Camaro set to reprise Bumblebee role in latest Transformers movie

(AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY)

Fans of the Chevrolet Camaro got a glimpse of their favorite car on the silver screen again this week, with the release of the theatrical trailer for Transformers 3: Dark Side of the Moon.

The Camaro looks set to make its comeback as Bumblebee, the bright yellow, transforming Autobot which has earned the iconic pony car a place in the heart of younger enthusiasts around the world.

Those able to attend the recent Shanghai and New York auto shows got an early look at the latest incarnation of Bumblebee, with a huge model of the figure adorning Chevrolet's New York display, accompanied by a massive cake baked especially for the occasion.

In Shanghai, Chevrolet's owner GM had even better news - it announced that the Camaro would go on sale in China priced from 455,800 yuan (around €47,000) this year, where it is likely to be snapped up by the legions of fans that the Transformers franchise has earned itself in the country.

Although the Camaro is just one of several supporting automobiles in previous Transformers movies (others including the GMC Topkick, Pontiac Solstice and the enormous Peterbilt 379 truck, used for Optimus Prime), it's the only one of the original Autobot crew in production.

The next movie is set to see appearances from the Chevrolet Impala, the Chevrolet Spark and Ferrari 458 Italia, according to reports.

In 2009, Chevrolet announced a special edition of the Camaro complete with Autobot shields on the wheels and panels and Bumblebee's trademark black stripes.

Transformers 3: Dark Side of the Moon opens internationally June 29- July 1.

Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilA0gggRFyQ