Bond doesn’t really do subtle in the movies but he does nail elegant and sophisticated perfectly: much in the same way as a steel fist in a velvet glove. Ever since the Aston Martin DB5 made it’s tricked out appearance in Goldfinger, Bond has been synonymous with stylish cars and news of his latest film is eagerly anticipated by fans and petrol heads alike. For anyone who hasn’t read Ian Fleming’s novels they might be surprised that Bond drives less than stylish SAABs and less than practical array of Alfas Romeos.
Marussia B2
This Russian sports car has the elegance, poise and plenty of areas you could see car-to-car missiles being housed. But is the fact that it’s Russian, a problem? After all, Bond spent many years pitted against his Soviet counterparts. ‘ Zheleznyĭ zanaves otkryl, tovarishch’ is a suitable reply, possibly sounding more cogent as ‘The Iron Curtain has opened, comrade’. We live in more modern times and what better way to break down barriers than to give Bond the finest Russian supercar?
Cannily there is a typically British influence behind the scenes. The 2.8 litre turbo-charged 420 bhp engine is made by England’s very own esteemed Cosworth motor manufacturer.
Spyker C8 Aileron
With a name like Spyker, this just has to make the list. The Dutch company whose majority owner is Russian businessman, Alexander Antonov, was exposed to the murky Bond-like underworld in 2009. In March of that year, Antonov miraculously survived an assassination attempt that left him with seven bullet wounds; one which claimed a finger.
The Spyker uses an Audi 4.2 L engine that develops 600 bhp that will propel it to 186 mph.
Lotus Esprit R (2013)
Remember Bond’s outing in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’? It’s the one with the white S1 Esprit that becomes a submarine to escape the bad guys. The Lotus Esprit was last produced in 2004 and, following the subsequent nine-year hiatus, is set to hit our roads again in 2013 with a stupendous re-design.
The proposed 4.8 L engine will deliver 640 bhp and a blistering top speed of 205 mph. That should keep Bond one step ahead.
Aston Martin One-77
Bond would love this new two-seater. Aston Martin has obviously tailored it to the franchise with its contrived top speed of 220.007 mph. It holds the record for the most powerful naturally aspirated engine with a whopping 750 bhp. No superchargers in sight. Mind you the weight of the 7.3 litre V12 engine may hamper handling. Its limited run of 77 models will have a price tag of £1.2 million each; making it a particularly exclusive car.
Zenvo ST1
Speaking of exclusivity, the Zenvo’s production rate of only three per year is pretty good. We all know how Bond likes his Danish and this 7.0 L V8 monster will certainly meet his needs when it tops 230 mph.
Koenigsegg Agera R
First manufactured in 2011 this special edition supercar runs on biofuel rather than petrol. With a 5.0 L powerplant assisted by twin turbochargers the Agera can surpass the Bugatti Veyron’s much touted 1,001 bhp with its own 1,115 bhp. Its body is lighter and also has a more intelligent aerodynamic design that allows it to compensate for headwinds and tailwinds instantly.
BMW 6 Series – (design study)
Based around the cancelled BMW CS V12 6 litre model this concept car would serve to sweep the less that brilliant appearance of Brosnan’s Z3 and Z8 outings. The Alpina-tuned model has a top speed of 193 mph thanks to its 4.4 L V8 powerplant.
Bentley Continental GTC
This model would suit Daniel Craig down to the ground. Dark, brooding, an elegant facade belies a deep strength and potency. The GTC has a 6.0 L VW W12 engine. It ticks all the Bond boxes.
And finally…
Bond goes green?
Tesla Model S
Perhaps the finest iteration in Bond’s car heritage could be his opting for more environmentally friendly vehicles. Not just a nod to the ecology-minded masses but also a car with real Bond benefits. With no gear shifting required and excellent torque at low speed, electric cars can outrun conventional petrol engined cars from a standstill with ease. Practically silent running would also benefit a stealthy prowl around a villain’s grounds.
Or the electric supercar…
Quimera All-Electric GT
This would be more of a car Bond would pick up during a mission. It’s not really his style but with the deliberate misspelling of ‘Chimera’ there’s more than enough room for old school double entendres over Quimera. It’s 0 – 62 mph time is a neck-snappingly fast 3.0 seconds. That’s performance superbike territory.
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