This is fast becoming the Transformers news site, don't fear though, there will be other stories this evening. For now the Michael Bay has released some snippets through his forum on the film. Here's the rundown.

From Shootfortheedit through Superhero Hype:

The average transformation time from normal mode to alt mode and vice versa is about 3 to 4 seconds...

...The leaked pictures are legit (although a somewhat early rendering)...

...Part 1 will be about why the transformers came to earth...

...movie will be a new start for the live action franchise that will not be based on any particular TF TV series and/or comic book.

There's some other statements about filming in the war room in the Pentagon with the Chiefs of Staff, there's more posters on the way, and that the Transformers teaser was the second highest release of the year, Spidey being first.

I'm interested by the "Part 1" quote, does that mean the series of movies is planned already? Or is that the first part of the movie, or even the movie being the first part of a series where the rest continues onto comics and TV? Interesting also that there's no continuation of a current series, a complete restart.

Oh, and those Optimus Prime shots were real, although they admit they were very early renderings. Supposedly ILM are coming away with some great stuff, and the transformations are down to 3-4 seconds.