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Any fan of Transformers knows that the 'disguises' of both Autobots and Decepticons are as impressive to behold as the robots themselves, and with Transformers 4, the production team has once again snagged some head-turners for their automotive cast.
From American muscle to European supercars, we've gathered up every vehicle Paramount has officially announced, along with word about their respective Transformer identities.
Transformers 4 Car Guide
Western Star Prototype
Although originally a Kenworth K100 cab-over truck in the original Transformers cartoon, Optimus Prime has undergone serious re-designs since, both in animation and live-action. For the first movie in Michael Bay's series, an imposing Peterbilt design was adopted, sporting a (still controversial) flame paint job. But for Tranformers 4, the leader of the Autobots is taking another step forward.
The brand new prototype design from Western Star Trucks (now under the Daimler automotive group) is far more aerodynamic, meaning Optimus can save a little on gas. The paint job isn't the most outrageous feature of the truck anymore: it now sports massive chrome accents and exhaust stacks that are... less than understated.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
The best friend to Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBouf) may have once been used to showcase the then-brand-new Chevrolet Camaro, but for Transformers 4 'Bumblebee' is going retro. This heavily modified restoration (or "restomod") 1967 Camaro is far from stock, but fans of American muscle cars now have one member of the Autobot team to look forward to seeing - not rusted out and in need of a good wax, that is.
The images released of the new 'Bumblebee' Camaro caused a bit of a stir online, due to its similarity to the custom creation of car enthusiast 'Mr. Vengeance.' From the rims to the door handles, the production team has taken inspiration from the best, but how much this car is seen on screen is still a bit of a mystery.
2014 Chevrolet Camaro
Although 'Bumblebee' will apparently be going retro in the series' fourth outing, it also looks like a much newer take on the Camaro will be used for the film. Paramount released this look at a 2014 prototype Camaro along with the 1967 restomod, with the paint job all but confirming who is disguised beneath the surface.
It's possible that 'Bumblebee' will once again undergo an updating from the 1967 to the 2014 model, but given Michael Bay's aversion to the term 'reboot' we're not so sure the film will attempt to repeat the same gag. Perhaps the voiceless Autobot comes to his senses in the film's first act, and goes from new to old? We'll have to wait and see.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
There was no way Chevrolet wasn't going to take the opportunity to showcase their new C7 Corvette Stingray among the Autobot ranks, and this race-inspired version is sure to be noticed. Early word claims that the C7 is in fact 'Slingshot,' an Autobot that transformed into a fighter plane in the original animated series, making the character another in the long line of similarly re-imagined soldiers.
If true, then that's particularly bad news for fans of the Aerialbots; although, 'Slingshot' is known for his abrasive and cocky attitude, so perhaps the Corvette (and its lime green paint job) are a perfect fit after all.
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse
As the fastest street-legal production car in history (with a top speed of 253.81 mph), movie fans should get used to seeing the Bugatti Veyron in the coming years. For Transformers 4 the filmmakers went even more outside of the box, recruiting the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse - the world's fastest convertible in history (with a top speed of 254.04 mph).
As with the C7, rumors have given us a hint that the Veyron GSV will be 'Drift' in disguise, an Autobot who wielded swords in battle to regain his lost honor. However, 'Drift' will probably spend the bulk of his screen time out of disguise; the $2.25 million, 1200-horsepower supercar isn't one we expect to see thrown around by stunt drivers.
2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
Replacing a car as legendary as the Lamborghini Murcielago is no small task, let alone being dubbed by many "the best Lamborghini ever" - but the Aventador LP 700-4 is no ordinary supercar. With that kind of fame - and only 4,000 ever produced - how could it not appear in the next Transformers?
Little is known about this particular Aventador's role in the film, but despite it being referred to as "the friendliest supercar in the world," we're betting on a villain. Matte black paint and blacked out rims aren't inherently Decepticon traits, but compared to the bright styling of the confirmed Autobots, this sleek powerhouse seems more sinister.
2013 Pagani Huayra
While the 2013 Pagani Huayra (pronounced 'wai-rah') may not be as bold in its design as the Aventador, it is an achievement of technical aerodynamics and speed. The blood red Huayra set to appear in the movie is equipped with deployable flaps in the front and rear to maximize downforce when at high speeds or cornering, increasing drag on the back wheels, front wheels, or those on the inside of a turn.
We still don't know where this car's loyalties lie in Transformers 4 - the paint job offers no hints - but we hope to see it engaged in a high-speed chase for obvious reasons. Given the design, it's one of the best handling cars in the world at supercar speed, meaning it's dangerous to its enemies no matter which side of the war they're fighting on.
2013 Chevrolet Ultimate Sonic RS
The Autobots can't all be million-dollar high-speed specialists, so the Ultimate Sonic RS from Chevy promises some off-road fun for those who care about more than just top-end speed. This Royal Purple-branded rally car is without an accompanying idenity, but goes a long way in promising some actual vehicular action to go along with robo-boxing.
It's hard to know how big a part the #12 car will play in the film's plot, but its clear branding hints that it may be different from the rest of the cars in some way other than price tag. Perhaps a crashed Autobot took the 'disguise' idea a little too far, and sought out dream of victory on the Rally circuit? Either way, rumors of a rally car on the Decepticon side promise a head-to-head showdown at some point.
Oshkosh Defense Medium Tactical Vehicle
If there is one character that Optimus and his team will rely on to do the heavy lifting, it looks to be 'Hound.' Formerly a Jeep in the animated series, 'Hound' has undergone a bit of an upgrade in the light of the changing definitions of 'military vehicles.' No longer a Jeep, the line of Medium Tactical Vehicles from Oshkosh Defense will provide 'Hound's new disguise.
Known in the original series as an outspoken fan of humanity and the more rugged corners of the Earth, the new take on the character looks just as equipped to handle the hardships of Mother Nature. Some clever filmmaking will be needed for this Autobot to keep up with his friends, of course.
Freightliner Argosy
The cab-over design of the Freightliner Argosy - the latest addition to the film's automotive cast - is a welcome dose of nostalgia for long time fans of the franchise. Not only because it offers the chance to see a cartoon-Optimus-like transformation on screen, but due to just how many characters have been known to adopt a similar disguise.
We've already gone into detail on three such possibilities - Motormaster, Ultra Magnus, or Nemesis Prime - and how their inclusion could open up doors for potential sequels and massive battles. Paramount has made it clear that they're looking for Transformers 4 to launch a new trilogy; it seems fitting that the most unimpressive of the vehicles on hand could be the key to making it happen.
These are all of the cars officially detailed so far.
Transformers 4 hits theaters Summer 2014.