Hasbro Reveals Soundwave's Alt Mode

Remember almost a month ago when Michael Bay debunked a rumor that the new alt mode of Soundwave was not a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, saying "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's really frown on that - I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car." It is a very reasonable explanation that is backed up by Hasbro and Takara's recent history not only with the movies but with their non-movie toy lines. Well, the new update Hasbro has performed for Transformers.com to promote their Dark of the Moon toy line throws a bit of a monkey wrench into that explanation.

As the image shows, the bio section of the "Vector Sigma Database" for Soundwave specifically lists his vehicle mode as...a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. So Bay says he isn't an SLS, Hasbro does. Set reports indicate that Carly does drive a silver one but it seems that Soundwave will be keeping his trademark blue look. So does this mean there is another unseen SLS that was used for his scenes? Is Hasbro's information wrong (find that hard to believe)?

The website update also revealed a few additional character details. For a while the two Decepticon SUV's have been nicknamed "The Dreads" because of Chicago set references but never confirmed official. We since learned one of them is called Crankcase. Based on the Vector Sigma bios, we know may name what that nickname was referencing. One "Dread" is named Hatchet with a jet alt mode while another is called Crowbar with police car alt mode. The site shows their toy modes but not a look at their movie version so this could turn out to be a toy specific thing and not movie related. Also the bios give us a look at a robot dog called Steeljaw that is based on the G1 cassette character. Could this be Wheelie's new friend?

The bio for Megatron explains that he has an earth based alt mode to avoid detection from NEST (Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers unit). The database also includes a clue about Shockwave and where he has been.

Cruelly efficient and unfeelingly logical, Shockwave came to Earth in search of the AllSpark shortly after Megatron. His cold devotion to logic and his peerless intellect, combined with his raw physical strength, make him one of the few Decepticons that can truly be called Megatron's rival. After decades of imprisonment underneath Chernobyl, Shockwave has begun to stir, awaiting his chance to escape his prison and avenge himself on his captors, his rivals and his enemies alike.

As usual we will find out in a few months. In the meantime, be sure to check out Transformers.com as Hasbro has added more than just a database. They are working on a movie-verse timeline, glossary, lots of toy images and it seems plans for games, video and much more.