Transformers Camaro fails to actually transform
Capitalizing on the new Transformers film, GM releases a Transformers Edition Camaro.
- North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Capitalizing on the new Transformers film, GM has announced a Transformers Edition Camaro to coincide with this year's San Diego Comic-Con.
As an appearance package that can be added to the Camaro LT or SS model, the Transformers Edition kit adds black rally stripes, Transformers logo door sills, and Autobot badges on the front fenders, wheel center caps, and stitched into the leather of the center console. The kit doesn't interfere with the RS package accessories.
The idea is that owners can pretend to be Shia LaBeouf by riding around in Bumblebee from the Transformers movies while shouting, "No! No! N-no!" But as an admitted Transformers addict, I see a few inaccuracies. Prepare for Transformers-nerd rant in 5, 4, 3...
While cool to look at, the Transformers Edition Camaro is not exactly film-accurate to Bumblebee's vehicle mode. In the first film, Bumblebee is depicted as both a 1976 Camaro and as a new Camaro concept car--the latter of which is close to the production model, but not identical or available to the public. In the second film, Bumblebee's vehicle mode is based on the Camaro Z28, which has been canceled by GM and features--among other upgrades--a more aggressive front bumper. So, the Transformers Edition is close to both film versions of the character, but no cigar.
Oh, and there's the whole issue of it not Transforming into a 16-foot yellow robot with a penchant for blowing up houses, but let's not split hairs.
The Transformers Edition appearance package can only be added to Rally Yellow models (so, don't hold your breath for a red Cliffjumper variant) and costs $995 on top of the price of a new yellow Camaro, which is pretty steep for what's basically vinyl stripes and a few badges. But if you don't mind the cost, it is a cool way to get your Transformers fanboy on in a major way.