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Batmobile is off to a flier!

Our caped crusader drives the reborn version of superhero’s legendary car

Batmobile is off to a flier!

By James Foxall

December 2010

  • Rating:
Holy resurrection, Batman! A replica of the original 1966 Batmobile has gone on sale – and we’ve released our inner Caped Crusader to drive it.

The iconic car was based on the Lincoln Futura concept, and adapted for the show by George Barris – the film car legend who created Knight Rider’s KiTT. 

The new Batmobile is built in Indiana, US, and imported by UK gadget firm Firebox. Its body is fibreglass formed in a mould taken from the original – enough for an official DC Comics licence. This is mounted on the chassis of a Seventies Lincoln Town Car and fitted with a modern GM V8.

Inside, soft leather seats, thick carpet and chrome buttons give a classic feel, but normality takes flight. Our car had labels for all the carefully recreated Batman gizmos: the BatScope, Remote BatComputer, Detect-
a-scope and BatEye switch.

You also get a modern screen for a sat-nav (Bat-Nav?) and all the regular instruments. And there’s nothing imaginary about the V8 roar. Manoeuvring a car that’s over five metres long is tricky, though. The twin bubble screens reflect the winter sun and the centre pillar limits visibility. There is no roof or wipers, and the car returns a woeful 5mpg.

Plus, on our drive, people constantly stared and wanted to chat about the car. Get used to that and the Batmobile is fun.

As you expect from a US car, the soft suspension makes it feel as if you’re cornering on water, and the over-assisted steering means you could turn the wheel with your little finger. Great in town; disconcerting at higher speeds – but few buyers will care how it drives!

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2 Comments

Holy Photoshopping Batman!!!

Auto Express has obtained pictures of the new Mini Roadster from an insider at the firm. This is how the Roadster is shaping up... It's larger than the established car with room for two and is packed with features unique to the Roadster. Mini has listened to criticism about the lack of boot space in the current model and have given it enough room to accommodate a Mini One if you so desire.

It is equipped with an Infra-Red driving aid, named the Bat-Scope, which makes driving at night much easier. It's also equipped with BMW's own proprietary emergency recovery system which the company say will reduce call out times for Recovery companies by up to 20%. Unfortunately, we found the 2m wide spotlight fitted to the boot lid restricted rearward vision a little.

Because of the increase in size and weight, the handling has suffered. Owners of the standard Mini will miss that cars lightning quick steering response. However, the power steering is so light it can be operated by the drivers Bat-Sense if they have chosen to have it fitted from Mini's options list.

All in all, we at Auto Express like the Roadster. At 5m long, it fits comfortably within the super-mini sector and we are sure it will attract many discerning Mini customers who enjoy 'Wind In The Cape' motoring...

By sgtgrash on 21 December, 2010, 10:51am

Barris Kustom

Please state true facts NOBODY HAS MOLDS THAT WERE PULLED BY THE ORIGINAL BATMOBILE EXCEPT WHAT MR. BARRIS PERSONALLY OWNS

By BarrisKustom on 12 April, 2011, 3:45am

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Pictures

Batmobile is off to a flier!
Batmobile is off to a flier!
Batmobile is off to a flier!
Batmobile is off to a flier!
Batmobile is off to a flier!
Batmobile is off to a flier!

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FIRST OPINION

    Here’s your chance to own a slice of superhero culture from new. The Batmobile isn’t great to drive. It feels like an old car – which it is – and demands lots of sacrifices, not least requiring a huge garage to house it. But we have never driven anything like it, and for some wannabe Batfolk, the reaction of passers-by 
    will be well worth the massive price tag alone.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £120,000
    Engine: 5.7-litre V8, 280bhp
    0-60mph: 5.0 seconds
    Top speed: 90mph
    Fuel economy: 5mpg
    On sale: Now
     
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