Leonard Nimoy is the Voice of Sentinel Prime

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Leonard Nimoy is joining the voice cast of Transformers: Dark of the Moon as the voice of Sentinel Prime.

Mr. Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy, has joined the film as the voice of Sentinel Prime, the predecessor of Optimus Prime whose wrecked body is seen in the teaser trailer, found crash-landed on the moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts in 1969. Later, after being brought to earth, he takes the disguise form of a fire engine in the movie’s massive, climactic battle through Chicago.

Nimoy is most famous for the role of Spock in Star Trek and might be familiar recently as William Bell in Fringe. This isn't his first foray into the world of Transformers as he voiced Galvatron in Transformers: The Movie.

The idea of Leonard Nimoy returning to the TF universe has been around for a few years now as many fans advocated him voicing a character in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Back in April 2009 Michael Bay was asked about this possibility and he responded, "[Nimoy] is married to Susan Bay, who’s a cousin to me,” Michael explained, saying that he’s afraid of insulting his relative with the mere pittance allotted to pay his voice actors. “I just feel kind of bad about asking him. Like ‘I can’t pay you that much? But would you do this voice?’" This was followed up a week later with Leonard Nimoy himself who simply said that Bay had to just ask.

Apparently has asked and Nimoy has accepted. Even better it seems the character of Sentinel Prime is a rather important one in DOTM so it might just be a few lines like it might have been if Bay had tried to get him for Revenge. EW tends to be right on the mark with their reports but since no one official with the movie is quoted, I have very slight reservations. I hope Bay comments on his forum confirming this news soon. Thanks to GundamFan89, Chris, Sean and Ryan for the heads-up.

Three Images from Dark of the Moon

It’s been a while but finally have something that isn't toy related for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Below are three still from the actual movie with the expected assortment of Bayhem. From what I can tell the NEST scene is from Chicago, Shia running probably has something to do with the tilting office set and of course the last is from the Chicago parking deck where the bus gets it. The leaking of images is a good sign towards a trailer coming mid-April as the typical pattern is the "leaking" of images, followed a week or so later by articles around the movie with cast and director quotes and then the trailer with longer feature articles after. (via Collider)

Update: As pointed out in the comments, the images are not new as they are from the Empire Magazine article a few weeks ago but to my knowledge this is the first time the images were released as something other then pictures taken of the physical magazine.

2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car

2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car

BMW announces 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car for the Moto GP event Panamera announced that 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo Safety Car will be used as the safety car, but this time in the 2011 American Le Mans Series. The 2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car is obviously based on the most powerful version Turbo model powered by 4.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which offers a total of 500 hp. 2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car expect a number of changes to the specifications that define the racing series to watch.

2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car

2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car used safety car, which will be specifically used for the 2011 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The car is based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo has a base 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 500 hp (368 kW) and 700 nm (516 lb-ft) between 2250 and 4500rpm. All that power is needed to keep pace on the track. 2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car from 0 to 60 km in 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Quarter mile in 11.7 seconds back down to 192 km / h (119 mph). The top speed is 303 km / h (188 mph), which is very good for large four-door coupe.

2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car

The 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo provides Porsche performance and quality, as well as a level of comfort absent among true high-performance cars. All U.S. Panamera models feature a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox delivering a dynamic driving experience, ultrafast gearshifts without the slightest interruption of engine power, a very high level of comfort for four, and outstanding fuel efficiency when compared to a conventional automatic transmission.

The Panamera is the first premium car with an automatically shifting double-clutch transmission to feature an engine start/stop system. It saves fuel and reduces emissions by turning the engine off when it is not needed, such as sitting at a stop light. All engines have advanced and fuel-efficient Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), as well.

2011 Porsche Sport Cars Panamera Turbo Safety Car

"The Porsche Panamera gives us an official safety car unmatched in motorsports," Ed Triolo, ALMS VP of Marketing and Brand Development said. "This reinforces the commitment and partnership between the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and Porsche, one of the world’s greatest sports cars that has had extraordinary success in the ALMS and IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama. It is a perfect fit."

Then not only the Panamera is a safety car, second car would be used of the Porsche Cayenne. That will always be ready as the Emergency Response vehicle, and will always stand-by to deal with any difficulties that occurred in Le mans series racing this year. As was stated by the organizers of racing series, when choosing a car, they proceeded from the fact that the Porsche Panamera – is one of the best sports cars in the world. Also, two ALMS Porsche Cayenne Emergency Response Vehicles are on standby in case there are no problems on any of the games this season. No further details of the specific vehicles, but the company release more details soon.

DOTM: Rising Storm #2 Preview

Wednesday is here and with it comes two new Transformers comic books - Transformers: Heart of Darkness #1 and Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Rising Storm #2. Darkness is part of the non-movie IDW TF universe while Rising Storm is a prequel to the movie but I am not clear if it before or after whatever events are part of the video games. The covers and first five pages of Rising Storm #2 can be found here.

Transformers: Rising Storm #2 (of 4)
John Barber (w) Carlos Magno (a) Brian Rood (c)
MEGATRON's deadliest plan yet kicks into high gear-it's all-out war! Plus-BUMBLEBEE squares off against BARRICADE for what may prove to be the final time, while OPTIMUS PRIME calls in every AUTOBOT on Earth to put an end to STARSCREAM! The stakes rise in this intense prequel to Transformers 3!
FC 32 pages $3.99Read More »

DOTM Getting Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Cars 2, and Kung Fu Panda 2 will be using Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound. Previous 7.1 releases include Tron 2 and Toy Story 3. If you are a true audiophile that just so happens to live close to a brand new theatre or one that recently upgraded their sound system, then this is good news. Considering only 1,300 or so theatres have the necessary equipment installed, most of us are just out of luck. If curious, more information can be found here and here. Below is THR's summary of the tech. Thanks to Sahara for the heads-up. (via Seibertron)

The format is aimed at improving the spatial dimension of soundtracks and enhancing audio definition.

Enabling content creators to mix in a discrete 7.1 format, Dolby Surround 7.1 provides four surround zones to better orchestrate audio channels in a movie theater environment. The four surround zones incorporate the traditional left surround and right surround with new back surround left and back surround right zones.

In total, the Dolby Surround 7.1 format comprises eight channels of audio with a channel layout of left, center, right, low-frequency effects, left surround, right surround, back surround left and back surround right.

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

At the curtain raiser on 19th March 2011, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe will for the first time be deployed as the official Safety Car for the MotoGP events – in advance of its market launch late in April. The 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car is a one-off built by BMW M GmbH specifically for this race series. Only the 250 kW/340 hp straight-six M TwinPower Turbo engine and the entire drivetrain were taken over unchanged from the production model.

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

Cars that serve safety in the event that racing is not just paint, but also engines and some body that is converted into lighter and deserves to get an Awards. Transmission is also changed on this car, gives a strong performance and fierce racing arena.

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

Motorcycle road racing world championship – or MotoGP – rank among the most popular events and the spectacular in the world of sports. The involvement of BMW M GmbH in the event the upper echelon of motor-racing is now entering its 13th year. To ensure the safety of current practice and the race itself, the BMW M GmbH is the official Safety Car provided along with a raft of other high performance vehicles for use by the management team official IRTA and Dorna Sports.

In the interests of weight optimisation, the 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car comes with a carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows. A special lightweight titanium race exhaust system not only saves weight but also delivers a captivating sound for the benefit of the spectators.

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

Complementing the discreet spoiler lip on the boot lid there is now an adjustable rear wing to provide the requisite downforce. On the 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car the aerodynamically honed front apron with its precisely defined air ducting, including Air Curtains, features an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron.

The interior of the 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car is a model of uncompromising purism. A rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar, the absence of rear seats, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, an M steering wheel in alcantara and a fire extinguisher are all standard in the Safety Car.

The suspension technology of the 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe was specially adapted for the Safety Car. Its high-performance suspension system boasts an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound. The 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car runs on 19-inch mixed tyres measuring 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. Vehicle height is variably selectable and the camber of the front and rear axle can be altered to suit the circuit topography. The braking system of the 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car, already designed for extremely high demands, is replaced in the Safety Car with a six-piston fixed-calliper racing brake system.

The deployment of the brand-new 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car marks the continuation of BMW M GmbH’s successful partnership – begun in 1999 – with Dorna Sports, the organisers of the MotoGP World Championship. With a fleet of eight vehicles, BMW is supporting the safe running of the motorcycle world championship in the current race season.

As well as the official 2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car, this year sees two further reserve Safety Cars from BMW M GmbH present at the track: a BMW X6 M and a BMW M3. In addition, the organising team has been given a BMW X5 M for the Safety Officer and a BMW ActiveHybrid X6 for the stewards. On call this season as a Medical Car is a BMW 535i Touring. There will also be two Safety Bikes contributing to the safe running of race weekends: a BMW S 1000 RR and a BMW HP2 Sport.

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

The ceremonial handover of the vehicles took place at BMW M in Garching-Hochbrück on 28th February 2011. It was on this occasion that Dr Kay Segler, Director of BMW M GmbH, and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports, made an advance announcement that the successful partnership would be extended until 2016, before sealing the agreement in a signing ceremony.

2011 BMW Sport Cars 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

Click to Play

Americans build big trucks!! That is an undisputed axiom in the automotive world. GMC thinks its new Sierra HD is one of the better big trucks. Bumper2Bumpertv recently tried one out and find it is not a vehicle for the timid.

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)Read More »

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

In 2011 the Geneva Motor Show, Brabus biturbo will feature a new 700 performance upgrades for Mercedes-Benz AMG Gullwing SLS. Exterior appearance was little changed with the work of Brabus for this vehicle. On the exterior he added Widestar Brabus body kit featuring front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, wide-body panels for the fenders and side outlets. tuner also added Brabus Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels in the rear wrapped in Pirelli or Yokohama tires.

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

A high-tech turbocharger system for the high-tech engine of the SLS: The BRABUS engine engineers have designed a state-of-the-art twin turbo system for the fast-revving eight-cylinder four-valve engine of the SLS. The high-performance exhaust manifolds are optimized for exhaust-gas flow and were custom-developed for this sports car. They drive the two turbochargers. The chargers themselves are another BRABUS custom development. For faster response and better efficiency both chargers feature an air diverter valve.

V-engines are normally fitted with two right-turning chargers, which entails drawbacks for the response characteristics. To eliminate these drawbacks the BRABUS engineers have developed the B63 bi-turbo system with a left-turning charger for the left side of the engine. That allows the turbine and its inlet to be designed for perfect gas flow and gas dynamics. The result is an outstanding engine with an exemplary power curve.

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

The BRABUS engine conversion also includes a generously dimensioned intercooling system with two water-to-air heat exchangers. The dual-flow intake manifold gets its combustion air through a package-optimized air filter housing and high-performance air filters. The company engine shop also modifies the inner workings of the engine that like all BRABUS engines is lubricated exclusively with fully-synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil. Specially manufactured BRABUS forged pistons reduce the compression ratio to 9.0:1.

The 2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG increased power coming from the V8 engine to 700 HP (514 kW) and 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) of torque, mainly by fitting the B63 bi-turbo system which features a left-turning charger for the left side of the engine.

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

Powered by this engine the 2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG is among the most powerful super sports cars in the world. As the name indicates, the engine produces a rated power output of 700 hp (690 bhp) / 514 kW at 6,600 rpm. The peak torque of 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) is already available at a low 4,300 rpm. In combination with the SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sport transmission the resulting performance is breathtaking: The two-seater car sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.2 seconds. Top speed is 340 km/h (213 mph).

To give the SLS also a sportier appearance the BRABUS WIDESTAR wide-body version was developed in the wind tunnel. Like in Formula 1 racing all aerodynamic-enhancement components are manufactured from lightweight yet high-strength carbon-fiber compounds. The body components can be painted in body or contrasting color or finished with a clear coat for a purebred racing look.

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

Developed by Brabus, contains the conversion engine a large inter cooler, high-performance air filter, new maps and specially-designed forged pistons. Other changes include a new titanium exhaust system and a new suspension, level control and 30 mm (1.2 in) lower and has a “Ride Control” function, changing the attenuation as needed.

BRABUS sport stabilizers in the front and rear axle affects more agile hand in capacity and the roll is reduced. The BRABUS smooth riding Ride Control suspension system is also available with an optional lifting BRABUS front. 2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG Front Lift the front wheel to increase by 50 mm (2.0 inches) and improve the approach angle.

2011 BRABUS Sport Cars BRABUS 700 Biturbo Mercedes SLS AMG

BRABUS custom interior has been the exclusive domain for over three decades. upholstery shop crafts proprietorship, excluding experts Alcantara leather interior or the color desired for the SLS. The interior is complemented by the ergonomic sports steering wheel, a speedometer with 400 km / line-hour (250 mph) and matte or glossy carbon fiber elements in any color desired. Matte anodized aluminum pedals and footrest add sports highlights clearly.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

2012 Toyota FT-86 II Concept, a new concept debuted at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the second generation prototype and according to Toyota, 2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II take a step closer to final draft coming sports car. Toyota designers restyled 2012 Toyota FT-86 II Concept coupe profile by removing the lower fold line and add a new line, which starts from the front fenders with air vent and the theater round at the top of the rear window, which itself grew in size. In addition, Toyota is split windshield and took Blackout column surface, while the rear wheel arches are pronounced, and new side rocker panels.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

This concept cars measures the length 4235 mm, width 1795 mm and 1270 mm high, with wheelbase, length 2570 mm.yang same for I-86 FT. The FT-86 will come with a six-speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive in standard form. While Toyota has not stated what power plant will be in the FT-86, Subaru announced this week that their version of the car will feature a 2.0 liter flat-four boxer engine in base models. A turbocharged variant akin to what is available in the WRX models is a logical possibility. An automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also possible, though not listed as options at this time.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

Production version of Toyota’s FT-86 II, developed in conjunction with Subaru, will using free gasoline boxer engine-revving with a manual transmission compact and lightweight 6 -speed and low center of gravity to achieve the best possible resources for the ratio weight.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

The car says Akio Toyoda is inspired in part from the vintage Toyota 2000 GT and Corolla Levin AE86. ‘When the Toyota 2000 GT was built, I was eleven years old – and I loved it. I said: “I want to drive something like this when I grow up”. My dream came true when I drove a 2000 GT in a vintage car rally. That was a really great experience.  I want young people to feel those same desires when they see a new Toyota sports car. I want to transfer the thrill of the race track to our vehicles, and make driving fun and exciting for our customers.’  Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II uses petrol boxer engine which is paired with 6-speed transmission. 2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II will have better strength and will be offered in both FWD and RWD configurations. No official statement about the power output. Toyota FT-86 prototype will undergo phase II testing in various street characters of the world. This is to get the 2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II as a model that is ready production.

Since Toyota began the development of its 2-cylinder boxer engined Sports 800 in 1962, the company has maintained a long history of creating exciting, driver-focused sports cars that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition. The beautiful 2000 GT helped establish the company’s global reputation as a sports car manufacturer.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

With its reputation for delivering pure excitement and embodying the fundamental joy of driving, the Corolla Levin AE86 is the inspiration behind Toyota’s latest sports car concept, the Future Toyota-86 II.

With the proportions of its long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin paying homage to Toyota’s illustrious sports car history, the dynamic power of the 2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II gives the clearest indication yet as to the final design of Toyota’s next sports car. The 2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II is an entirely driver-oriented concept, designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle or steering input, for those who regard driving as a passion rather than a necessity. Based on the ‘Functional Beauty’ concept, its bold, sweeping form has been generated entirely through the constraints of function, and aerodynamics developed from F1 technology.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

Both powertrain and driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance for maximum poise, high speed stability and dynamic agility. Allied to a front engine, rear-wheel drive format, this awards the FT-86 II lively, accessible performance, highly engaging, readily-exploitable dynamic abilities and maximum driving pleasure.

European sales of Toyota’s new sports car will begin in 2012.

2012 Toyota Sport Cars FT-86 Concept II

Michael Bay Comments on 3D in Movies

A USA Today article asks the question "Can 3-D technology save the moviemaking business?" and one of the people they reached for comment was Transformers: Dark of the Moon director Michael Bay. Bay has been a vocal opponent to using 3D until he decided to try it out himself and use the latest gen digital cameras to film TF3 in 3D. Having said that it doesn't mean he is completely sold on the tech or at least how the studios are trying to take advantage of it. The full article is here, the Bay related snippets are below.

"The short answer is we did too much with technology that wasn't ready for prime time," says director Michael Bay, whose Transformers: Dark of the Moon was shot digitally, in 3-D and on traditional 35mm film.

"Studios are turning everything they can into 3-D without considering whether it should be done at all," he says. "We're already wearing the experience out. Look, there are simply some movies that shouldn't be shot in 3-D," he says. "It doesn't add anything."

Read More »

DOTM The Game Nintendo "Stealth Force Edition"

Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Game is being released on June 14th for all the systems but one of the unanswered questions was how would the Nintendo versions be different considering the differences made with previous movie edition due mostly to lack of graphical power of Nintendo's systems. Amazon has updated their listings for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii versions, now calling them the "Stealth Force Edition." They are now available for pre-order. The description and features from Amazon below complete with a bizarre volume of typos:

Stealth Force Edition: Exclusively on the Wii and 3DS, the war between the autobots and decepticons continues in stealth force mode. Control heavily weaponized vehicles as you engage in epic vehicular combat to save earth from total destrucition.

* Split Screen Multiplayer (Wii Only) Wage war with a friend in spliet screen multiplayer
* Play the entire game in stealth force and wield the power of high intensity weapons in vehicluar combat
* 18 stealth force missions, wage war between the autobots and decepticons in urband, desert and frozen locations from Siberia to South American Deserts

(via Seibertron)

CGI Shockwave Images & Product Line Galleries

Another link fest to a bunch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys, accessories and books. The main highlight is a look at Shockwave in his ILM created CGI glory. I think this is the first time his look has been revealed as will appear in the movie. Previous looks were via the toy and the video game. Other items include leader Ironhide, plush toys, and more Sentinel Prime voice clips.

DOTM Junior Novelizations (4x)
Much like was done with Revenge of the Fallen; a wave of 4 children's books is being prepped around Dark of the Moon. Of note is the covers provide the first real look of Shockwave in his CGI glory. The books revealed on Amazon Japan are "Colour and Create", an Activity Book, junior novel based on the movie, and The Ultimate Guide which is info on all three movies. The planned release date is 6/9/11. Thanks to Sahara for the link.


Kre-O Figures
ACToys has revealed a little bit more details about the Kre-O Transformers line that was revealed a few months ago at the New York Toy Fair. The line is another attempt by Hasbro to enter the building blocks business that is ruled by Lego. The Lego like mini-figs alone just might make this line worthwhile. Hasbro might want to take a page from Lego and offer the mini-figs separately. (via AllSpark)Read More »