The History of the Bumblebee and the Camaro

The very idea of Transformers, a car that is equipped with the components to facilitate a transformation into something quite extraordinary, is such a perfect analogy to what we try to achieve at ACS with our design, performance and OEM experience, that it seems a perfect excuse to indulge our fascination and admiration of the series with a range that allows you as a Camaro owner to transform your own vehicle into one of the most original and endearing characters – Bumblebee. This article not only explains how, but gives you a background to the character and the use of the Camaro in the ongoing movie series.

Who is Bumblebee?

Fictional character from the Transformers series
Affiliation: Autobot
Function: Scout
Motto: “The least likely can be the most dangerous.”

In case you are not familiar with the Bumblebee character, it originates from the Transformers series and more recently, movies. In its original 1980’s incarnation, Bumblebee was a yellow, Volkswagen Beetle, but for the movie trilogy, which will soon be followed by a second trilogy starting in Summer 2014, an important change was made. The brave Autobot Bumblebee was reborn as a Chevrolet Camaro! The movies’ director Michael Bay revealed in the special features of the first film, that the change of Bumblebee’s vehicle type owed to the fact that the Volkswagen Beetle reminded him of Herbie (the love bug).

BumbleBee’s character is adored by all. He is the “little brother” of the heroic Autobot  crew, constantly striving to prove himself in the eyes of the taller, stronger.  He is not the biggest of robots and perhaps some would say not the as mature as other Autobots. He is instead a “young” scout who is the bravest of all. Under the leadership of Optimus Prime bumble is gaining experience and guidance. Many similarities can be affiliated to Bumblebee’s personality and Camaro, both fun, adventurous and spirited. BumbleBee has one of the most interesting history in the franchise and is one of the most beloved characters.
At the 2010 BotCon, Bumblebee was named by Hasbro as one of the first five robot inductees in the Transformers Hall of Fame. In addition he can claim the honor of being IGN’s second favourite ‘Autobot.’

More details can be found on Wikipedia and A Bug’s Life

The Camaro Concept

GM’s introduction of the Camaro Concept in 2006 and updated in 2008 was a vital precursor for the viability of the Camaro as Bumblebee. The smooth curves were clearly inspired by the Camaro of the late 1960s. And yet the ‘retro’ look is but skin-deep, as the Camaro Concept benefits from fully independent suspension, a six-speed manual, and a 400-hp+, 6.0-liter V-8 with cylinder deactivation or as GM would describe it – ‘active fuel management.’

The Bumblebee Camaro

Of course 2008 was also the year of the release of the first Transformers movie and as such, to the great excitement of the Camaro community, the first birthday of the Camaro Bumblebee. The movie initially used a 1977 Camaro, which was later updated to a Camaro Concept model (2006-2008). The latter was built for General Motors by SSV, using the Pontiac GTO chassis as a base. Since this conversion from 1977 Camaro to 2006 Camaro Concept, Bumblebee’s alternate mode is updated throughout the film’s sequels. In Revenge of the Fallen, he is given a different set of alloys and a customised front bumper. For Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Bumblebee is now a Camaro SS and his color changes is updated from a vivid yellow to a more complex amber, embellished with thicker black stripes. He is also given dark-colored rims and side mirrors, and is bedecked with a rear spoiler. Transformers Dark of the Moon, also sees him given a vehicle ‘battle mode’ whereby he can use his weapons in ‘car mode’ without fully transforming!

The Iconic Scene: Camaro Concept (Bumblebee) vs Saleen Mustang (Barricade)

The original Transformers movie featured an insane chase scene pairing the Camaro Concept with the Saleen S281 Mustang. Cementing the concept of the Bumblebee Camaro in the hearts and minds of Camaro enthusiasts and movie lovers worldwide.

The Evolution of the Camaro as Bumblebee in Transformers

Transformers (2007)

In the first movie, in 2007, Bumblebee begins life as the 1977 Camaro and is later introduced as the 5th Gen Camaro Concept built in 2008 for GM by SSV, based on a Pontiac GTO chassis and colored in ‘sunrise yellow.’ There were a number of differences between Bumblebee and the Camaro Concept.
• Mirrors
• Side quarter lines
• Fuel Cap location
• Front Fascia
• Rear lights after burner
• Side Markers
• Bowties
• Door Handles
• Wheels

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Revenge of the Fallen, the second movie in the franchise, sees Bumblebee introduced as a Camaro based on a 2010 Production vehicle, with a range of differences.
• Mirrors
• Fuel Cap location
• Front Fascia w/ splitter and fog lights
• Hood
• Window Tinting
• Rear lights after burner
• Side Markers
• Bowties
• Door handles
• Wheels
• Non-RS Headlights

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Dark of the Moon sees Bumblebee updated to a 2012 production Camaro with some differences.
• Mirrors
• Fuel Cap location
• Front Fascia w/ splitter and fog lights
• Side Rockers and rear quarter inlet
• Hood
• Window Tinting
• Rear lights after burner
• Side Markers
• Bowties
• Door handles
• High Rise Spoiler
• Wheels

As well as these deviations from the general release of the model, there were also some similarities with the Dark of the Moon Bumblebee and the JayLeno Sema Camaro

• Same Fascia
• Side quarter scoop
• Rockers
• Hood
Although Bumblebee also differed from that model in color, splitter-type, diffuser and spoiler.

Bumblebee into the future!

The 2014 (in theatre June 27th) movie will see Bumblebee cast as a 2013 production Camaro with a whole host of differences, listed below. It is possible the new styling is a preview of the next-generation, Alpha-based Camaro, (Still unconfirmed and may have been styled that way just for its appearance in the movie)

• Mirrors
• Fuel Cap location
• Front Fascia w/ splitter and fog lights
• Rear Fascia with lights, diffuser
• Spoiler
• Side Rockers
• Rear Quarter
• Hood
• Window Tinting
• Rear lights after burner
• Side Markers
• Bowties
• Door handles
• Headlights / taillights
• Wheels

How ACS Composite can help you with your Camaro!

At ACS, as aero-component specialists offers a full range of components for the 5th gen Chevrolet Camaro range, we are perfectly placed to help you to create your dream car. With a full range of components we can help you select a few to create your own Camaro that suits your personality.  This can be achieved using a range of our custom-produced, fully prepped and primed components, the details of which will vary depending on the model of your Camaro and the inspiration.

Shopping list for creating a Bumblebee Camaro based on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

List of components required for conversion of 2010-13 Camaro LS LT

Using a LS / LT Camaro, you can either use Bumper port system, or reuse your OEM Bumper. Parts needed are:

ACS-T2 (33-4-035)
Single 70 mm Light 33-4-044, comes as a quad system light But can be modified.
ACS-T2 Splitter 33-4-020

Oracle AAC Side Mirrors

Oracle Side Markers

Painted Bowtie
Wheels

Hood is available from SLP, Pn 100035

List of components required for conversion of  2010-13 Camaro SS

Bumper. Parts needed are:

33-4-032 Complete ACS-T2 Bumper
Single 70 mm Light 33-4-044, comes as a quad system light But can be modified
T2 Splitter 33-4-020
Oracle AAC Side Mirrors
Oracle Side Markers
Painted Bowtie
Wheels

Hood is available from SLP, Pn 100035

Shopping list for creating a Bumblebee Camaro based on Transformers: Dark of the Moon

List of components required for conversion of 2010-13 Camaro LS LT

ACS-T4 Fascia 33-4-128
Select Hydro Carbon Option
Add HP Light 33-4-129
ACS-T4 Splitter 33-4-099
ACS Rocker 33-4-027
RQ Port 33-4-111
ACS-T3 Hood Port 33-4-049
ACS-T3 Stripe kit 33-4-065
GM High Wing GM PN 20970397

List of components required for conversion of  2010-13 Camaro SS

ACS-T4 Ports 33-4-097
Select Hydro Carbon Option
Add HP Light 33-4-129
ACS-T4 Splitter 33-4-099
ACS Rocker 33-4-027
RQ Port 33-4-111
ACS-T3 Hood Port 33-4-049
ACS-T3 Stripe kit 33-4-065
GM High Wing GM PN 20970397

Please see the image below for the location of most of the necessary components on the car: