BUMBLE-BEETLE?

Nobody can deny the reach that popular culture has when it comes to defining global trends and identities. With the enormously successful Transformers movies directed by Michael Bay, almost the entire world will associate any bright yellow, fifth-generation Chev Camaro with the Bumblebee character. It is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic movie vehicles of the 21st century, but the lurid American muscle car may have had its day in the sun. Judging by a teaser trailer for the standalone spinoff movie, Bumblebee, set in the ’80s, the character is now portrayed as a classic VW Beetle painted in characteristically bright yellow. Apparently, this is a throwback to the original cartoon series of the ’80s, although there may be a corporate reason behind the change. Either way, we’re sure it won’t do too much to affect the global popularity of the American muscle car.