• by Tanya Gazdik , June 7, 2023

A vintage Porsche has one of the leading roles in the new "Transformers" movie.

The Autobot “Mirage,” voiced by actor Pete Davidson, takes the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 as its car-form in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”

The movie, debuting Friday, will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots, and introduce a new faction of Transformers – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth.

“The 911 Carrera RS 3.8 is perfect not just because the film plays in 1994, but also because of the character traits of ‘Mirage,’” says Oliver Hoffmann, head of marketing communications at Porsche AG, in a release. “He’s a tough character with a good heart and a bit of a rebellious streak now and again.”

Porsche only built 55 units of the Carrera RS 3.8, making it an exceptionally rare historic car. To avoid the risk of damage, no original model was used in filming. Instead, five picture cars were built that look exactly like the 964 on the outside, but which are not actually original models. 

However, to create an authentic engine sound for Mirage, a real 911 RS 3.8 was used so the film could be as accurate as possible.

Each of the cars in the picture fulfills a particular function. One car, for example, was modified to go backward at higher speeds; another was specifically prepared for stunt sequences, while yet anothe was controlled outside the driver's cab for scenes that focus on the artist inside.

Consumers can get a sneak peak of the new character via a YouTube video posted by Paramount.