The original Batmobile’s debut was in 1941, in the days when Nash, Hudson, and DeSoto were still making vehicles. Back then it was a science fiction fantasy with a high-speed engine, Batman hood ornament, and dark body, and large tail fins that were scalloped to look like bat wings.
Over the years the Batmobile has evolved reaching its muscular and design pique during the Christian Bale as Batman era.
Now, a new Batmobile has been designed that reaches back in to the history of the automobile and the comic, delivering a simplified and raw version of the car.
The car features Plymouth Barracuda-like looks the front.Photo courtesy of Twitter, Matt Reeves
Matt Reeves, director of 2021’s “The Batman” showed off the new Batmobile on Twitter, igniting the imagination of the DC Comics fan and automotive enthusiast universe with excitement. Quite simply, it’s like no other Batmobile out there.
Let’s break it down.
The face of the new Batmobile is decidedly like a 1970-71 Plymouth Barracuda or first-generation Dodge Challenger with large headlamps and an expansive grille. The hood features a scoop and venting with bulky shoulders.
The grille, windshield, and A-pillar have lines similar to the Chrysler Challenger but the roof appears flatter than the model would traditionally have which leads AutomotiveMap to believe this Batmobile has Barracuda origins.
The Batmobile’s bulky back end departs from the Barracuda-like design offering broad haunches and flared wheel arches. Stabilizer bars are in place in the images but it’s possible that the structural enhancement is just for safety and will be deleted in post.
The rear of the Batmobile appears to show that it’s powered by a twin-turbo V8.Photo courtesy of Twitter, Matt Reeves
The mid-engine design seats a twin-turbo V8 at the rear of the car. The stabilizer bars on the haunches form a protective frame for the engine, which is illuminated with red light. Despite the car’s vintage looks, the engine is decidedly modern.
The rear of the car is where the Batmobile truly departs from its vintage origins with a taillight design that features three separate lighted areas.
Exactly how the Batmobile will be used during the movie has yet to be seen. The plot of the film is being kept under wraps though rumors persist that it will follow Batman’s early years.
“The Batman” is slated for a June 25, 2021 release. It will star Robert Pattinson as Batman, Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton/The Riddler, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, John Turturro as Carmine Falcone, and Colin Farrell as the Penguin.
