Ferrari 458 Italia on the set of Transformers 3

Ferrari 458 Italia on the set of Transformers 3

Back in March we reported that Ferrari's latest sports car, the 458 Italia, will be joining the big screen as the latest Autobot in the third Transformers movie from producer Michael Bay. The announcement was originally made at the sale of the first U.S.-market 458 Italia, and now we have an image of the car on the actual set of the movie rolling alongside Autobot leader Optimus Prime.

The Italia pairs a howling 4.5-liter V-8 with a new, sleeker and more futuristic look for performance that one-ups its predecessor, the F430. With cars like the Chevrolet Camaro, GMC Topkick, Hummer H2, Peterbilt 379, Chevrolet Corvette, and Chevrolet Volt the typical fare for the Autobots in recent Transformers movies, the Ferrari 458 Italia is set to add some serious spice an on-screen impact.

The new movie is being filmed on the streets of Chicago and will include several other cars not seen in the previous movies. These include the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which will also be joining the Autobots, as well as three NASCAR race cars on the Decepticons’ side.

The third installment of the Transformers franchise is expected to open on July 1, 2011.

[Kicking Tires]