Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is shaping up to be the perfect summer movie, and not just for the filmmakers or the fans, but also for the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8, which transforms into the Autobot: Mirage. While Mirage is snarky, funny, and with a golden heart, this historic Porsche 911 is an absolute dream ride and stands out in the trailer itself. For all gearheads, it seems Transformers becomes one more movie to watch in 2023, if not for the VFX, just for the cars and the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 leads the list.
The fantastic bit is that the audience takes to Mirage just as they once loved Bumblebee, and much like the sheer popularity of many cars from General Motors in the last few movies (like Bumblebee) this time the Porsche 911 may end up reaping the benefits of these Hollywood blockbusters. So here’s what we know about the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8, aka Mirage.
Mirage Is Tough, But Fun, Just Like The Porsche 911
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts plays out in the ‘90s where the Autobots team up with a whole new set of Transformers, the Maximals, and the two allies take on the baddies: Terrorcons in a battle to save the Earth and find a way back home to Cybertron.
Autobot Mirage is a new entry and takes on the form of the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (964) and most in the audience can’t decide if they love Mirage more as an Autobot, or as the Porsche 911 as they both gleam in silver. As Mirage teams up with Optimus Prime and the good guys, playing out in 1994, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 fits the time frame perfectly.
Meanwhile, according to Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Marketing Communications at Porsche AG, “Mirage is a tough character with a good heart and a bit of a rebellious streak now and again.” Just like the Porsche 911. The silver Porsche 911 turns into the silver Autobot, Mirage, and given that it's voiced by Pete Davidson, the funny bits are hilarious.
The consensus of the fans rings true, Mirage is now a favorite Autobot, second only to Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee, of course. As one fan gushed, “Mirage brought so many vibes to this movie than any other Autobot in the previous movies, he’s so funny, goofy, overly protective The coolest & fastest Autobot ever!!!!” The "fast" bit is all thanks to the Porsche 911 Carrera RS!
The History Of The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
Porsche made the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 964 for homologation purposes, for the 3.8 RSR which took home several wins like the Spa 24 Hours, Suzuka 10 Hours, and 24 Hours of Interlagos, and also aced class victories at Le Mans, Sebring, cinching the top four positions in its class at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
It debuted in 1993, and only 55 units came to be. It featured a wide-body look much like the Type 964 Turbo, with a huge rear spoiler, and came riding on the distinctive three-piece “Speedline for Porsche” wheels with 235/40 and 285/35 tires. It looked pretty aggressive and also had a more mechanical grip as well as serious weight reduction for better performance.
The 3.8-liter air-cooled flat-six jetted 300 horsepower and 265 lb-ft torque, running 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds at a top speed of 169 mph. Back in the ‘90s, this was pure gold. Or should we say silver?
With significant weight reduction and better transmission gearing, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 964 made for a visceral driving experience that was edgy but fun. This seems to transfer to Mirage's overall character as he takes on the villains with gumption, ably voiced by Davidson.
No Original Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Appears In The Transformers
Given that Porsche only built 55 units of the Carrera RS 3.8, making it a very rare icon, none of the original cars show up in the movie to avoid any risk of damage. According to Porsche, they built five cars to look exactly like the 964 on the outside, but these are not actual Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 models.
That said, Porsche considered it very important to have an accurate engine sound of the Carrera RS 3.8, so they did record the distinctive engine roar and used a real 911 RS 3.8 to do so. Ayesha Coker, Vice President of Marketing of Porsche Cars North America believed that while it was difficult for Porsche to get the Carrera RS 3.8 given the limited production numbers, they managed to ace the sound and hope the audience would like the results.
Porsche further explained that each of the modified cars used in the movie had a particular function. They modified one to reverse at high speeds while another worked only as a stunt car. Yet another ended up being remote-controlled for scenes that needed to focus on the actor inside the car.
Either way, both Porsche and Paramount Pictures seem thrilled by the way Autobot Mirage turned out, and it seems the audience is loving it too.
How Expensive Is The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Today?
When the new 964 version of the Porsche 911 debuted in 1989, many felt it was rather futuristic given the body-colored bumpers and the smoother bodywork, overall. It may have looked like a near redesign of the 930, but Porsche firmly announced that 87% of the 964’s components came new or redesigned, making it a fairly advanced car, even for a Porsche. Of course, the Carrera RS 3.8 only improved on performance and drivability, making it quite the catch among Porsches.
Even on an off-day, the 1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (964) averages as a six-figure car, landing $1 million pretty easily. Mint condition models can go much higher with one selling at $1.65 million (after commission) in 2018. Funnily enough, back in 2006, the going rate for this Porsche was less than $50,000, making it a whopping appreciation over the years.
Even more expensive is the car this Porsche Carrera RS 3.8 homologated for, with prices of the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR going for $2.25 million in 2017. With the success of the new Transformers movie, the prices of the Carrera RS 3.8 may just rise, again, given its neo-classic status and limited production numbers.
Sources: Porsche, YouTube channel Paramount Pictures, Instagram transformersmovie and paramountpics, Gooding & Company, IMDb