Watch this real-life Transformer turn into a car and drive

We're sure this human-size Transformer would say that he does it for the kids, but somehow we think there's just as much adult-spec geeking out for anyone so in love with Transformers that they would be willing to build a costume and walk around wearing it in public. And, if we're honest, we ourselves are just geeky enough that we'd probably do it, too. For the kids, of course.

Check out this real-life Transformer street performer from Ann Arbor, Michigan convert from a walking and talking robot into a bright yellow Hummer/Cadillac thing that's actually capable of moving under its own power in the video below. After all, it's significantly more entertaining than the last couple Transformers films you probably saw in theaters...

 

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Brits recreate iconic Bullitt chase scene

Recreating the famous chase scene from Bullitt has become almost an art form in its own right. We've seen it done in a music video, with scale models and even in commercials. There are few films that are as defined by a single scene as the 1968 classic. Even if you don't know a single beat of the plot, the Highland Green Ford Mustang racing a Dodge Charger through the hilly streets of San Francisco is famous. It's so well known that the Silverstone Classic has created a homage to promote its celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang at this year's event in July.

Filmed around the famous UK circuit, the short film generally gets the key points of the scene right. It even has a green Volkswagen Beetle that keeps reappearing, as in the movie. Unfortunately, its Steve McQueen stand-in looks a little too old for the role. While the video shortens the chase considerably, it's still great to see these '60s behemoths leaning and sliding around the track.

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Ludacris discusses Fast and Furious 7 and his 1993 Acura Legend

It's easy to think of most wealthy celebrities as egotistical, materialistic individuals who own a Ferrari for every day of the week. The reality, though, is often much less severe. See, they can get attached to things, like cars, just like normal folks. Take Alfred Morris, for example. A 22-year-old running back with the Washington Redskins. Morris still drives the 1991 Mazda 626 that he had in college, despite a healthy $2.2 million contract.

Rapper/actor Ludacris is an even more extreme example of automotive loyalty. With an estimated net worth of over $70 million, Luda has the money for his own private plane. Yet that wealth doesn't stop him from regularly driving the 1993 Acura Legend he has had since before he found fame.

Ludacris, whose real name is Chris Bridges, recently discussed his old Acura during an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneris Show to promote his new album. It sounds like he's put 10,000 miles on the trusty sedan since it last popped up online less than a year ago, so it's pretty clear that he drives it on the regular. In fact, Ludacris says he still pens new songs sitting inside it, just like he used to back in the day when he was starting out.

Of course, during his Ellen appearance, Ludacris also takes some time to talk about the Fast and Furious franchise, in which he's played a major part. He discusses what it's been like carrying on without Paul Walker, as well as what it's been like working with the actor's brothers, who will be in the next installment of the popular franchise as the late actor's body doubles. Fast 7 is currently filming in the United Arab Emirates and is set for a release in April of 2015.


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Next Batmobile teased by Zack Snyder [UPDATE]

Update: After this post went live, Batman vs. Superman director Zack Snyder tweeted a glimpse of the front view of the coming Batmobile with Ben Affleck as Batman alongside. We've added the tweet below. Hat tip to BipDBo.

Zack Snyder is directing the movie Batman vs. Superman and has decided to give us a glimpse of the Batmobile the Caped Crusader will use to counter the Man of Steel's alien powers. Let loose on Twitter on May 12, Snyder's caption wonders if the tarp should be pulled back "Tomorrow?", but that sounds more like a teaser than a prediction - the movie isn't due to be released until May 6, 2016.

Not that we can tell much from the shot above, but the shape looks like a combo of Michael Keaton's Bat-turbine ride in front and Christian Bale's more recent Tumbler in back. Driven by Batman Ben Affleck, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest stars among a cast that also includes Henry Cavill, Lawrence Fishburne, Jesse Eisenberg and Gal Gadot.
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Meet the first all-female Palestinian racing team [UPDATE]

UPDATE: The issue of the Arab-Israeli conflict is a highly divisive and complex issue - one into which we did not intend to enter and would gladly leave to the relevant parties to sort out. Autoblog would like to apologize if we've inadvertently offended anyone's political, religious or ethnic sensibilities, and hope you enjoy the video just the same, in isolation from the conflict.

We are living in a fantastic time for movies about cars and motor racing. The Fast and Furious franchise brings mindless action, and movies like Rush show there can be a more intellectual side to motorsports. There's even room for some interesting documentaries, as well. Havana Motor Club is trying to tell the story of racing in Cuba, and a new doc called Speed Sisters explores the first all-female, Palestinian racing team.

Speed Sisters is still in production, but there is already a trailer. The movie focuses on five women from the Speed Sisters racing team and how they use motorsports to deal with the challenges in their lives. In a broader context, it's an examination of modern life in the Middle East for women. It's a sophisticated approach, but even if the politically related stuff doesn't interest you, it looks like there's plenty of racing action too.

As auto enthusiasts, it's great to see this renaissance of car films, from the big-budget action movies to the more intimate documentaries. Speed Sisters looks to be a great addition to the group.
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Speed to give away hi-po 2013 Shelby GT500 during Barrett-Jackson

Classic car lovers and automobile enthusiasts, take note: Speed's annual coverage of the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction in Scottsdale, AZ, is right around the corner, and with the planned 39 hours of live television will come one most-excellent giveaway, along with a few smaller-but-still-pretty-great prizes.

The headlining giveaway is a 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang HFB Special Edition. Want to enter? Of course you do. All you have to do is take part in Speed's Hagerty Fantasy Bid process and you're automatically eligible. A random drawing from all fantasy bid entries will determine the winner. The fantasy bidding process concludes on Sunday, January 20.

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