Since before and after the debut of Batman Beginsthe "Bat-Tumbler" has had its fair share of criticism. I admit that prior to seeing the film the promo shots of the vehicle did not impress me either, but I must confess that after seeing the vehicle in action and in context of its intended purpose my estimation of appraisal of it has changed more positively. I still don't love it and I'd like to see it "sexed up" just a bit for the next go-round, but it does strike me now as a somewhat more believeable vehicle for the Batman than most other things I've seen on tv, film or from the comic pages.

I harbor two major rservations about the Tumbler. 1: No vehicle would handle as we saw with balloon tires of that sort--the damned thing would be all over the road if not already on its roof. 2: WTF is the deal with the Batman having to lie down to perform certain maneuvers?--makes no sense whatsoever.

Years and years ago I recall being impressed with Bond's new car as described by John Gardner in his first Bond book Licence To Kill. Since then I've rather taken to the idea that a somewhat similar approach could be applied to the Batman's vehicular needs. It's even feasible that he'd have more than one kind of "batmobile" as dictated by different needs.

Firstly lets be cognizant of a few things:
- How "visible' or recognizable should a batmobile be or should it be more low-key even taking into account the creative freedoms of fiction?
- What functions should or must it have?
- Must it be a unique one-off creation from the ground up or is it possible that something sidelined off a manufacturer's assembly line could be converted/modified for the purpose?

Although I'm throwing this open for all speculation I will say that the idea of a batmobile being somewhat akin to an armored Lamborghini doesn't work for me. Such a vehicle would be wholly impractical or even useless in inclement weather such as winter. And it would be a bitch to easily get in and out of such a thing particularly in costume and with a cowl and cape no less. Personally I'm somwhat more inclined to a converted/trick-out Ford Crown Vic or at the most a take on Ford's Forty-Nine concept car, but that's me.

For all I know maybe a modified Dodge Ram or Hummer would be more appropriate.

Any other speculations? :)

1985 Toyota Tercel Hatchback.

I admit that prior to seeing the film the promo shots of the vehicle did not impress me either, but I must confess that after seeing the vehicle in action and in context of its intended purpose my estimation of appraisal of it has changed more positively. I still don't love it and I'd like to see it "sexed up" just a bit for the next go-round, but it does strike me now as a somewhat more believeable vehicle for the Batman than most other things I've seen on tv, film or from the comic pages.I was one of those who hated this thing when the first photos began to appear. But, as you stated, after seeing the film and seeing the Tumbler in the proper context, my opinion changed drastically. This has rapidly become my favorite out of all the various film/TV Batmobiles.

I harbor two major rservations about the Tumbler. 1: No vehicle would handle as we saw with balloon tires of that sort--the damned thing would be all over the road if not already on its roof.Then how do you explain the fact that it wasn't all over the road or on its roof in the film? They only used a miniature for the "across the rooftops" scenes, and a dummy for the "through the waterfall and into the cave" scenes; every other scene was shot using one of the working vehicles they built.

2: WTF is the deal with the Batman having to lie down to perform certain maneuvers?--makes no sense whatsoever.I only saw the film once, but as I recall it he only had to lie down to fire the on-board rockets. Regardless, I agree this is probably the least feasible thing about this film.

Then how do you explain the fact that it wasn't all over the road or on its roof in the film? They only used a miniature for the "across the rooftops" scenes, and a dummy for the "through the waterfall and into the cave" scenes; every other scene was shot using one of the working vehicles they built.

Ummm.... IT'S A MOVIE!! :lol:

Anyhoo, I saw a Discovery channel show on armored limousines. Such a vehicle would make a certain amount of sense as a crime fighter's ride. Although it would need a HUGE engine to haul all that weight with any speed. The Green Hornet's Black Beauty is probably a good example of that.

On the other hand, what might make more sense is a good-sized armored van. A van could actually carry more than just Batman, it could have a whole crime lab in the back, surveillance equipment, and a Batcycle.

The howstuffworks article said the Tumblers built for the film were capable of 100+ mph. Definately not going to flip on its roof, sorry. Try again. :freak:

On the other hand, what might make more sense is a good-sized armored van. A van could actually carry more than just Batman, it could have a whole crime lab in the back, surveillance equipment, and a Batcycle.

Here ya' go: http://megomuseum.com/play/batlab.shtml

Here ya' go: http://megomuseum.com/play/batlab.shtml
A VW van?? well it was the 70s.wonder if its got a 2 litre with dual DeOrto carbs and a Bosch .009 distributor

A VW van?? well it was the 70s.wonder if its got a 2 litre with dual DeOrto carbs and a Bosch .009 distributor
I think Bats would go with a 356 Porche engine and tranny !

They said the lay down position is easier on stuntmans backs when they jump the car. [the Dukes of hazzard movie cars have special seats hooked to the rollcage.]

One source said the tumbler paced a nascar race, but others say it was supposed to, but didn't show.

I think the Punishers van was a good vehicle, and of course it wasn't in the movie.

The Tumbler paced the Batman begins 400 about 3 weeks ago. Those balloon front tires are hoosier nascar race tires. 2nd picture from the top-
http://www.chickslovethecar.com/tumbler.asp