Batman's ride plays almost as important a role in the movies as Bats' himself. The state-of-the-art technology, the stunning designs, the toughness, durability and sheer kick-assery of the cars that Batman has had at his disposal over his years on film have made us all secretly fantasize about what it would be like to be behind the wheel of the Batmbile!
As I write this article, I glance over to the 'shelf-of-awesome' by the window in my office, and staring me in the face is my die-cast model of the 1989 "Burton" Batmobile (my personal favorite). Even this little guy demands a nod of respect when you walk into the room.
Well, it's time for Batman to suit up for a new film, and with his new buddy/foe, Superman they are no doubt set to dominate the world box office. My question is, while Batman saves the people of Gotham... (and Metropolis?)... what will he be driving? Will we see 'Batfleck' in something of a more sleek, sporty looking car? Will Snyder's Batman drive a bigger, bulkier tank than the tumbler? Here are my thoughts.
While the long, narrow dragster look was all the rage in the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher films, the cars were more about appearance than actual practicality. How the heck would you pull through a McDonalds drive-through after a long night of crime fighting in any of these?! Don't even think about parallel parking! Also, they rode so low to the ground that all the 'pre-Nolan' bad-guys really needed to stop Batman would have been a pothole or two. Nolan's Batmobile changed all that, almost making us believe that a car could jump rooftops, plow through concrete walls and survive all but a lucky shot from a bazooka! It wasn't nearly as sleek looking, but it gave even more realism to a world already close to our own.
My opinion is that in the next installment, we will see a blend of the old and new. I see a slimmer, faster, more aerodynamic car than the Tumbler but with some of the same characteristics, such as it's believable tough frame and overall off-road feel. I imagine some of the 'curves' of the older cars may find their way back into the design, but practicality will still be paramount. I'm hoping for the best of both worlds!
For now, until some stills or a teaser-trailer are released, we will just have to speculate! What are your thoughts on what the next Batmobile will look like? Comment below!