This is a complete guide to the iconic vehicles featured in the 2023 Transformers film. Released on 08 June 2023, it’s directed by Steven Caple Jr. The latest Transformers movie expands the universe beyond the metallic grit of the Michael Bay films. This one offers a fresh visual style and a deeper connection to the lore of the animated series. Paramount Pictures produced the film, featuring exotic and classic machines, from a Lamborghini Countach to vintage trucks and off-road beasts. The Transformers franchise returns with familiar Autobots and brand-new characters, including Mirage, voiced by Pete Davidson, whose persona quickly became an icon.
Unlike the first Transformers movie, this one focuses on the clash between alien robots and humanity. Though the tone differs from “Dark of the Moon” and other entries in the Transformers series, the movie holds a 51% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 236 reviews. In comparison, audience approval is much higher at 91% from over 5,000 verified ratings.
Optimus Prime: 1987 Freightliner FLA Semi Truck
Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots and a true American icon. Who are Autobots? An intelligent alien robots that can transform into a variety of vehicles to protect humanity from the bad guys – Decepticons. In the new Transformers movie, Optimus Prime’s form is a classic 1987 Freightliner FLA semi-truck, which is a vintage model featuring a flat-faced cab-over-engine design that is perfect for maneuverability in tight urban spaces. The FLA’s squared-off profile and exposed air filters give it a distinctly industrial look. Its real-world version is powered by a diesel engine capable of hauling massive loads across long distances.
Vehicle Modifications and Capabilities
- The powerful energy shield acts as a barrier to reflect hostile fire, thereby reducing damage.
- Advanced armor plating provides the highest-level protection against powerful enemy attacks, allowing Optimus to survive intense battles with minimal damage.
- The improved autonomous driving system allows for quick maneuvering in both truck and battle modes. The truck’s robust frame, elevated stance, and dual exhaust stacks all add to its commanding presence.
Bumblebee: 1977 Chevrolet Camaro (Off-Road Spec)
Bumblebee Autobot is known for his courage, charm, and loyalty to Optimus Prime. In Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, he returns in an updated 1977 Chevrolet Camaro, which was specially modified for challenging terrain. Bumblebee is fast and always ready to jump into the fray. His character brings emotional weight and sharp action to the story, and his return on screen was widely anticipated by fans. No wonder the film quickly made waves at the box office, with Bumblebee once again stealing scenes without saying a word.
Vehicle Modifications and Skills
- Reinforced suspension allows Bumblebee to absorb impact and maintain stability while driving on rough jungle terrain.
- Turbocharged engine delivers an additional burst of horsepower for quick acceleration during high-risk pursuits and combat.
- Autonomous driving system helps Bumblebee to drive by itself in vehicle and robot modes, responding to threats in real time without a driver present.
Arcee – 1994 Ducati 916
The character of Arcee returns as a sleek, high-speed combat specialist. This time, she transforms into a red 1994 Ducati 916, a race-inspired motorcycle. Most Autobots prefer large, heavy-duty shapes, but Arcee prefers speed and a compact form.
In this variant, Arcee plays a key role in scouting, communications, and aerial coordination and is often seen zipping between battle zones and relaying information to the team.
Vehicle Modifications and Skills
- Extreme agility: Her compact configuration allows Arcee to slide through small openings and respond instantly in combat.
- Quick transformation enables effortless switching between bike and bot modes without slowing down.
- Air support interface: Arcee can communicate with air units and receive support from the ground for flight-based missions.
Mirage – 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
The role of Mirage brings a fresh layer of personality and unpredictability to the Autobots’ lineup. Unlike the patient Optimus Prime or the loyal Bumblebee, Autobot Mirage is a wisecracking, rebellious figure voiced by Pete Davidson. He’s fast, flashy, and doesn’t always follow the rules (but that’s what makes him effective). Mirage steals nearly every scene he’s in, from the high-speed police chase in Brooklyn to his iconic moment transforming mid-air while protecting Noah.
The film is set in 1994, and Mirage’s alt-mode reflects that perfectly: a 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8, one of the rarest and most beautiful 911 models ever made. Known for its lightweight construction, iconic silhouette, and track-bred performance, the Carrera RS 3.8 was a homologation special built by Porsche for GT racing. Under the rear deck lid is a naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing around 300 horsepower.
Visually, Mirage’s version of the 911 is customized with the wider body of the 964 Turbo, giving it an aggressive stance that separates it from the stock Carrera. The fenders are wider, the tires are beefier, and the lowered ride height makes Mirage a weapon on wheels. The filmmakers worked closely with Porsche.
Vehicle Modifications and Abilities
- Illusion-based cloning: Mirage can create multiple holographic copies of himself, confusing enemies and dodging attacks in battle.
- Extreme speed and agility: Mirage is incredibly fast, with sharp cornering and explosive acceleration.
- Hidden sensors and tech: He’s equipped with advanced surveillance tools and twin blasters that deploy from within his chassis, enabling both offense and stealth operations.
Wheeljack – 1970 Volkswagen Bus (Van Mode)
In Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Wheeljack transforms into a humble yet unmistakable Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the VW Bus. It’s an unexpected choice for a battle-hardened Autobot, but somehow, it works perfectly. His 1970s van form gives off laid-back road trip vibes. Behind those flower-power aesthetics hides the team’s tech wizard, the one who builds, fixes, and hacks when the rest are charging into battle.Vehicle Modifications and Abilities
- His appearance in Peru, wearing glasses (yes, glasses), has already sparked debate among fans. Some loved the quirky reinterpretation; others missed his classic look. But either way, he brings humor, humanity, and a bit of organized chaos to the Autobot lineup. When the crew needs a gadget in the middle of a crisis (or a field fix with chewing gum and a wire), Wheeljack is the one you want. His mechanical brilliance is subtle but essential, and every team needs someone like that, whether they roll into battle or cruise in a VW. Considering Rise of the Beasts is now among the highest-grossing entries in the franchise, it’s safe to say Wheeljack’s new look didn’t hurt the film’s momentum.
- Team’s technical genius: Wheeljack handles communications, repairs, hacking, and battlefield improvisation under pressure.
- Built-in laboratory: The interior of the van hides a compact mobile lab loaded with scanning tools, diagnostics, and tech interfaces.
- Protective shielding systems: He may not be a frontline brawler, but his van can deploy energy screens to protect himself and nearby teammates in combat zones.
Scourge – 1994 Peterbilt 359 Semi Truck
Scourge is the brutal leader of the Terrorcons and one of the darkest villains the franchise has seen in years. His alt-mode, a blacked-out 1994 Peterbilt 359, turns one of the most versatile trucks made into a monstrous force of destruction. Scourge’s vehicle form looks like something torn from a nightmare, because it’s covered in battle scars and trophies ripped from fallen Autobots.
This Peterbilt is known for long-haul durability and custom potential. The 359 is popular in both real-world automotive circles and cinematic transformations. Scourge’s version ditches the clean chrome of American trucking culture for scorched steel and jagged edges. It’s the anti-Optimus, a direct contrast to everything the Autobots represent.
Though not a name from the original Transformers cartoon, this version of Scourge draws inspiration from multiple villain arcs and redefines what a big-rig bot can be. And while you won’t find him on any motorsport podium, his presence commands respect. Even in a movie packed with really nice cars, this truck dominates with sheer menace.
In one of the film’s most intense sequences, Scourge ambushes the Autobots with overwhelming force, using his weight, strength, and tactical cruelty to crush resistance. His top speed on screen feels terrifying when paired with his violent combat style.
Vehicle Modifications and Abilities
- Dark and powerful transformation: Turns from a towering truck into a heavily armored, spike-covered menace built for frontline combat.
- Energy harvesting weaponry: Absorbs power from fallen bots and surroundings to fuel its own systems or weapon output.
- Leader of the Terrorcons: Commands the loyalty of Battletrap and Nightbird, coordinating deadly ambushes.
Nightbird – 1995 R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Nightbird is a Terrorcon scout. Nightbird’s alt-mode is the legendary R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R, a car that needs no introduction. The R33 GT-R with aggressive design boasts real-world performance, making it perfect for a silent assassin who strikes fast and vanishes.
Nightbird’s role is built around ambushes and high-speed takedowns. One of the standout scenes has her weaving through the jungle at night, engine barely audible, sensors locked on target. For Transformers fans, this redesign is a nod to the original Nightbird from the G1 animated series, reimagined with one of the nicest cars ever made. Among street racing legends, the R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R still holds its own, and here, it’s reborn as something darker.
Vehicle Modifications and Abilities
- High speed and agility: Nightbird’s tuned chassis and aerodynamic form allow her to move with precision at high velocity on open roads or tight terrain.
- Stealth module: She can cloak her presence from sensors and optics.
- Deployable attack wings: In combat, her vehicle form extends sharp, blade-like wings used for offensive strikes during close pursuits.
Battletrap – GMC 3500 Tow Truck
Battletrap is one of the most brutal and imposing members of the Terrorcons. Unlike the sleeker Autobots, he’s raw, heavy, and merciless. His vehicle, the GMC 3500, perfectly captures its destructive energy. A heavy-duty tow truck from the early ’90s, it’s the kind of machine you wouldn’t want to see pulling up behind you in a dark alley. GMC 3500 is one of the toughest and most utilitarian vehicles in the film’s lineup, and it fits Battletrap’s no-nonsense brutality like a glove.
This version of the truck features a custom widebody look. Heavy front grilles, reinforced bumpers, and off-road modifications transform this industrial workhorse into a cinematic weapon. If the filmmakers had opted for an alternative, a 1992 Dodge Ram Dually or a lifted Ford F-350 Super Duty could’ve filled the role, but none match the sheer mechanical menace of the GMC 3500’s squared, aggressive design.
The truck itself is a known favorite in real-life utility fleets due to its reliability, torque, and ability to handle extreme loads. In Beast Transformers lore, Battletrap utilizes terror tactics. Under director Steven Caple Jr, the character becomes a true enforcer, supporting Scourge, smashing through convoys, and using his tow rig like a wrecking ball. One scene shows Battletrap launching his chain weapon mid-chase, yanking an entire armored vehicle off-course with frightening ease. No list of Rise of the Beasts villains would be complete without him.
Vehicle Modifications and Abilities
- The chain and anchor is a heavy-duty, retracting weapon used to entangle, crush, or immobilize enemy vehicles at high speed.
- Raw power and destructive transformation: his metamorphosis is explosive and heavy-armor, turning the tow truck into a rolling battering ram.
- Scourge: Battletrap acts as muscle and backup during coordinated attacks, often clearing a path or backing the Terrorcon leader’s charge.