Famous McLaren F1 designer lends his hand to Batmobile design, with amazing high-tech results and zero emissions anti-gravity drivetrain.
One of the world’s coolest cars – the Batmobile - has been given a high-tech makeover by none other than McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray. Set to be a star of forthcoming Batman Live stage show, the newcomer is an alternative spin on superhero transport.
The sleek aerodynamic shape of the cockpit has been designed with real world downforce in mind. Combining a massive F1-inspired rear wing, and blade-like wheel housings, the styling evokes the eighties Batmobile rather than the back-to-basics approach of the recent films. As you’d expect for Batman though, there’s plenty of modern gadgetry hidden underneath the stealthy bodywork.
The fantasy drivetrain consists of four ‘diode virtual wheels’ powered by a combination of an on-board hydrogen fuel cell stack and lithium-ion batteries, and are capable of creating electrical force fields to ‘levitate’ the whole car 40mm above the ground. Carbon-ceramic afterburners can propel it from ‘superspeed’ to ‘hyperspeed’ in just two seconds.
Additional crime-fighting kit includes a virtually silent ‘breathable’ carbon fibre body, radar jamming system and laser blasters that double up as headlights. And while there’s room for Batman’s trusty sidekick on board, the main ‘Bat Grip’ controls recognize the caped crusader’s energy signature, so only he can drive it.
Professor Gordon Murray was responsible for the initial sketches and concept of the car, but the actual model used in the show was built separately. Speaking of his company's involvement he said: "We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to apply advanced materials and concepts to create a truly unique take on one of the world’s most iconic vehicles.”
There are no details about how the Batmobile might move around on stage during the show, but the tour, which includes a 43-strong cast, 3D set design, and a 100ft video wall, kicks off in Tuesday the 19th of July in Manchester, running in venues across the UK until October.
The sleek aerodynamic shape of the cockpit has been designed with real world downforce in mind. Combining a massive F1-inspired rear wing, and blade-like wheel housings, the styling evokes the eighties Batmobile rather than the back-to-basics approach of the recent films. As you’d expect for Batman though, there’s plenty of modern gadgetry hidden underneath the stealthy bodywork.
The fantasy drivetrain consists of four ‘diode virtual wheels’ powered by a combination of an on-board hydrogen fuel cell stack and lithium-ion batteries, and are capable of creating electrical force fields to ‘levitate’ the whole car 40mm above the ground. Carbon-ceramic afterburners can propel it from ‘superspeed’ to ‘hyperspeed’ in just two seconds.
Additional crime-fighting kit includes a virtually silent ‘breathable’ carbon fibre body, radar jamming system and laser blasters that double up as headlights. And while there’s room for Batman’s trusty sidekick on board, the main ‘Bat Grip’ controls recognize the caped crusader’s energy signature, so only he can drive it.
Professor Gordon Murray was responsible for the initial sketches and concept of the car, but the actual model used in the show was built separately. Speaking of his company's involvement he said: "We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to apply advanced materials and concepts to create a truly unique take on one of the world’s most iconic vehicles.”
There are no details about how the Batmobile might move around on stage during the show, but the tour, which includes a 43-strong cast, 3D set design, and a 100ft video wall, kicks off in Tuesday the 19th of July in Manchester, running in venues across the UK until October.
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