The Batmobile is the fictional personal automobile of Batman. The car has followed the evolution of the character from comic books to television to films.
The standard features of the vehicle include a chassis with heavy armor plating and a high performance engine, sometimes with rocket boosts for increased speed, special devices to improve maneuverability, and mounted weapons to disable vehicles and remove obstacles. In addition, the vehicle typically carries a computer that is remotely linked to the Batcave's main computer, a remote control function, a field forensic kit and a personal small helicopter held in the trunk called a whirlybat.
Originally in the comic books, Batman simply drove a simple red automobile with nothing special in its functions. The car's design gradually evolved, beginning with a bat hood ornament which became much larger while the car's paint job became black.
Eventually, the predominant designs that would remain the norm included being large, dark coloured and often having large tailfins that are scalloped to resemble a bat's wings.
Although vehicles for the Batman films have been custom built for the purpose, perhaps the most famous Batmobile, the one from the 1960s live action television show, began life as a concept car called the Lincoln Futura, built nearly a decade earlier. Famed customizer George Barris redesigned it in three weeks for the series.
The newest version, said to be the Batmobile of the 21st Century, owes more to military vehicles and SUVs than to cars in its design.
The Batmobile in popular culture
- In the movie Rock Star, Mark Wahlberg's character is given to extravagant spending; one of his first purchases is the original Batmobile from the TV Series.
- In the TV Series The Drew Carey Show, Drew Carey won the Batmobile as a prize [1]
External links
