'Batman v Superman' Batmobile Gets Its Close-Up; Official Plot Synopsis Revealed

Warner Bros. Consumer Products exclusively unveils the Batmobile and select costumes from the highly anticipated film ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ at Licensing Expo 2015 on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Warner Bros.)

It’s time to get up close and personal with the Batmobile. And while we’re at it, let’s say hello to DC Comics’s Big Three: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

The trio along with the Caped Crusader’s latest supercharged ride were front and center at Warner Bros. showcase at the Licensing Expo 2015 in Las Vegas, which opened Tuesday and serves as an introduction to the crush of toys, games, books, clothes, and other related merchandise from the forthcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The studio’s consumer products division wowed attendees with its display, featuring the clearest, cleanest looks yet at the superhero showdown, and offered the first official plot synopsis:

Fearing the actions of a god-like superhero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

As hinted in the trailer, the film picks up after the messy events of Man of Steel, with Superman (Henry Cavill) perceived as much as an alien monster as the embodiment of truth and justice. And, of course, Batman (Ben Affleck) is going to make sure the new kid on the block is not a lethal menace from outer space. Fisticuffs ensue. Ultimately, though, with the subtitle of the film being Dawn of Justice, the two superpowers presumably reach a detente and begin to assemble the Justice League alongside the almighty Amazon, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). They will be joined by Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and one hero still to be named, likely Green Lantern.

Fans checking out the new Batmobile. Costumes for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman can be seen at right. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Warner Bros.)

While we have seen glimpses of three top-billed heroes in the trailer and via Zack Snyder’s Twitter feed, the trade show really allows fans to see the details, including the latest incarnation of the Batsuit and Wonder Woman’s sword and shield.

As for the new Batmobile, it’s noticeably sleeker than the Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and, like the rest of the visual style of Batman v Superman, takes some design cues from the Arkham video game series. Indeed, the vehicle has come a long way since racing out of Adam West’s Batcave back in 1966.

Above: The Batmobile from the forthcoming video game ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ (photo via imgur). Below: Batmobiles from throughout the decades (Warner Bros.).

An accompanying fact sheet lays out the vital statistics:

Single-handedly designed and fabricated in near complete seclusion by The Batman, this infamous pursuit and capture vehicle has earned its reputation as the apex predator on the mean streets of Gotham City. Over powered with an unmatched hybrid of prototype military and civilian performance technologies, this top machine has been estimated to reach speeds of up to 205 MPH. The Batmobile’s imposing defense capabilities, supported by stole Wayne Industries technologies, have been integrated with the latest in covert military grade armaments, stealth and active protective systems.

- Twin .50 caliber retractable
- Fully armored
- Stealth-capable
- Active Protection Systems / Anti-ballistics
- 20 ft. long / 12 ft. wide
- 7,000 lbs

Fans checking out the cockpit of new Batmobile. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Warner Bros.)

The car seems to be the same model that has also been racing around the streets of Toronto for Warner Bros. other major DC-based film for 2016, Suicide Squad.

The Batmobile seen during filming of ‘Suicide Squad.’

Batman v Superman, which also reunites Man of Steel supporting players Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, and Diane Lane — and includes franchise newcomers Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth — hits theaters March 25, 2016. Watch the trailer below: