroit. It seems the Transformers 3 performed more infrastructure repair as several abandoned locations have been spruced up to look like stores fronts for filming. If missing a look at your favorite Autobot, he also has that covered with a few pictures of Prime, Bumblebee, and few others.

Today, I got to "Roll out" with Optimus and Ratchet, as I followed them from the Packard Plant to a new location [video below] (The Connor Creek Detroit Edison Plant; nothing really to be seen here, as it's fairly well isolated from the surrounding area. It's the large plant with two smoke stacks in the pics). I got a chance to get some great pics of all the Autobots that were present as well. There were two Bumblebees, two Sideswipes, two Ferraris, and two of the Benzs. They were being washed and prepped for shooting. They were also filming at the Fisher Building downtown today.

There's a set being finished up at Clifford and Woodward, where they've built what looks like a fake subway entrance/stairwell type thing in the street, and have been decorating a building for a few days. Today they painted "Park in Rear" and some arrows on it. Right next door to it, they have decorated the vacant former Michigan National Bank building to look like a lingerie store window front (presumably something that matches Chicago). The building is vacant/empty if you look in through the front doors. I'm not sure if the "Cobras Club - Gentleman's club" is part of the set or not, though it may be, as the name is spelled wrong on one side of the sign). Also, Central Station was getting A/V/Power cable wrapped all around it as they prepped it for shooting on the outside (they've been doing interior work for at least a week now). Filming will be taking place in several areas over the rest of the week.

J1000

TF3 Chicago: More Images the Windy City

After spending a few posts in Detroit, here are more pictures from Chicago from around July 23rd when filming was at the Old Post Office Building thanks to Edward G.. Like the previous set, there are images of the building set as the United States Department of Health and Human Services but also some great close-up looks at the new Sideswipe, the Ferrari and Bumblebee.