Transformers 3 Filming in Chicago?

Pre-production is in full swing for pre-production and it looks like Bay may have made some progress on his location scouting according to an observation from "jamtron". He reports that while driving by Chicago Studio City, he saw a sign for Michael Bay's office indicating that filming may occur at the site and possibly around the city.

Chicago was also one of the cities Bay mentioned he was checking out for the film. As the name suggests, the facility is Chicago, IL and can be used for the movie production with large spaces for set construction and production offices. Recent productions as the site include Prison Break, Wanted and Public Enemies. If the first two movies are any indication, filming on Transformers 3 is likely to being in May or June. Thanks to jamtron for the tip.

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT (Spec and Picture)

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced the Honda HSV-010 GT, which will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series.

Honda HSV-010 GT Technical Specifications :
    - Dimensions
          * Length: 4675 mm
          * Width: 2000 mm
          * Vehicle weight: 1100+ kg
    - Engine
          * Engine name: HR10EG
          * Configuration: Liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated, longitudinal V8
          * V angle: 90°
          * Valve train: Gear-driven DOHC - 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder
          * Displacement: 3397 cm3
          * Bore x stroke: 93.0 x 62.5 mm
          * Maximum output: 500 PS (370 KW)
          * Maximum torque: 392 Nm
          * Throttle control system: Mechanical
          * Fuel supply system: Programmed fuel injection system (Honda PGM-FI)
          * Fuel: Lead-free premium gasoline
          * Lubrication: Dry sump
    - Powertrain
          * Transmission mechanism: Constant mesh
          * Transmission shifting method: Steering paddle shifter
          * Steering system mechanism: Rack and pinion system with electric power steering (EPS)

    - Tires
          * front: 330/40R18
          * rear: 330/45R17
    - Brake type and mechanism: Hydraulic ventilated disc system
    - Suspension system: Double wishbone
    - Stabilizer: Torsion bar

UK Toy Fair Reveals Power Core Details and More

The UK Toy Fair was held recently and Hasbro was in attendance with details about their future plans for Transformers including Power Core, War for Cybertron, Revenge of the Fallen, and more. Sadly no pictures but thanks to Transformers At The Moon and TFormers, here is a summary of some of the highlights.

- War for Cybertron Optimus Prime and Bumblebee: Prime looks almost Voyager class in size. BB has "awesome vehicle mode" with metallic gold paint scheme.
- Universe Seaspray: Voyager sized toy with blue, white and yellow color scheme with boat alt mode. Image indicates this is a new mold, but not sure. Seems large enough to hold a few scouts on the deck.
- Power Core Combiners is a sub-line for movie based "Transformers" that will come in 2 and 5 packs. The 5 pack combiners form Bruticus.
- New RPM molds including Drift, a Bumblebee track set, and Stealth Force which is deluxe size vehicles with fold out weaponary)
- Transformers: Animated may be "phased" back in for the UK in late 2010.

The Hasbro flyer image is from Private Universe and is the first offical confirmation of the Power Core line, Battle Ops Bumblebee and the new Seaspray. It also shows the official transition from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen to just "Transformers" for the toy line.

The Power Core Combiner's line is described as "New segment based on the combination theme introduced in Revenge of the Fallen. Combination play delivers an interchangable system of combiner robots, servering as a range of body parts and weapons."

The new lines will start hitting toy shevles in late 2010.

2010 Mazda Speed3

Click to Play

Short of a major redesign what does an automaker do to freshen up an icon vehicle? In Mazda's case the answer was some subtle reengineering of the Speed3. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at some of the upgrades to one of the fastest cars on the pavement!!

Legends Devastator, Other Exclusives in Feburary

Hasbro has posted its list of exclusives that will be hitting stores shelves starting in February including Legends class Devastator. Overall, 10 different sets total of exclusives are being released for Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Target and K-Mart. Sadly no exact dates nor pricing is provided for any of the sets. Below is a quick summary, click here for details and images.

Wal-Mart
Legends class Constructicon Devastator - Seven Legends sized transforming constructicons form the evil robot
ROTF: Road Rival Showdown - Two scout class toys named Beachcomber and Deadlift, both repaints of previously released toys.
ROTF Windy City Chase - Two scout class toys named Slap Dash and Trenchmouth, both repaints of previously released toys.

Toys R US
ROTF Shanghai Showdown - Deluxe class Ice Cream Truck Twins and white repaint of Voyager Demolisher.
Transformers Animated Arcee - Deluxe class Arcee, not clear if this is a repaint or not.
Transformers Animated Ratchet - Deluxe class Ratchet, not clear if repaint with detachable shock paddles that seems more cartoon accurate.

Target
ROTF Bumblebee and Shadow Striker - Two legends class repaints.
ROTF Rally Mudflap and Offroad Skids - Two legends class repaints.
ROTF Smokescream and Starcream - Two legends class repaints.

K-Mart
Nebular Starscream - Voyager class repaint with dark grey and green-something color scheme.

First Look at War for Cybertron Prime and Megatron Toys

Thanks to UGO.com, below are the first official images of Transformers: War for Cybertron Optimus Prime and Megatron toys that will be released with the video game this summer. As you can see, the images retain the classic color scheme of each faction leader while presenting a brand new Cybertronian alt mode for each.

Bay: TF3 Location Scouting Begun

Michael Bay has provided to his official website a brief update on his pre-production efforts for Transformers 3 and also assistance he helped provide for the devastation in Haiti. Click here to view images of the team heading to Haiti.

Hello everyone,

Busy scouting - Chicago, Detroit, and Washington D.C. for Transformers last week. Things are going well. The script is feeling very different from the other two. I ended my scout down in Miami this weekend to load my plane with 14 Florida Surgeons, specialists in various fields and flew them down to Haiti. We then returned with a planeload of a team of exhausted Miami Fire rescue. It is proving very difficult for these volunteers to get back home.

They say the news hardly gives the true scope of what really happened. They really feel about 500,000 probably died. One of the worst stories I heard from people down there - because of the huge lack of education in Haiti – when the earthquake struck – everyone ran inside buildings most likely to their graves. The state of Florida is really pulling their weight in this massive effort. Here some pics:

Michael

First TF Unite for the Universe Images

As mentioned the other day, the Revenge of the Fallen line was going to get another release as a Japan Exclusive under the line title of "Unite for the Universe". Toys R Us Japan had descriptions for "JetPrime" combo and Megatron but no images. Thanks to the TFHenkon blog, below are images of those two toys.

They retain the look of the movie line but seem to be either new molds or modifications of existing molds. JetPrime seems to be two parts. One is Optimus Prime with robot and vehicle mode while Jetfire is really just the backpack component that doubles as a gun and trailer or sorts. Megatron appears to be more movies accurate with paint job and detail but also seems to have extra flaps for some unknown reason. Thanks to Chris for the link and info.

War for Cybertron Toy Line Confirmed (Updated)

Game Informer Magazine reports that it has confirmed with Hasbro that the upcoming video game Transformers: War For Cybertron will have a small line of toys to go with it.

"In 2010, Hasbro will be introducing a limited assortment of Transformers figures tied to Activision’s War for Cybertron game. At this moment, this is all that we can share with you. We appreciate your understanding."

The details of the line such as price, classes, and more have not been released. So far the only now verified figure is Optimus Prime but it is probably safe to assume that Bumblebee, Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream and a few other fan favorites will make the cut. The game is tentatively scheduled for June 22nd release so safe to assume that Hasbro's goal is to have the toys on store shelves by then.

Update: If the word from Hasbro isn't enough, the Transformers Collector's Club cover image (above) with War for Cybertron Bumblebee should be more then enough verification of the new toy line.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro high-performance Sports Car

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

Audi announced that the price for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro V10 sports car will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400. The Audi R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks - in the new Audi R8 GT3 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro is the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the Audi R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start - and now comes the Audi R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the Audi R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp). The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement - and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) - that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. The Audi R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg). The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine - all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive - it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.

 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept will present at the Chicago Auto Show

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

KIA Motors is currently preparing their new concept car that will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show 2010. The figure in the vehicle named Kia Ray in the form of the official release has a unique taillights.

 

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept Kia Ray is the vehicle plug-in hybrid that is a picture of Kia's green programs in the future. Platform concept would seem hibryd used Kia models that will come, but it is unlikely that vehicles will be the Kia design language that will come.

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

Kia Ray designed at Kia's American design studios released only in an illustration. There's no other details about this vehicle and it seems we must wait until the Chicago Auto Show going to get any further to what is really shown by Kia through Ray Plug-in hybrid it.

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

But most likely, will carry the Kia Ray drive system similar to that used by Kia Blue-will. We will wait.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

Now, the company manager from Leonberg near Stuttgart takes on a new challenge. The automobile manufacturer turns the most potent super sports car from Maranello, the Ferrari Enzo, into the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 - an individually produced edition, limited to only 25 cars. In the last 27 years, Uwe Gemballa has achieved the best world-wide reputation for refining Porsche cars. The core part of the overall makeover is the entirely re-engineered aerodynamics concept by GEMBALLA. Without any exception, the manufacturer produces all components in real carbon in order to combine lowest weight with highest material strength.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

Owing to the active aerodynamics conception, the front spoiler lip generates an additional downthrust of up to 35 kilograms at the front axle, according to the individual position. Analogically, the flap on the newly designed rear spoiler generates even up to 85 kilograms more downthrust on the rear wheels. For optimal handling results, the flap lowers, as soon as the car reaches a speed of 120 km/h. In this way, the GEMBALLA-aerodynamics concept adjusts to the outer conditions and always ensures perfect road holding characteristics. All components of the aerodynamics kit attribute to this: starting from the new front skirt with spoiler lip, over the door extensions to the diffuser and rear spoiler.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

The air duct system of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 does not only help bringing the power of the twelve-cylinder car onto the road. At the same time, the engineers from Leonberg (Baden-Wurttemberg) develop an extensive ventilation- and cooling concept. Here, both the front and the back wheel-houses are supplied with cooling air and this guarantees an optimal use of the high performance braking system. The GEMBALLA car body components therefore guarantee the functionality of the new super sports car and provide the car with a unique look at the same time. Following the design of Formula-1 racing cars, the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 has an extended front and an edged rear spoiler. Formerly rounded edges were replaced in order to provide the car with an aggressive look with greedy air inlets and outlets.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

The twelve cylinder engine of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 works with an optimised motor management and an especially adjusted exhaust system. This combination allows a performance output of 700 hp (515 kW). The four-pipe system with pneumatic flap control is added to the sports catalyser. The end-pipes are equipped with the typical GEMBALLA heat shield and share the exit into the rear skirt with the exhaust ducts of the rear wheel houses.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

In the interior, GEMBALLA devises a control centre which perfectly combines functionality and comfort. The especially for the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 designed seats, the custom-made centre console and the sports steering wheel with its leather-ultra suede combination guarantee full control over the car. At the same time,
the interior of this super sports car reflects pure luxury.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

With the GEMBALLA MIG-U1, the automobile manufacturer once again proves that its know-how is not only limited to Porsche cars. On the basis of the already exhilarating Ferrari Enzo, the engineers developed a unique car. But even the limited edition with only 25 cars is not exclusive enough for GEMBALLA. Therefore, every single GEMBALLA MIG-U1 is individually adjusted. This ensures that there will not be any identical cars. Therefore, the specialist with its reputation for unique high-end refinement once again meets the requirements for highest individuality.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

Transformers Linkfest

Alternity A-4 and Transforming Buzz Lightyear
The Disney Label is expanding to include a transforming Buzz Lightyear while the Alternity version of Starscream and Skywarp seems to be have been confirmed to be a Mitsuoka Orochi according to the images below from BigBadToyStore.com.


G1 Transformers Game Coming to iPhone
Glu Mobile's Transformers G1: Awakening is "coming soon" to the iPhone. The game is apparently a converted version of a mobile game that was released sometime in late 2008. The game appears to feature many G1 classic characters and looks almost like a version of Advance Wars. Below is a non-audio trailer of the mobile version.


VES Nominates Revenge of the Fallen
The Visual Effects Society has announced their nominees for the 8th Annual VES Awards and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen received one for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Feature Motion Picture" (wow that is a mouth full). The competition includes 2012, Avatar, District 9, and Star Trek. Sadly this is the year of Avatar so Michael Bay and co is going to have to get use to saying "It is just an honor to be nominated."

Transformers: Animated CGI Style
Click the link to view three images of what appears to be a CGI version of Transformers: Animated toys for the Versus sets that will be released with the rest of the line for Japan. The images include Optimus vs. Megatron, Bumblebee vs. Starscream and Ratchet vs. Lockdown.

Yamaha Fazer FZ6S VS Ducati 749

Yamaha Fazer FZ6S VS Ducati 749 on the street wild race

Transformers XBox Mod, as Clothes Dryer and The Tonight Show

Transformers related stuff has made a few real life appearances this week that are of note. One is a sweet case mod for the XBox 360, Prime helps explain The Tonight Show fiasco, and Prime also shows up as a dish washer.

XBox 360 AllSpark Mod
As the image shows, the XBox has been transformed into the AllSpark Cube. The mode sports a DVD tray with Decepticon logo, storage compartment, and lighting effects. Click the link above for more images.

Optimus Prime, Clothes Dryer
A Taiwanese father spent $1,600 for scrap metal and lot of work to create a 14-foot model of the movie version of Prime for his son. Video below, image at link above.



Animated Optimus Prime Helps Explain The Tonight Show Fight
The Transformers: Animated version of Optimus Prime assisted Pee Wee Herman with explaining the war that has been going on with NBC and Jay Leno over the show. Prime plays Conan's (Mr. Giraffe) lawyer. Video below or use link above (third video down).

TF2: A Day with Bay in Tokyo

For those who may have not seen it, below are two videos that cover one of the extra features that are on the Blu-ray release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The featurette follows director Michael Bay as he spent the day in Tokyo, Japan promoting the movie for its world premiere. (via MB.com)

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

Each Shelby GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14″ ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The 2011 Shelby GT350 also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

Revenge of the Fallen Unite Toy Line Announced

According to TFormers and toy listings on Toys R US Japan, Tomy Takara is starting a new "series" called Revenge of the Fallen "Unite for the Universe". The toy line currently is made up of Optimus Prime with Jetfire (UA-01) and Megatron (UD-01) and the toys will be released on June 28th, 2010.

Based on a translation of Prime's page, it appears the Prime with Jetfire isn't two separate toys that combine but a "JetPrime" with jet-truck vehicle mode. Makes me wonder if Battle Ops Bumblebee isn't a part of this. The goal seems to be to create the most movie accurate toys yet. So far nothing official from Takara or Hasbro about this or any images to support it so time will tell what this means. Thanks to Chris for the link and information.

Osaka auto messe 2006

The auto car show at Osaka is the 10th anniversary.This year was a feast for the eyes of many a motoring enthusiasts.

On hand to show their wares were most major car manufacturers and after market parts manufactures.

And as usual besides the 'beasts there is always the presence of the 'beauties', and i can assure you that this show did not disappoint. Just look at the image and you would definitely agree.

The Honda Civic Hybrid

If you are in the market for a compact organism vehicle that offers the aforementioned richness and reliability of a customary sedan, you'll want to consider the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Toyota Prius has embellish synonymous with organism cars and is definitely a good car, but its unequalled and perhaps quirky exterior is not everyone's cup of tea. The Honda Insight is belike the most affordable organism automobile available but it has been criticized as being too diminutive and lacking in features. The Honda Civic Hybrid, however, is stylish, affordable, render efficient, and comes unexploded with many enthusiastic features. In fact, this automobile ranks #3 out of 35 on US News and World Report's list of affordable diminutive cars. It is currently the most affordable organism in Canada and Energuide rated it as the most render economical compact automobile in 2009.

So what are whatever of the Civic Hybrid's key features? The 2009 and 2010 editions come with a 4 chamber 1.3L 110 Horsepower engine, 123 lb-ft of Torque, continuously uncertain transmission, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, power windows, power locks, and power steering. Front, passenger-side, and side curtain airbags, side-impact door beams, far keyless entry, air conditioning, and automatic climate control also come standard. You also have the option of having heated and/or leather way and installing Honda's Satellite Linked Navigation System with Bluetooth connectivity. If that's not enough to get you excited, this sweet mate has a rattling decent render efficiency of 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. If you already drive a lawful Honda Civic and are comfortable with it, the transformation to the organism version makes even more sense because the digit look almost identical. The Civic Hybrid just needs to attain room for a battery pack and gets better mileage.

There are many enthusiastic choices available when it comes to buying a organism automobile but the Civic Hybrid is definitely worth a fireman look. If you are serious most buying a hybrid, be trusty you visit your closest Honda moneyman and effort drive the newborn Honda Civic Hybrid!

For comprehensive information on the Honda Civic Hybrid including specifications, reviews, pictures, and pricing go ahead and log on now to: http://www.hondacivichybrid.org.

Link Relevant : Best Performance Auto