Article: iPad Controls, GPS Bring Functional Turbine Powered Batmobile Replica to Life

[Michael Essany]

If you thought some Apple fans were eccentric, just look at what Batman admirers will do to revel in their passion. Meet Casey Putsch, a long-time lover of the Caped Crusader who endeavored to build a functional, life-like replica of the Batmobile.

He succeeded.

This one, however, is truly an original. Not only is it a turbine-powered vehicle modeled after Tim Burton's version of Batman's ride (circa 1989), it actually uses the iPad for certain control functions (you had to have guessed this involved an Apple product in some way, right?).

Putsch strapped an Apple iPad into the center stack of his super(hero)car, which then acts as his avionics system and also supplies GPS information.

According to Jeff Glucker of the AutoBlog, Putsch is the same man behind Putsch Racing, "an outfit that restores, designs and appraises all manner of items automotive." As Glucker reported in his profile of the Batmobile replica, Putsch was unwilling to "settle for a low-rent Batmobile." And the effort shows.

Putsch says the turbine jet engine - which is real, by the way - comes from a retired US Navy drone helicopter. In case you're wondering, yes, this 365-horsepower vehicle is legally cleared to cruise the open road. But it's a hefty sucker, coming in at a length of 20 feet and weighing a gargantuan 2,800 pounds.

For more pics and video highlighting this spectacular creation, check out the AutoBlog.

Source: AutoBlog

[exNavy]

Most cars weigh more than 2,800 pounds. There is nothing gargantuan about that.

[frozenra1n]

Most cars weigh more than 2,800 pounds. There is nothing gargantuan about that.

Good call lol

[ridingsupreme]

a mazda miata is 2400 pounds.
my 1987 BMW 325is is 2600 pounds.
a lotus elise is under 2000lbs.

The above cars a VERY light. a typical POS american car is over 3400lbs

my ford f150 is almost 6000 lbs

[Poseidon79]

a mazda miata is 2400 pounds.
my 1987 BMW 325is is 2600 pounds.
a lotus elise is under 2000lbs.

The above cars a VERY light. a typical POS american car is over 3400lbs

my ford f150 is almost 6000 lbs

Just for piece of mind... how much does the typical non-POS American car weigh?....

[Xenthis]

Most cars weigh more than 2,800 pounds. There is nothing gargantuan about that.

Agree - only 1.something tons

[blwallace5]

a mazda miata is 2400 pounds.
my 1987 BMW 325is is 2600 pounds.
a lotus elise is under 2000lbs.

The above cars a VERY light. a typical POS american car is over 3400lbs

my ford f150 is almost 6000 lbs

A typical car period is over 3400 pounds. Hell the Infiniti G35 coupe, a more than capable car, weighs over 3400 pounds.

[jmillermcp]

The fact that this thing is 20ft long, contains a functioning turbine and ONLY weighs 2,800lbs is quite a feat indeed.

[Xenthis]

A typical car period is over 3400 pounds. Hell the Infiniti G35 coupe, a more than capable car, weighs over 3400 pounds.

Heck, even the Bugatti Veyron weighs over 4000lbs ;D

[droop4]

Never mind the weight, I wanna know what gas milage this baby does!

[ridingsupreme]

american cars weigh in from 3400lbs(coupes) to 5000lbs(cadillacs) lol im guessing since the engine in the "car" above is an actual turbine from a helicopter that it burns fuel in the same manner. which would be something in the (broad) range of 28-48 gallons per hour. lol what that factors into MPG is beyond me lol but it can't be good. my guess is 8 or less cruising at 65 on the freeway.

[deathbybunnies6]

Well, looks like Im saving up to buy that now.... lol it looks awesome!

Most cars weigh more than 2,800 pounds. There is nothing gargantuan about that.

The turbine weighs 2800 pounds

Well, looks like Im saving up to buy that now.... lol it looks awesome!

[ayeyobro]

That thing looks scary...

[jmillermcp]

So the real question is...does it have the pop-up machine guns like in the movie?