The Dark Knight The Batmobile Thread, Only Better.

[BatmanFanatic]

Oh rly?

MUAHHAAHAAHA! YES! I was right after all... the stupid toy WAS a real spoiler... suckers

 

[Mr. Earle]

You got me about the monster trucks there Crook!

Yeah, ok, the tumbler could have been a bit sleeker and a bit more beautiful.
Now, as for the batmobile in general, well i dont think that there is a definition out there that says that it has to be a sports car.

The BTAS batmobile was a sports car. It was beautiful and it did a lot of amazing things. But what about Miller's batmobile? And dont say its not canon, because, who cares?

The comics always gave batman a sports car because sports cars are cool and fast. But does that mean that we cant change that? Does that mean that in the year 2300 when there will be flying cars, batman will still be driving a car with wheels that runs on asphault roads? In that sense, i think that the tumbler represents our time and its a step forwards. Look at our cars, look at our fighter planes, our age is filled with F117 like shapes. Another example would be Bay's transformers (yeah, i like them!).

But even if you dont like it, when the tumbler comes tramping everything in its path, how can you resist it? A normal batmobile couldnt jump over a car (like in the TDK trailer) or across the river (bb when they raise the bridges) and i find that a nice feat for Batman's car. The stealth mode and moving seat are also nice feats but they could be incorporated in any vehicle.

I suppose its a matter of taste. But i would rather have a facelifted version of the tumbler in the TDK sequel rather than a sports car. A sports car cant level a police car, nor instil fear like the tumbler!

 

[Muziko]

I agree with ya Earle. I like the Tumbler as the current batmobile. I don't think it should undergo too many changes... or that there should be a completely new batmobile (sports car). It's not to say that I don't think a sleek sports car version of the batmobile would be cool on big screen (I'm positive it could be done). I have just fallen in love with the tumbler. It's one of my favorite characters in Batman Begins - the chase scene was just awesome. The powerful tank charectaristics... it's (apparent) ability to travel at high speeds, and my favorite: the sound of the tires screeching when it turns tight corners. The tumbler IS the NolanFranchise batmobile. It should stay that way.

 

[Parquagh]

hey.... it's the first time I read about the Tumbler spoilers, so let me see if I got this... according to those last pics of the shoots-documents, The tumbler gets almost destroyed so it converts to the BatPod like in Batman Returns???

 

[Crook]

Now, as for the batmobile in general, well i dont think that there is a definition out there that says that it has to be a sports car.

It's more of an unwritten rule that mostly everyone follows. Pretty recently someone drew an amazing splashpage that showcased every significant Batmobile design throughout the character's history. There were at least 30 cars in this piece, but you could see how they were all derivatives of each other.

The BTAS batmobile was a sports car. It was beautiful and it did a lot of amazing things. But what about Miller's batmobile? And dont say its not canon, because, who cares?

What about it? It falls under the same criticisms I made about the Tumbler. Point by point.

The comics always gave batman a sports car because sports cars are cool and fast. But does that mean that we cant change that. Does that mean that in the year 2300 when there will be flying cars, batman will still be driving a car with wheels that runs on asphault roads?

Why don't we worry about that when it's actually 2300 and technology has advanced far enough, eh? Not to mention Batman may not even be around that time, and go away with the folk heroes like Hercules and Robin Hood.

In that sense, i think that the tumbler represents our time and its a step forwards. Look at our cars, look at our fighter planes, our age is filled with F117 like shapes. Another example would be Bay's transformers (yeah, i like them!).

Our "age" is hardly filled with those shapes. At least to the point where it's become mainstream. I'm not sure why you'd bring TF into this, as that movie had cars and planes that were absolutely marvelous to look at. Those vehicles were sleek to the fullest.

I suppose its a matter of taste. But i would rather have a facelifted version of the tumbler in the TDK sequel rather than a sports car. A sports car cant level a police car, nor instil fear like the tumbler!

The truth is, you don't know that. The Batmobile was plenty powerful before the Tumbler came along, no reason why it can't be again.

And really, a sports car isn't what a Batmobile is anyway. It borrows elements from them, but when it comes to the overall product, it exceeds them in performance and design.

 

[Mr. Earle]

I agree with ya Earle. I like the Tumbler as the current batmobile. I don't think it should undergo too many changes... or that there should be a completely new batmobile (sports car). It's not to say that I don't think a sleek sports car version of the batmobile would be cool on big screen (I'm positive it could be done). I have just fallen in love with the tumbler. It's one of my favorite characters in Batman Begins - the chase scene was just awesome. The powerful tank charectaristics... it's (apparent) ability to travel at high speeds, and my favorite: the sound of the tires screeching when it turns tight corners. The tumbler IS the NolanFranchise batmobile. It should stay that way.

Thanks man! I see you got.... the memo!

My favourite car design is that of the BTAS batmobile. No Lamborghini, no Corvette, no Bugatti can match that shape and that ....badassery!

And yet, i'd rather have the tumbler as the batmobile. Because when you see the others you go "nice car batman!" but when you see that passing by you, you go "ZOMG what the hell is that thing? I hope i live through this!"

Noone would dare mess with you in that. And thats another aspect of design. Its not pretty, its effective. And maybe pretty in the F117 type of way. If they fixed the side and rear of it, it would be much better and i think that more people would accept it.

And besides, its undeniably batman. Its a black tank in a batman movie. What else could it be, the arrowcar? (green arrow's car in some comics)

 

[Mr. Earle]

What about it? It falls under the same criticisms I made about the Tumbler. Point by point.

Yeah, but it breaks the one rule: That the batmobile has to be a sports car.

Why don't we worry about that when it's actually 2300 and technology has advanced far enough, eh? Not to mention Batman may not even be around that time, and go away with the folk heroes like Hercules and Robin Hood.

If batman and all his elements arent updated to go with the times, then Batman will go away as you say.

Our "age" is hardly filled with those shapes. At least to the point where it's become mainstream. I'm not sure why you'd bring TF into this, as that movie had cars and planes that were absolutely marvelous to look at. Those vehicles were sleek to the fullest.

I meant the robot designs.

The truth is, you don't know that. The Batmobile was plenty powerful before the Tumbler came along, no reason why it can't be again.
And really, a sports car isn't what a Batmobile is anyway. It borrows elements from them, but when it comes to the overall product, it exceeds them in performance and design.

Well yeah, but it will still be a cheesy sports car with fins. Maybe the point isnt functionality, but design, but i couldnt go back to a puny corvette with fins. I'd rather they redesigned the tumbler.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Thanks man! I see you got.... the memo!

My favourite car design is that of the BTAS batmobile. No Lamborghini, no Corvette, no Bugatti can match that shape and that ....badassery!

And yet, i'd rather have the tumbler as the batmobile. Because when you see the others you go "nice car batman!" but when you see that passing by you, you go "ZOMG what the hell is that thing? I hope i live through this!"

Noone would dare mess with you in that. And thats another aspect of design. Its not pretty, its effective. And maybe pretty in the F117 type of way. If they fixed the side and rear of it, it would be much better and i think that more people would accept it.

And besides, its undeniably batman. Its a black tank in a batman movie. What else could it be, the arrowcar? (green arrow's car in some comics)

im glad you agree with me on the f-117 way it looks. when they first came into use didnt people say they looked like bats?? ive got another good example of the shape, i know it was proberbly the worst film ever but the stealth boat in street fighter the movie was bad-ass! the tumbler is similer to that aswell i think.

 

[Crook]

And besides, its undeniably batman. Its a black tank in a batman movie. What else could it be, the arrowcar? (green arrow's car in some comics)

You're missing the point. The fact that it's IN a batmovie indicates it's his car. I'm talking about if it were taken out of that context, it would be unrecognizable as such.

Yeah, but it breaks the one rule: That the batmobile has to be a sports car.

For the second time, the batmobile isn't a sports car. But yes, it does break the "rule" of being sleek. Just as the Tumbler does, which is why I said it's not different.

If batman and all his elements arent updated to go with the times, then Batman will go away as you say.

Well if you're going to bring up the batmobile, you minds as well bring up the character as well. Rest assured, he will not be the traditional Batman, if he were to move on with the times of 300 years from now.

I meant the robot designs.

The batmobile is neither a robot nor does it transform. I'm not seeing the correlation.

Well yeah, but it will still be a cheesy sports car with fins.

Now you're just projecting bias. Why would it be "cheesy"? The West Batmobile was cheesy, but that's because it's design calls for that. But you cannot call say, the Burtonmobile, cheesy in the least. In fact, most people in the general audience think that car is bad-ass.

Maybe the point isnt functionality, but design, but i couldnt go back to a puny corvette with fins. I'd rather they redesigned the tumbler.

The batmobile has never been puny, so I don't see why you'd have to worry about that. And again, just because some design elements would be taken from sports cars, doesn't mean it is. It can still be powerful, it can still be sleek, and it can still stand as it's own car.

 

[Fenrir]

But you cannot call say, the Burtonmobile, cheesy in the least. In fact, most people in the general audience think that car is bad-ass.

It was a little bit cheesy looking from the rear angles. The shape of the fins made it almost look like a toy. But yeah, it looked utter badass from the front and its plane like sound is sah-weet!

 

[Mr. Earle]

Agreed on the cheesy part.

The batmobile is neither a robot nor does it transform. I'm not seeing the correlation.

I was talking about the evolution of the designs. From boxy to edgy and techy.

The batmobile has never been puny, so I don't see why you'd have to worry about that. And again, just because some design elements would be taken from sports cars, doesn't mean it is. It can still be powerful, it can still be sleek, and it can still stand as it's own car.

Its not like the B89 batmobile is puny. Its puny compared to a tank. And of course i know that its not a mere sports car but its like a sports car.

Listen, superheroes are a means for normal people (men mostly) to escape the boundaries of the real world and in that sense, they let us sink in our fantasies.
We would all like to be like James Bond, to drive sportscars, date thousands of women, or fly, see through walls and skirts and shoot beams out of our eyes.

With that in mind, its obvious why batman's means of ground transportation resembles a sports car. But i dont think that such a car would serve his purpose. And now that the tumbler has overtaken all the other batmobiles in terms of sheer size, amazing stunts and practicallity, i dont see why would anyone want to go back (this brings a famous quote to mind...he...he...). Instead of giving batman a B89-mobile all over again, why not fix the tumbler's looks, so that it combines style with size, force and destruction?

Finally, imagine the batmobile stealth scene from BB done with the B89 mobile. I dont think it would be as good. Because it would be a sports car (yeah i know it isnt one, but i mean that its pretty and smaller) hiding from the cops. But in reality, it was the King FREAKING Kong hiding among them, he could squash them anytime, whereas Keaton would have to push them out of the road or use gadgets to do any harm.

Bale could simply have driven over them. And that's what the batmobile is all about. Its not a car with armour and fins. Its a vehicle that batman uses on the ground, and for that, to other cars, it has to be what a rifle is to a knife.

 

[NoTsOsErIoUs]

Interesting info, how did you obtain this?

My sister lives 5 minutes away from Cardington Field. She indirectly knows someone who works there and they managed to snag a copy for me. Also got a Gotham Transit System Map.

 

[ActuallyRobin]

My sister lives 5 minutes away from Cardington Field. She indirectly knows someone who works there and they managed to snag a copy for me. Also got a Gotham Transit System Map.

hotness

 

[Crook]

I was talking about the evolution of the designs. From boxy to edgy and techy.

The batmobile IS edgy and techy. What you're suggesting here is that the modern design is akin to the simplified boxy nature of the 80s Transformers to the point where it needs to be updated, and that's not the case.

Its not like the B89 batmobile is puny. Its puny compared to a tank.

To an actual military tank? In size, yes. But I'm not comparing to that because I don't want a tank. That is not a batmobile.

All the film batmobiles, even the Tumbler, are all similar in measurements anyway.

With that in mind, its obvious why batman's means of ground transportation resembles a sports car. But i dont think that such a car would serve his purpose.

And what is this purpose?

And now that the tumbler has overtaken all the other batmobiles in terms of sheer size, amazing stunts and practicallity, i dont see why would anyone want to go back (this brings a famous quote to mind...he...he...).

So what you're saying here is, the Tumbler is the only means of making a practical Batmobile? There's NO other way of designing or making this vehicle, that serves the same purposes?

Instead of giving batman a B89-mobile all over again, why not fix the tumbler's looks, so that it combines style with size, force and destruction?

What you just described is the comic book Batmobile.

Finally, imagine the batmobile stealth scene from BB done with the B89 mobile. I dont think it would be as good. Because it would be a sports car (yeah i know it isnt one, but i mean that its pretty and smaller) hiding from the cops. But in reality, it was the King FREAKING Kong hiding among them, he could squash them anytime, whereas Keaton would have to push them out of the road or use gadgets to do any harm.

You're really reaching with this "in reality" bit. In reality, the Tumbler would have been taken down if deemed necessary, and our precious Batman would be in jail or dead. Let's leave that out of this, because this is a film. All that is important, is the practical nature. We need not adhere to strict laws or realism.

If you wanna give a example showcasing how any other Batmobile would not have worked in BB, then it's only fair to do the same for the opposite. What would the Tumbler had done in BR, when Bruce was going one-way into a very narrow passageway between 2 buildings, with a whole slew of cops right behind his ass? The Burtonmobile was able to shed it's outer shell and just barely pass through the passage, leading to his escape. What was the Tumbler going to do? Ram through 2 buildings? Jump hundreds of feet over the buildings?

Let's be real here. ANY chase scene in a movie serves to showcase the car's ability. The creative team will obviously not depict situations in which the car WON'T work, cause well then that just makes it useless in context.

Bale could simply have driven over them. And that's what the batmobile is all about. Its not a car with armour and fins. Its a vehicle that batman uses on the ground, and for that, to other cars, it has to be what a rifle is to a knife.

And what, ALL the previous Batmobiles weren't? It's only since 2005, that it has been doing this? If I recall, absolutely no one was shouting out that we needed a tank-like vehicle as a viable means of giving Batman a car. In fact, MANY were just fine with a traditional design.

It's only when Nolan comes along that suddenly a veil has been lifted from people's eyes and a true path has been discovered. It's one thing to support the Tumbler, it's completely another to suggest that it's the only "right" Batmobile in terms of practicality and design, when YEARS of history prove that is not the case.

 

[The Caped Knight]

Prehaps The Lamborghini Wayne drives in the upcoming film , Might give him an idea of the type of desgin he'll want for The Batmobile in movie 3 .

Who knows Nolan might decide to do the Next Batmobile like this

 

[Mr. Earle]

All the film batmobiles, even the Tumbler, are all similar in measurements anyway.

WAIT WUT?

What you just described is the comic book Batmobile.

No i did not. Fixing the side windows and generally the side of the car would enhance its looks a lot.

And what is this purpose?

To be unstoppable.

So what you're saying here is, the Tumbler is the only means of making a practical Batmobile? There's NO other way of designing or making this vehicle, that serves the same purposes?

Of course there is another way i suppose. But not making it a sleek sportscar.

And what, ALL the previous Batmobiles weren't? It's only since 2005, that it has been doing this? If I recall, absolutely no one was shouting out that we needed a tank-like vehicle as a viable means of giving Batman a car. In fact, MANY were just fine with a traditional design.

It's only when Nolan comes along that suddenly a veil has been lifted from people's eyes and a true path has been discovered. It's one thing to support the Tumbler, it's completely another to suggest that it's the only "right" Batmobile in terms of practicality and design, when YEARS of history prove that is not the case.

No, it works the other way around. Fanboys never ask for any changes to something that they think that works.
They never think of the next step and they never accept any changes that take that step. I read somewhere that the best thing about TF was that Bay's creative team was left free to improvise with the designs.
Nolan did the same thing with the batmobile. No matter what the change had been, the fans would always have whined.

For me, the Tumbler is a step forward. It just makes the previous batmobiles seem mere cars. You can always improve it and refine it, but i wouldnt want to change it for something more conventional.

And actually, Nolan substitutes its lack of looks by using the Lambo. Thats my way of looking at it at least. (of course i know its product placement, so what)

But there will always be people who go "oh maybe Prime looks at a box of cerial and decides to be more G1 in the sequel". Just like the above post by Kal-El. Of course we dont know what Nolan will do, but judging by what we have seen so far, and by the design of the batpod, i dont think that you ll see an armoured Vette anytime soon.

 

[ActuallyRobin]

Prehaps The Lamborghini Wayne drives in the upcoming film , Might give him an idea of the type of desgin he'll want for The Batmobile in movie 3 .

Interesting point you bring up there, I think that the Lamborghini and The Tumbler compliment each other well, design wise.

 

[Mr. Earle]

I am also amazed that even though the first film was an uncertain project, the production team had the courage to spend time on the batmobile.
They didnt build a conventional car, they had to get specialized mechanics from England to built it for them!

And just look at the pod! It isnt a tricked out Harley or whatever, its a special and unique vehicle!

Both of them unique and innovating projects and ideas in the engineering world.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

^ yea i think that is very plausible. it could retain the tumblers ruggidness and the ability to jump(which i think was a brilliant idea to incorperate) but just trim off the fat. the labourghini is a truely striking looking car that does have a stealth shape. and murchialargo does actually mean BAT in italian

 

[Crook]

WAIT WUT?

Physical specs. They're not that much different.

No i did not. Fixing the side windows and generally the side of the car would enhance its looks a lot.

I'm talking about your description of a "refined" Tumbler. That's exactly what the traditional Batmobile is.

To be unstoppable.

Again, what makes you think the Tumbler is the only one that's capable of being this? Not to be condescending or anything, but are you a new fan or something? The Batmobile has been a formidable arsenal for YEARS.

Of course there is another way i suppose. But not making it a sleek sportscar.

Making something sleek does not have to compromise functionality.

No, it works the other way around. Fanboys never ask for any changes to something that they think that works.

That's because generally speaking, the old saying of "why fix something that's not broken?" proves to be true.

They never think of the next step and they never accept any changes that take that step. I read somewhere that the best thing about TF was that Bay's creative team was left free to improvise with the designs.
Nolan did the same thing with the batmobile. No matter what the change had been, the fans would always have whined.

Some, I'm sure. But that's always the case. However, there is a difference between very few whining, and a number of people complaining. For the most part, fans and the general audience alike LOVED BB, IM, and the first 2 Spider-Man films. So already, the whole "fanboys complain no matter what" is made null.

For me, the Tumbler is a step forward. It just makes the previous batmobiles seem mere cars. You can always improve it and refine it, but i wouldnt want to change it for something more conventional.

Well I would love to see what "mere cars" you've seen that can perform half the things the Batmobiles can do.

As I said before, the only main advantage, the Tumbler has is it's jumping ability. That's mainly due to it's lack of a front axle. Even it's ability to ram things or run cars over isn't even exclusive, as it's been done before in the comics. It's more than possible to assemble a more sleeker car that can do the same thing.

 

[Mr. Earle]

extended version of an old one.........

http://www.commeaucinema.com/photos=75268.html

i love this angle

 

[ActuallyRobin]

^ yea i think that is very plausible. it could retain the tumblers ruggidness and the ability to jump(which i think was a brilliant idea to incorperate) but just trim off the fat. the labourghini is a truely striking looking car that does have a stealth shape. and murchialargo does actually mean BAT in italian

Murciealago. And funnily enough, for an Italian car company, 'murciealago' is in fact, Spanish for bat.

 

[Mr. Earle]

Again, what makes you think the Tumbler is the only one that's capable of being this? Not to be condescending or anything, but are you a new fan or something? The Batmobile has been a formidable arsenal for YEARS.

The batmobile will be formidable even if its just a Fiat.

Making something sleek does not have to compromise functionality.

Smaller ground clearance, smaller tyres, smaller dimensions, etc would compromise functionality.
On the other hand, it had uncovered wheels...

Well I would love to see what "mere cars" you've seen that can perform half the things the Batmobiles can do.

As I said before, the only main advantage, the Tumbler has is it's jumping ability. That's mainly due to it's lack of a front axle. Even it's ability to ram things or run cars over isn't even exclusive, as it's been done before in the comics. It's more than possible to assemble a more sleeker car that can do the same thing.

Its its sheer size and bulk that matter here. Even if its not that big, it appears huge on the screen and you can actually believe that it crushes that wall and lands on that poor car (TDK trailer).

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Murciealago. And funnily enough, for an Italian car company, 'murciealago' is in fact, Spanish for bat.

oh ye lol. i remember now it was on top gear wasn't it? well at least i did get the bat part right!!

 

[Mr. Earle]

Murciealago. And funnily enough, for an Italian car company, 'murciealago' is in fact, Spanish for bat.

They name their cars after famous bulls. Murcielago was a notorious bull (had killed toreros) that was let to live because it showed great courage and spirit during the bullfights. Since Bullfights are a Spanish tradition, most bull names are spanish. And yeah, they named their bull "Bat".... Maybe i should name my dog..."Cat"!