007’s Next Car
James Bond, a.k.a. secret agent 007, had always been supplied exotic sportscars to travel in on missions around the world. Typically, his cars have been desirable machines during the era his films have been produced although there have been instances when he’s had to make do with ‘classics’ like the Citroen 2CV. He’s driven cars like the Lotus Esprit and Toyota 2000GT as well as the BMW Z3 and Z4 although in most cases, the cars have usually had a fiery ending.
In the 40 years that 007 has been in action (won’t he ever retire?), Aston Martins have been the car of choice supplied by the special department that is run by ‘Q’. Older fans will recall having been amazed by the Aston-Martin DB5 in ‘Goldfinger’ (1965). It had machineguns, rocket launchers, tyre-shredders and even an automatic numberplate-changer (great for the times when you are photographed by speed cameras) but it was probably the ejection seat that impressed most!
Recent Bond films have, however, been disappointing with respect to exotic gadgets on the cars although that 750iL with electrified bodywork and a remote control steering system was pretty cool. Well, on the 40th anniversary of the Bond series which will see the latest film, Die Another Day, an Aston Martin packed with weapons is once again used by 007.
This time, he gets a V12 Vanquish from the British carmaker, a model claimed to be the most advanced Aston Martin has ever produced in its 88-year history. Bond’s Vanquish, presumably modified by Q’s guys and gals again, will have two machine guns extending from the grilles on the hood, while the front grille splits in half to reveal four missiles and a pair of shotguns.
A press release for the upcoming movie (to have its world premiere on November 22nd) says that there are “relatively few modifications to a “Bond car,” as Bond will use his skill as a driver in the film more than depend on abundant armament”. So we can look forward to Pierce Brosnan showing his driving skills without messing up his hair…
The sophistication of the Vanquish is very real: with a body of aluminium and carbonfibre, the 338 kW/460 bhp Vanquish has a 6-speed manual transmission that is operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. Launched just over 18 months ago, Aston Martin craftsmen will hand-assemble just 500 versions of this US$228,000 sports car in 2002. Customers who have already handed their cheques in will have to wait for nearly two years for the Vanquish.
The Vanquish is not the only special car that will appear in ’Die Another Day’ as EON Productions (no relation of the Malaysian company)and MGM Pictures have a deal with Ford Motor Company for the supply of vehicles for the movie. The Vanquish is one of them while a Jaguar XKR from the other company in Ford’s Premier Automotive Group will be used by one of the villains. There will also be a Ford Thunderbird which will feature prominently.
Rick Yune, who plays the movie’s villain, Zao, will drive the modified 294 kW/400 bhp Jaguar XKR convertible. The XKR was modified to have 4-wheel drive to make easy handling on the icy landscapes where the car chase scenes are set. From head to tail, the weaponry included on the Jaguar includes a Gatling gun centred behind the driver and passenger seats, missiles emerging from the front grill, concealed door-mounted rocket launchers and, you won’t believe it… a boot full of mortar bombs!
The car has a unique colour which is the same as the current Jaguar Racing F1 racing car. And if you looked at the racing car closely, you may have seen that it has the ‘007 logo’ on its wing mirrors this season to promote the association of Ford Motor Company’s with ’Die Another Day.
As part of its association with this movie, Ford will create 700 units of a ‘James Bond edition Thunderbird’ for sale early next year. The car will be offered in the same special coral colour created for the film. The James Bond edition Thunderbirds will feature a white-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob and lower door panels. The white perforated leather seat inserts will be surrounded by black leather. Understated “007” badges will be found on the instrument panel and floor mats, while the Thunderbird insignias are located on the seat backs. Side-by-side “Thunderbird” and “007” badges appear on the interior aluminium appliqué.
