Wheels Premeditated
An artificial intelligence-enabled car chatting with its driver in the 1900s seemed like a fantasy. But today, we’re asking our cars to play music and direct us home. Who knows, we might soon be driving alongside birds. Were the following cars mere predictions?
Blade Runner (1982, 2017): The Spinner
The Spinner is this legendary flying car you see in the Blade Runner movies. It first showed up in the original film from 1982 and made a comeback in Blade Runner 2049 in 2017. Syd Mead, a creative genius, designed the Spinner, giving it a sleek, futuristic look.
zombieite, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Blade Runner (1982, 2017): The Spinner (Cont.)
It essentially highlights the concept of vehicles that can take off and land vertically (VTOL). It utilized jet propulsion and was described as an “aerodyne”, which directs air downward to create lift. The original cars were depicted as mainly used by law enforcement.
Spinner Supercut 2049 by BruceKenobi
Minority Report (2002): Lexus 2054
The vehicle is set in dystopian Washington, DC, sometime in the year 2054, where advanced technology plays a critical role in crime prevention. The car came with a fuel-cell powertrain and biometric security systems and was designed to be crash-proof.
N2A’s Lexus 2054 featured in Minority Report by E-Cite Motors
Minority Report (2002): Lexus 2054 (Cont.)
This masterpiece was brought to life by designer Harald Belker for director Steven Spielberg. It has been reported that Lexus literally shelled out around $5 million to get the rights to promote the car and its brand tied to the movie.
ilikewaffles11, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Transformers (2007): The Bumblebee
In the 2007 movie Transformers, Bumblebee, a key character, significantly changes into a Chevrolet Camaro instead of his original look as a Volkswagen Beetle from the animated series. So, Bumblebee appears in two different forms during the movie.
Sam Meets Bumblebee Scene | Transformers (2007) Movie Clip HD 4K by Filmey Box
Transformers (2007): The Bumblebee (Cont.)
Bumblebee initially appears as a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro when protagonist Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, visits a car dealership. Quite a nostalgic nod to classic muscle cars. After scanning a newer model during the film comes the 2006 Camaro Concept.
Sam Witwicky Buys His First Car (Bumblebee) - Transformers (2007) Movie Clip HD by BestClips
Transformers (2007): The Bumblebee (Cont.)
This concept car ended up shaping the design of the 2010 Camaro SS. Also, the Off-road 1977 Camaro was featured in Bumblebee (2018). Apparently, Director Michael Bay stated that he chose the Chevrolet Camaro for Bumblebee because what he liked about it was that “it kind of had a retro look”.
Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Demolition Man (1993): GM Ultralite
The movie brings us cars that drive themselves, so the characters can just hop in and talk to the car to start their ride. For instance, when John Spartan, played by Sylvester Stallone, is introduced to the future, he experiences self-driving capabilities firsthand.
1992 GM Ultralite concept car as used in Demolition Man (HD) by Dan Frederiksen
Demolition Man (1993): GM Ultralite (Cont.)
Some characters even make use of phrases like “self-drive on” to engage the vehicle’s autonomous features. There is a notable scene where John Spartan attempts to take control of a self-driving police vehicle, but it unfortunately malfunctions.
Demolition Man: GM Ultralite Police Siren by PuertoRican88
Demolition Man (1993): GM Ultralite (Cont.)
The car was inspired by the General Motors Ultralite concept, which was lightweight and fuel-efficient. It had a small three-cylinder engine and weighed only 1,400 lb. In the world of Demolition Man, though, the car was fully electric and wore a Chevy badge.
1992 GM Ultralite concept car as used in Demolition Man (HD) by Dan Frederiksen
RoboCop (1987): Ford Taurus
The specific model that was used in RoboCop was the 1986 Ford Taurus LX. She had a prominent role as the police vehicle used by the Detroit Police Department. It seems the film’s director, Paul Verhoeven, had planned to use a custom-designed futuristic police car.
1986 Robo Cop Car Replica by Two Guys and a Ride
RoboCop (1987): Ford Taurus (Cont.)
However, upon seeing the Ford Taurus on the road, he decided to incorporate it into the film because of its modern look and practicality. The 1986 Taurus LX featured a 3.0L OHV V6 engine that produced about 140 horsepower.
Building the Robocop Car by Brandon Kachel Official
Goldfinger (1964): Aston Martin DB5
In the 1964 film Goldfinger, James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5 is equipped with a variety of high-tech gadgets that have become legendary in the world of cinema. Bond uses a homing device to track Goldfinger’s Rolls Royce. It represents an early concept of vehicle tracking technology.
1964 Aston Martin DB5 - A Sean Connery Tribute by Miller Motorcars
Goldfinger (1964): Aston Martin DB5 (Cont.)
This is quite similar to today’s sophisticated GPS navigation systems. One of the most memorable gadgets, the ejector seat, allowed Bond to remove any unwanted passengers from the car with the push of a button. The DB5 was fitted with bulletproof glass as well.
Goldfinger (1964) - Aston Martin DB5 by Le Monde des Avengers
Goldfinger (1964): Aston Martin DB5 (Cont.)
Something else known as a “smoke screen” is introduced to us. The ability to deploy a smoke screen helps the protagonist get rid of pursuers and obscure visibility during chase scenes. And not to forget tire slashers that could be deployed to disable enemy vehicles.
James Bond - Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger by Bib48_MovieClips
The Fifth Element (1997): Flying Taxicab
Recent tech advancements are getting us closer to the interesting yet scary idea of flying cars. Companies like Alef Aeronautics have been working on vehicles that look straight out of The Fifth Element, with prototypes that can take off and land vertically (eVTOL).
TAXI B90 [The Fifth Element] by dubas x86
The Fifth Element (1997): Flying Taxicab (Cont.)
These flying cars put to use navigational systems that appear rudimentary today. However, they set the stage for automated traffic management and aerial highways. The cars are involved in high-speed chases, particularly during scenes where Korben Dallas evades police vehicles.
TAXI B90 [The Fifth Element] by dubas x86
Back To The Future Part II: DeLorean DMC-12
Much like the title, the DMC-12 is shown to be transformed into a time machine. The car is fitted with a flux capacitor, which is essential for time travel. This fictional device then allows the car to travel through time when it reaches a speed of around 88 mph.
Delorean Overview Part II (Every Scene) - Back to the Future Part II by nbluth24
Back To The Future Part II: DeLorean DMC-12 (Cont.)
In Part II, Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) gives the DeLorean an upgrade with a Mr. Fusion Reactor, swapping out the old plutonium chamber from the first movie. Here, it is set in 2015 and has also been modified to fly.
JMortonPhoto.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
I, Robot (2004): Audi RSQ
The Audi RSQ was designed specifically for the 2004 film by Audi with an aerodynamic shape and a distinctive, aggressive front end. It mirrored what high-performance vehicles would look like in the future. The film illustrates both the advantages and potential risks of autonomous driving.
I, Robot: Audi RSQ (Cont.)
For instance, there are moments when the protagonist, Detective Spooner (Will Smith), feels compelled to take manual control of the vehicle when it comes under heavy attack from enemy robots. Tesla and Waymo continue to develop autonomous cars.
Will Smith, a bunch of robots and a futuristic Audi RSQ by Paulo Corceiro
Ender’s Game (2013): Fleet Shuttle Quattro
Here comes the Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro, which serves as a striking example of futuristic automation. This was a significant moment for Audi, as it was the first time the company created a car that existed entirely in digital form for a feature film.
Audi Fleet Shuttle quattro (Ender's Game) by Audi Türkiye
Ender’s Game (2013): Fleet Shuttle Quattro (Cont.)
The process involved adapting the vehicle to fit efficiently into the high-tech environment of Ender’s Game. Frank Rimili, who was the chief designer for the project, described the work as something similar to “customizing a tailor-made suit”.
Audi fleet shuttle quattro - Behind the scenes - Ender’s Game by TechnologicVehicles
Ender’s Game (2013): Fleet Shuttle Quattro (Cont.)
It had a continuous transparent roof for an unobstructed view of the interior. The look was complemented by its all-terrain capabilities and wheel design, where the wheels were partially enclosed within the chassis. The car was digitally integrated into scenes with Colonel Graff.
Audi fleet shuttle quattro - Behind the scenes - Ender’s Game by TechnologicVehicles
Metropolis (1927): Rumpler Tropfenwagen
The Rumpler Tropfenwagen, created by Austrian engineer Edmund Rumpler, made its debut at the 1921 Berlin car show. The Tropfenwagen shows up all over the film Metropolis, in those lively city scenes, while helping to tell the story of a tech-savvy society.
Amargeddon6, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Metropolis (1927): Rumpler Tropfenwagen (Cont.)
It had a streamlined shape, characterized by a raindrop-like silhouette. Besides, the Tropfenwagen featured curved windows and a rear-engine layout. Anyway, it is said that the company produced only around 100 units of the model between 1921 and 1925.
More Cars from Berlin, Germany, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Total Recall (2012): 2084 Chrysler 3000
These machines glide above the ground with the help of anti-gravity technology. The film depicts hover cars as commonplace that are utilized by everyday citizens for commuting and travel. In the future, such cars might not only be viable but also accessible.
Total Recall 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible King Auto Center by King Auto Center
Total Recall (2012): 2084 Chrysler 3000 (Cont.)
This portrayal has, in a way, influenced public perception of flying vehicles and contributed to ongoing discussions about urban air mobility (UAM). Certain developments in UAM focus on making systems that allow for low-altitude aircraft for transportation within urban areas.
TOTAL RECALL - 'Hover Car' Behind-The-Scene Featurette by Sony Pictures Releasing Australia
Total Recall (2012): 2084 Chrysler 3000 (Cont.)
Apparently, Joby Aviation is coming up with an electric vertical landing and take-off (eVTOL) aircraft that is designed to operate as an air taxi. The supposed vehicle features six electric motors, allowing it to take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter.
Joby: All-Electric Flight by Joby Aviation
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977): Lotus Esprit S1
In The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), James Bond, played by Roger Moore, makes a splash with the Lotus Esprit S1. This car has elements that let it turn into an amphibious vehicle and this makes it perfect for both land and water adventures.
The Spy Who Loved Me Movie CLIP - Can You Swim? (1977) HD by Movieclips
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977): Lotus Esprit S1 (Cont.)
The Lotus Esprit S1 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, giving out a sleek wedge shape. It’s got a 1.973-liter Lotus 907 4-cylinder engine that puts out 160 horsepower. This lets it reach high speeds of around 138 mph.
LOTUS ESPRIT S1 in James Bond 007 - The Spy Who Loved Me by mikeboss
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977): Lotus Espirit S1 (Cont.)
This car was nicknamed “Wet Nellie” in the movie. It is reported that in the year 2013, the legendary Elon Musk purchased this car at an auction for around $997,000. Musk expressed his childhood admiration for James Bond films.
LOTUS ESPRIT S1 in James Bond 007 - The Spy Who Loved Me by mikeboss
The Jetsons (1962-1963): Flying Car
In The Jetsons, George Jetson, the main character, flies to work in a cool flying car that holds onto the optimism of the Space Age. The flying cars here are showcased as compact and versatile, often capable of taking on smaller forms for easy storage.
Open HD | The Jetsons | Warner Archive by Warner Bros. Classics
The Jetsons (1962-1963): Flying Car (Cont.)
For example, George’s car can fold into a briefcase-like size when not in use. He also mainly uses his vehicle for daily commutes, such as dropping off his children. Recently, Minnesota passed the “Jetsons Law”, making it the second US state to approve regulations for flying cars.
Open HD | The Jetsons | Warner Archive by Warner Bros. Classics
Speed Racer: Mach 5
The Mach 5 is shown to have a super strong engine with 1,000 horsepower and can hit speeds of up to 300 mph. While the original anime said it had 5,000 horsepower, the movie centers more on its high performance, which matches today’s expectations.
Speed Racer - The Movie by bgkfloyd
Speed Racer (2008): Mach 5 (Cont.)
The Mach 5 had some stunning features that were controlled with buttons on the steering wheel. One of the highlights was the Auto-Jacks, or hydraulic jacks, which let the car jump over obstacles and pull off quite impressive aerial moves during races.
Speed Racer - The Movie by bgkfloyd
Speed Racer (2008): Mach 5 (Cont.)
Secondly, belt tires provided traction on various surfaces, including snow and water. Also, the Frogger mode enabled the car to operate underwater, complete with an oxygen supply. After the film’s release, a replica that was called “The Real Mach 5” was built.
Rmhermen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Knight Rider (1982-1986): KITT
KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) had an advanced AI that allowed it to learn and interact with its driver, Michael Knight. It could understand what was being said, follow commands, and even crack clever jokes, showing what we aim for with conversational AI in cars.
Knight Rider (1982-1986): KITT (Cont.)
Companies are now looking at large language models (LLMs) for in-car assistants. LLMs are made to understand and generate human-like responses that allow for more natural interactions. KITT can also analyze chemical properties and monitor signs using a medical scanner.
Michael & KITT Team Up With Agent Dalton | Knight Rider (TV Series) | Full Throttle by Full Throttle
Knight Rider (1982-1986): KITT (Cont.)
The 1991 movie successfully shows KITT in all pieces. Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) works to bring back the Knight 2000 microprocessor unit. This eventually gets transferred into a new car meant to be KITT’s upgrade, known as the Knight 4000.
Knight Rider - Original Show Intro | NBC Classics by NBC Classics
Herbie Rides Again (1974): Beetle
The sentient Volkswagen Beetle is remembered by many for its characteristics. Herbie undergoes challenging scenarios of high-speed chases and evasive maneuvers. For example, there is a scene where Willoughby Whitfield is skeptical of Herbie’s sentience.
Herbie Rides Again (1974) Bug Army by Jalen Moran
Herbie Rides Again (1974): Beetle (Cont.)
However, the car proves its capabilities by executing driving stunts that leave other vehicles in the dust. Although Herbie is a retired racing car, it still participates in competitive scenarios. In one scene, Herbie even goes “berserk” after being insulted.
Herbie Rides Again (1974) Chase Scene by Jalen Moran
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968): Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
One of the splendid things about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is that it can sprout wings and take to the skies. This epic alteration happens when the main character, Caractacus Potts, hits a special switch while stuck in traffic. How we wish this was true, right?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) - Chitty Gets Airborne Scene (7/12) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968): Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Cont.)
The layout of this machine was inspired by Count Louis Vorow Zborowski’s aero-engineered race car from the 1920s, known as “Chitty Bang Bang”. The car present in the film was built by the Ford Racing Team and had a Ford V-6 engine.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Scene (5/12) | Movieclips by Movieclips
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