BOLOGNA, Italy — Taking a cue from the auto industry, Ducati has positioned its Hypermotard motorcycle in major roles in the upcoming Terminator Salvation and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

In Terminator, the Hypermotard is transformed into a killing machine as a MotoTerminator for the Skynet army, bent on destroying the human race. Four Hypermotard motorcycles were used to play the two MotoTerminators in filming, but digital editing has transformed them into very different machines. The rider has been replaced with a robotic substitute, complete with glowing red eyes, and the motorcycle is straddled by destructive guns. The transformation has gone so far that the Hypermotards don't even wear the red Ducati logo.

On its Web site the Italian motorcycle maker is showing a unique trailer for the film that highlights the MotoTerminator and the role of the Hypermotard. Additionally, a behind-the-scenes documentary about the use of the Ducatis during filming will be included on the Terminator Salvation DVD. The movie opens in theaters today.