Autoblog

Aussies turn Bumblebee Camaro into gullwing door limo [w/videos]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, Australia, Specialty

It is in Perth, Australia - a place that even Aussies consider a hike - where you'll find this, a Transformers-themed Bumblebee Camaro limousine with both scissor and gullwing doors. Created by Showtime Limos, the pony car has gone draft horse with seating for eight and Lamborghini-style entry in front, DeLorean in back.

And since it wouldn't be a limo without leather and neon, you'll find plenty of that inside: light patterns laid out like circuitry, seat cushions arranged like an Autobot, enough strobes to confuse a Decepticon, and two Bumblebee helmets. You can check out the glory in the photos above and videos below, and then you can start working on a reason to have a party in Perth.

Continue reading Aussies turn Bumblebee Camaro into gullwing door limo [w/videos]

Aussies turn Bumblebee Camaro into gullwing door limo [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Bay confirms Transformers 4, replacing entire human cast

Chris Shunk — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Celebrities

Ready or not, here comes Transformers 4. The Huffington Post reports that Transformers directory Michael Bay has signed a contract with Paramount Pictures to extend the money-minting movie franchise. Yeah, we know. Most everyone says the movies are terrible, with the exception of some eye-popping (yet very overdone) CGI.

It's hard to blame Paramount or Bay for going back to the well for more Autobot love. After all, the movies gross hundreds of millions of dollars, which makes us think that at least some of you are ponying up at the local movie theater.

As for Shia LaBeouf and the rest of the Transformers cast, word is that they will not be back for movie number four. But you can bet that Bumblebee, Optimus and the remaining cast of bad guys will be back. Bay claims the movie will hit the big screen on June 29, 2014, but there is no script at this point. Many will no doubt debate that there will be no script on June 30, 2014, either.

Michael Bay confirms Transformers 4, replacing entire human cast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet unleashes Bumblebee Cruze in China

Zach Bowman — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, China, Chevrolet, Celebrities, Humor

Let's take a stroll into a parallel universe for a spell; one where Michael Bay doesn't soak his Transformers films in vats of teenage testosterone for a fortnight. What would that realm look like? Chances are the mighty Bumblebee wouldn't be a pre-production Chevrolet Camaro. After all, here in real-life, the average teenager is stuck driving something a little more pedestrian, even if he is saddled with saving the world. We're thinking something along the lines of the Chevrolet Cruze. Apparently, China is where this alternate universe manifests itself, because General Motors has just released a Bumblebee Edition Cruze in the People's Republic.

The car comes with a suitably yellow paint scheme with black accent stripes, as well as an Autobot insignia on the fenders, wheel caps and spread around the interior. Speaking of the insides, illuminated Transformers sill plates are standard fare as well. The standard 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the only available powerplant.

For what it's worth, this isn't the world's first Bumblebee Cruze, though it is the first to use the proper yellow and black color scheme. Check out this somewhat less successful example for all the details.

Chevrolet unleashes Bumblebee Cruze in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition ready to hit the street

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next installment in the Transformers franchise is set to hit theaters on Tuesday, June 28. Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon will continue the trend of providing a massive stage on which to showcase General Motors vehicles. One of those vehicles in the Michael Bay explosion-fest is a yellow Chevrolet Camaro that goes by the name Bumblebee, and the banana-and-black Autobot is set to spawn a special edition automobile that fans can put in their driveway.

It's called the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro, and you can order one starting in July. If you do so, your Bumblebee decoy will arrive on dealer lots sometime this fall. The Transformers Camaro wears Autobot badges on the fenders, black stripes down the hood, roof and tail, a Bumblebee-specific rear spoiler and blacked-out 20-inch alloys sporting Autobot-logo center caps. Dealers will also be able to offer and install a ground-effects package and a set of 21-inch wheels so that customers can more closely mimic the on-screen Camaro.

The interior of the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro also gets unique accents. Black leather surfaces are contrasted with yellow stitching, while Autobot logos can be seen on the headrests and center console lid.

Interested in picking one up? You'll have to start with either a 2LT or 2SS Camaro that's already wearing the RS appearance package. Tack on another $3,000, and you can drive like Shia Labeouf every day.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition ready to hit the street

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition ready to hit the street originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cake Boss builds 2,000-pound Bumblebee Camaro cake

Zach Bowman — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, Celebrities

Bumble Bee Transformers Cake - Click above to watch video after the jump

Chef Buddy Valastro has stepped up his cake game in a big way. Valastro stars in the TLC series "Cake Boss" and was recently approached to build a confection to celebrate both the Chevrolet Camaro and Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon. He wound up building a 2,000-pound cake sculpture that includes Bumblebee in both Autobot and Camaro forms. To pull it off, Valastro and his team had to partner up with special-effects gurus to create a special hydraulic system for the piece. As a result, Bumblebee's wings actuate up and down. The cake also features glowing eyes and fireworks.

The rest of the creation is made from vanilla pound cake and buttercream frosting. Valastro said that the cake was the biggest challenge of his career in more ways than one. The sculpture had to be crafted outside of the chef's bakery due to its height. Hit the jump to check out a video of his creation and the full press blast.

Continue reading Cake Boss builds 2,000-pound Bumblebee Camaro cake

Cake Boss builds 2,000-pound Bumblebee Camaro cake originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon trailer lands on the web

Zach Bowman — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon trailer - Click above to watch video after the jump

Summer is right around the corner, and that means theaters will soon be packed with the kind of action-slathered goodness that theater-goers crave. King of explosions Michael Bay has released the latest theatrical trailer for his new boomfest, Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. Judging by the short clip, the whole crew is in for another sequel-baiting adventure. Bumblebee returns as the world's most fearsome Chevrolet Camaro and Optimus Prime seems to have received a crash course in badassery since the last time we saw him grace the silver screen.

For reasons that remain unclear, the Prime has yet to punt Shia Labeouf into another galaxy, so fans can look forward to enduring him throughout the span of the film. Labeouf's new co-star Rosie Huntington-Whitley seems to do a smart enough job of looking equal parts damsel and distressed. The film hits theaters on May 1, so you don't have long to wait before you can sink your teeth into the action. Hit the jump to check out the trailer for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon trailer lands on the web

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon trailer lands on the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet Camaro stars in 'Al's Chevrolet' Super Bowl commercial

Zach Bowman — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet Super Bowl ad - Click above to watch the video after the jump

General Motors is planning an all-out advertising assault on this year's Super Bowl with a total of five ads spread throughout the game. The spots will focus on the Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze Eco, Silverado HD and, of course, the Volt. Each of the 30-second spots have a completely different feel, and at least a few of them will show up after Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are done beating themselves to oblivion during the post-game coverage. GM is staying fairly tight-lipped about the plots surrounding the majority of the ads, but the company has been kind enough to let slip the Camaro spot ahead of time.

The clip features Bumblebee of Transformers fame going toe to toe with a car lot mascot. Spoiler alert: don't put your money on the chipmunk.

The ad features one impressive donut with plenty of tire smoke and some fairly seamless CG for good measure. Hit the jump to take a look at the video for yourself and read the full press blast.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet Camaro stars in 'Al's Chevrolet' Super Bowl commercial

Video: Chevrolet Camaro stars in 'Al's Chevrolet' Super Bowl commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Bumblebee accidentally T-bones a real cop car on TF3 set

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities, Specialty

Autobots, roll out... No, wait! - Click above to watch videos after the jump

You know how they say some movies are cursed? It seems that may just be the case for the folks working on Transformers 3. The movie has had its share of crashes, with a few of them being of the "unplanned" variety. The latest incident takes place in Washington D.C. and involves a certain yellow Camaro that Transformers fans know better as Bumblebee.

As a scene was being filmed, a real police vehicle was responding to a call and cut quickly across the set. The two cars collided and the police officer driving the SUV was taken to a nearby hospital, but it appears there are no serious injuries - except to the Camaro, which was covered up and taken away.

Earlier this year, production came to a screeching halt when Gabrielo Cedillo had to be rushed to the hospital. Cedillo, an extra, was driving a car when a cable from a camera vehicle broke loose, smashed through her windshield and hit her in the head. She underwent emergency surgery but her stint in the ICU is up, and her condition is improving.

A trio of videos of this latest accident can be seen after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: TMZ, Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Bumblebee accidentally T-bones a real cop car on TF3 set

Video: Bumblebee accidentally T-bones a real cop car on TF3 set originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR robots, Datsun Bumblebee spied during filming of Transformers 3

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

Transformers 3 is filming in Chicago right now, luring all camera-toting film buffs to the Windy City's streets like moths to a bug zapper. In addition to snagging the three NASCAR Transformers and Optimus Prime's trailer, there's the matter of a 1972 Datsun 510 painted much like Bumblebee and dangling a "BEE-OTCH" air freshener from its rear view mirror.

We have no idea what that's about, but as long as it doesn't involve Wheelie or Skids we should be all right with it. Well, maybe not - this looks like it's shaping up to be as big a mess as Revenge of the Fallen. Maybe he'll at least take the form of a Nissan GT-R later, as with his Chevrolet Camaro 'upgrade' in the first movie. Click the links below to check out the rest of the shots.

[Sources: Ain't It Cool, TFW2005]

NASCAR robots, Datsun Bumblebee spied during filming of Transformers 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Bumblebee Camaro spotted on set of TF3

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Chevrolet, Celebrities

TF3 Bumblebee Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one thing the paparazzi is good for, it's stalking the likes of Megan Fox. And while we could usually care less about the comings and goings of the Xbox crowd's favorite young starlet, occasionally she wanders into our neck of the interwebs by getting dangerously close to cars like the new Bumblebee Camaro. Fox is currently shooting the next installment of the explosion-rich Transformers saga, and was spotted parading around what appears to be the next iteration of everyone's favorite plucky Autobot.

Judging from the photos, the biggest changes to the car include a new stripe design that carries over onto the roof of the car, as well as a not-so-subtle rear wing. The next Bumblebee looks to retain its concept-car sideview mirrors, though a selection of carbon-fiber aero additions join the changes as well. If you look close, you can spot Autobot badges in all the right places, too.

Is this what the next Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee Edition will look like? Given how closely GM is tied into the franchise, it wouldn't surprise us.

Gallery: Transformers 3 Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee

[Source: Megan-Fox via TFW2005]

New Bumblebee Camaro spotted on set of TF3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mexican Chevy dealer's transforming Bumblebee suit has us jonesin' for Halloween

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Got a minute? Literally, just a minute, 'cause you're going to want to see this. And then you're going to want to know where you can get one for Halloween.

Crafting a suit to look like a Transformer is one thing, but this video, apparently taken at a Chevrolet dealership in Mexico, shows a guy in a Bumblebee suit that actually transforms into a Camaro! Okay, so it's not a real Camaro. It doesn't drive, it doesn't chase after Megan Fox or save the planet from evil robots from outer space. For that, you need Michael Bay and a whole lotta CGI. But short of that, this is about as freakin' awesome as it gets. Follow the jump to watch the video. Thanks for the tip, Pham!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mexican Chevy dealer's transforming Bumblebee suit has us jonesin' for Halloween

VIDEO: Mexican Chevy dealer's transforming Bumblebee suit has us jonesin' for Halloween originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irmscher, GM teaming up to bring Chevy Cruze Bumblebee to Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Chevrolet

Irmscher's Bumblebee tribute Cruze -- Click here for high-res image gallery

When German tuning house Irmscher decided to create a tribute to Transformers hero Bumblebee, they didn't do just another yellow Camaro with black stripes. Instead, they built a black Chevrolet Cruze and decked it out in orange. Makes sense, right? It appears to be primarily a cosmetic job, although the body has been lowered 30mm and the wheels are 18-inch Imscher-designed Turbo Stars wrapped in nine-inch wide tires, however the heart of the beast is an unmolested 1.8-liter lump working through an automatic transmission. According to German actor Kai Noll, the car catches everyone's eyes. If you want to see it, book a trip to Frankfurt. If you want to buy one, you can contact Irmscher, the price is "by individual request."

Gallery: Imrscher Bumblebee Cruze

Irmscher, GM teaming up to bring Chevy Cruze Bumblebee to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comic-Con 2009: GM shows off Transformers Special Edition Camaro

Alex Nunez — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Last but not least among this year's Comic-Con rides: GM's Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro. You likely remember the details, but in case you don''t, here's a refresher: for around a thousand bucks, you get a bunch of Autobot and Transformers logos on your otherwise stock-trim machine. The only requirement is that the car needs to be Rally Yellow, for maximum Bumblebee effect. In case you were wondering, you can get pretty much the exact same car, sans all the movie tie-in pieces of flair, for $470 over sticker; that's what plain black stripes cost when you order them alone. But you know, this is more collectible. Probably. Hit the gallery below for the shots Drew snapped of the V6 RS with the factory Bumblebee package at Comic-Con this weekend.

Gallery: Comic-Con 2009: Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition

Comic-Con 2009: GM shows off Transformers Special Edition Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Today at Comic-Con, General Motors officially announced the 2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition. The $995 appearance package can be applied to LT (V6) and SS-trim Camaros in Rally Yellow with or without the optional RS package. So, whadda ya get for the dough? It's very straightforward:

Autobot insignia fender badges and wheel caps
An embroidered Autobot insignia on the center console
Gloss-black rally stripes with Transformers logos
Transformers-logo doorsill plates

If you were hoping for more, such as the Z/28 fascia and hood, the storm drain-sized exhaust outlets used on Bumblebee in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, or, say, an actual robot mode, you're outta luck. There are no performance upgrades, either -- you'll simply have to make do with the 304, 400, or 426 horsepower that comes standard, depending on which base config you select. If you desperately want your own Bumblebee but are turned off by the whole Transformers brand-mania thing, you can still do the obvious thing and order up a regular Rally Yellow car and simply add plain black rally stripes for $470. We'd do that. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled

2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Beijing Bumblebee gathering - click above for high-res image gallery

Less than one week before Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen goes into wide release in China, fans of the morphing vehicle-turned-robot movie franchise took to the streets of Beijing in full Bumblebee regalia.

What looks to be a well-organized event was put on by website Autohome.com.cn, and it appears that they even managed to get General Motors' Chevrolet division in on the act, with a new Bumblebee-spec Camaro to lead the procession of like-painted fan cars.

We're not sure we'd go with the yellow-and-black stripes treatment on our own rides, but we remain impressed with both the dedication and the sheer variety of cars that have been given the 'Full Bumblebee,' including a couple of new Cruze sedans and a passel of Aveos, a Ford Focus, a Suzuki Swift and an SX4, a Citroen C4 - even a Mark II Volkswagen Golf. Check out the high-res photo gallery after the jump, and be sure to click on the link below for even more shots of the event. Thanks for the tip, Joe!

Gallery: Beijing Bumblebee Gathering

[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Google Translate]

We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese-market Chevrolet Cruze transformed into Camaro-aping baby Bumblebee

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, China, Etc., Chevrolet, Specialty

Chevy Cruze gets the Bumblebee treatment - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The idea behind building a stunning performance car like the new Chevy Camaro is as much about selling the car itself as it is about casting a bright light on the rest of the automaker's range. The muscle car in the window may bring you into the dealership, but you're more likely to walk out with something more practical. Say, a Cruze, for example.

That's what happened with one customer in China, where the price of an imported Camaro is, according to one report at least, the equivalent of a whopping $200,000. Having apparently geeked out like the rest of us at Michael Bay's blockbuster hit Transformers, the customer looks to have fallen in love with Bumblebee like that little punk Shia LeBeouf with Megan Fox (who really should be with a certain blogger whose name starts with an "N" and ends with an "oah"), but...where were we? Oh yeah, the Chinese fan gave his Chevy Cruze the full Bumblebee treatment, which looks to have involved a bit more than just plastering on some racing stripes. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze with Bumblebee treatment

[Source: China Car Times I Images: Club.Sohu.com]

Chinese-market Chevrolet Cruze transformed into Camaro-aping baby Bumblebee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy to launch limited edition Bumblebee Camaro?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Lifestyle, Celebrities, Specialty

2010 Chevrolet Camaro as Bumblebee - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Diehard Transformers fans take note: Chevrolet is reportedly planning to launch a limited edition Bumblebee Camaro to capitalize on the upcoming flick, Revenge of the Fallen. We're sure none of you saw that coming, right? The car, available with either V6 or V8 power, will be available for order June 1 and the first cars are scheduled to roll down the assembly line on the 24th of that month, which, not coincidentally, is the same day the movie is scheduled for released in the U.S.

Unfortunately, we don't have any images of the new Bumblebee package to show off or pricing information, but rumor has it that the car will be painted up in the same Rally Yellow that's available on other Camaros - importantly, that's not the darker color that's featured in the movies - set off by black racing stripes, of course. To help set the Bumblebee edition apart from its siblings, GM will equip the car with Transformers badging on the wheel centers and sill plates along with an embroidered emblem on the console inside. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

Gallery: Bumblebee from Transformers 2

[Source: Camaro5.com]

Chevy to launch limited edition Bumblebee Camaro? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snip-Snip: GM slashing $800M from marketing budget (yes, even Transformers)

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Trends, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Earnings/Financials

Click above for high-res gallery of the Transformers cars from GM

When you're forced into a life-and-death situation like General Motors, a lot of tough calls have to be made - yet some are more obvious than others. In this case, The General has made it clear that it plans to slash its North American marketing spending - by some $800 million dollars.

That's an extra $200M on top of the $600M that already GM vowed it would cut by 2010 in a disclosure it made back in December. And it isn't just things like SuperBowl commercials, and print ads - vehicle incentives will also be impacted, something that will doubtlessly affect the already tough sledding that dealers are experiencing.

Another example: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Despite early efforts to tie Chevrolet to the Shia LaBeouf/Megan Fox Paramount sequel with efforts like the Corvette Centennial Concept and "Jolt" Volt unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, trade publication Advertising Age is reporting that GM will not spend much money to co-promote the movie.

For the initial 2007 Transformers movie, GM is said to have spent "tens of millions" of dollars in advertising-related initiatives, but not only can the financially-strapped automaker not afford to do so, it realizes it may also not be a good idea in light of the taxpayer bailout. AdAge is quoting one insider as saying:

"You're not going to see any TV media that I know of. Even though you can make a case for it from a marketing standpoint, it's the kind of thing that might get you roundly criticized in light of today's climate. It's viewed as too risky, sort of like Citibank's deal with the Mets. GM can't afford to do that.

The message is clear: Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Jolt and Mudflap... you're on your own.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: GM Transformers cars LIVE

[Sources: Automotive News; Advertising Age]

Snip-Snip: GM slashing $800M from marketing budget (yes, even Transformers) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM bringing Bumblebee 2 and Autobots to Chicago Auto Show

John Neff — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Lifestyle, Celebrities

Click above for gallery of Bumblebee from Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

We usually know what vehicles an automaker will debut at a major auto show the weekend before, but General Motors has kept us in the dark about its plans for the Chicago Auto Show next week. As such, we're not expecting any major product reveals, but today we learned that GM will be introducing us to the new Bumblebee from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. He's the same Bumblebee from the first film, but the Camaro into which he transforms has been spiffed up for the sequel with a new front bumper, chin spoiler, hood scoop and different wheels. Whereas the first Bumblebee was based on the Camaro Concept, it appears that the new one is based on the actual production car.

Joining the orange Camaro in Chicago will be other characters from the film in their car forms. New additions to the sequel brandishing a GM badge include a 2010 Chevy Volt called Jolt, a Chevy Spark called Skids and a Trax concept called Mudflat (together known as the Twins), and a character called Sideswipe based on the still-yet-to-be-revealed Corvette Centennial Concept. GM didn't specify in its press release (included after the jump) which characters are accompanying Bumblebee to Chicago, but the venue at McCormick Place is one of the largest exposition centers in the world, so the more Transformers the merrier.

Gallery: Bumblebee and Autobots from TF2

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM bringing Bumblebee 2 and Autobots to Chicago Auto Show

GM bringing Bumblebee 2 and Autobots to Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Trax concept joins Beat on TF2 set

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities

We knew the Chevy Beat was making an appearance in the overly-named Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The new news is that one of its "triplet" siblings, the Chevy Trax concept, is joining it, as you can see above. The two are chasing/following Bumblebee on Philadelphia's JFK Boulevard. Proof of GM's new commitment to building more smaller, fuel-efficient cars, you ask? Eh, well, as you may remember, Trax and the third triplet, Groove, were not slated for production like the Beat, so this is (unfortunately) probably just a movie special. At least one Autoblogger is happy, though (raises hand), because Trax is the one he voted for last year. Transformers Live Action Movie Blog wonders if the Beat and Trax might be portraying the Autobot "Twins" in the sequel. Sacrilege? Well, if the movie Bumblebee can be a Camaro instead of a VW beetle, there's no reason Sideswipe and Sunstreaker can't be Chevy-branded "world cars" instead of twin Countaches. If that turns out to be the case, though, it does kinda make one wish Lambo paid to be part of Michael Bay's party instead of Batman.

[Source: Jalopnik via TFLAMB]

Chevy Trax concept joins Beat on TF2 set originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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