Jalopnik: James Bond

Bond Bad Guy Car Of Choice: Ford Edge Is The New Explorer, Escalade Or Suburban

Ray Wert — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST

We just saw Quantum of Solace this weekend. While most might get all googly-eyed at the Aston Martin DBS, gushing over it's sleek sexiness even after it's taken into a wall of a quarry, we took something else away from the new Bond flick. We noticed a Black Ford Edge (with odd hydrogen power stickering) playing the role of the basic bad-guy vehicle of choice rather than a Huge-UV. It's a strange change for us to have to wrap our minds around.

It's especially true when you think about the differences between the Edge and the old basic bad-guy SUV — a black Ford Explorer, black Cadillac Escalade or black Chevy Suburban. Two main reasons we can think of. First, you just can't up-armor an Edge like you can a full-size SUV. Second, you can't fit as many "villain #4"'s along with the requisite guns, ammo and gear into the two-row crossover. But, in this age of environmental consciousness and the Financiapocalypse, even evil criminal masterminds take Solace in a car sucking gas by the Quantum rather than the gallon. It's still strange to see them driving that Ford, but it also may just be they like to live on the Edge...uh.

Lotus Esprit Submarine Car From The Spy Who Loved Me Heading To Auction Again

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

James Bond's transforming Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me is up on the auction block again, so if you've got $175,000 and an appreciation for the Giugiaro-designed 1976 Lotus Esprit we recommend booking a flight to London next month for the Bonhams auction. What makes the Esprit so famous is that, at the touch of a button in the film, it turned into a submarine. We're fairly certain the Lotus up for auction, though from the film, will not actually turn into a submersible. If you want one of those you'll have to wait for the Rinspeed sQuba or invest in a blue screen. Happy bidding. Hit the jump for "official" specs on the Esprit from the movie.

Specs

White Lotus Esprit, number plate "PPW 306R", with the following modifications:

Submarine Features

*Retractable wheels, with extendable covers to protect the wheel cavity
*Retractable fins and rudders for underwater steering
*Convertible dashboard to double as a submarine control system
*Radar and Nautical guidance equipment
*Metal blinds for rear window
*Four retractable propeller units at the rear of the car

Weapons & Defence

*Surface-to-air missiles
*Underwater mines
*Oil-slick sprayer for underwater camouflage
*Rear mounted concrete sprayers
*Harpoons for underwater combat
*Self destruct system
*TV Monitor and closed-circuit camera
*Periscope

[Gridcrasher, Photo Credit: qv500

Bond Star Daniel Craig Lands Lifetime Aston Martin Privileges

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Despite his record of Aston abuse, current James Bond actor Daniel Craig has been granted lifetime privileges to swing by the Aston Martin factory any time he likes and take the car of his choice out for a spin. Want to borrow the test track for a bit? No problem. Of course, Craig says he has no interest in actually buying an Aston since parking in London is such a bear. Best to take the Tube. While we admire AM's PR gesture, we wonder if it wouldn't have been more laudable to pick someone lesser from the movie crew, like a key grip or best boy. You know, someone who can't afford to buy pretty much any Aston Martin he wants already. [Motor Authority]

Manic James Bond Fan Pays $350,000 For Wrecked Aston Martin DBS

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EDT

If you'll remember, back in April a stunt driver for the latest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, lost control of a brand spankin' new Aston Martin DBS, plunging it into Italy's Lake Garda. According to Daniel Craig, the actor playing 007, a rabid fan has snapped up the remnants of that car for a cool £200,000 — about $350,000 in 'merican play money. Keep in mind a DBS off the showroom floor runs about $200 grand, so that's a whopping pile of change to claim the rights to a wrecked and waterlogged automobile which won't even show up on the silver screen. We've seen fit to toss in the video of the leftovers, just to rub salt in the wound. [Luxist]

Aston Martins Look Lame In New James Bond-Flavored Coke Zero Commercial

Mark Arnold — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EDT

With everyone looking forward to the new James Bond movie, Quantum Of Solace, there isn't a brand out there that doesn't want a slice of juicy cross-promotion. We can't imagine Bond to be the type that would prefer a sugar-free cola over a normal Coke, but that doesn't matter right now. We're just let down by how cheesy the CG Aston Martins look in this otherwise cool, stylized opening-credits-like ad. [via CarDomain]

Full-Size Cardboard Aston Martin DB5 Comes Complete With Cardboard Spy Gadgets, Machine Guns

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Built by Chris Gilmour, an English artist with a penchant for working with cardboard, and titled "Aston Martin," this full-sized replica of James Bond's venerable Aston Martin DB5 comes complete with all of the brilliant gadgets seen in the movie Goldfinger. A close inspection reveals the car is equipped with cardboard machine guns, oil slick spray nozzle, radar tracking screen and bulletproof plate at the rear, among others. It even has a flip top shifter knob with the red ejector seat button. The parachute on the ejector seat? Unfortunately, we're pretty sure it too is made entirely of totally useless cardboard.

[Chris Gilmour]

Quantum Of Solace Trailer Hits Web, Shows Off Hot Aston Martin Action

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EDT

What's that? Sony Pictures released the first trailer of the upcoming James Bond flick "Quantum of Solace" today? Oh, they did it online for two hours only? Well, how about that buzz building. Also, it's a good thing we managed to snag it for you. With this 22nd entry into the world of Bond, we see James going out for revenge following the death of Vesper Lynd. And by revenge we mean the ass-kicking, bad guy-stabbing, motorcycle-jumping, Aston Martin DBS-racing kind of revenge. Yeah, the good kind. Hope that pretty Aston doesn't go into the drink... oops. [AOL Video and Sony Pictures]

Daniel Craig Crashes Aston Martin DBS Into Quarry

Wes Siler — Tue, 27 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Filming a sequence that's believed to form the climax of a chase scene for the new Bond film "Quantum of Solace," Daniel Craig and the rest of the Bond crew deliberately crashed an Aston Martin DBS into an Italian quarry. That crash should conclude a 15-minute pre-title credits scene in which Bond is pursued through the Italian Alps by bad guys in Alfa Romeos. All of the previous inadvertent crashes, the degree to which the Aston appears destroyed in these photos and the elaborate filming taking place at dramatic locations across Italy point to this chase sequence being a doozy.

[Via MI6.co.uk]

Second Car Accident Befalls Bond Film Stuntmen

Ray Wert — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:40:00 EDT

It's not easy being a stuntman on the set of the new James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace." If you'll remember, earlier this week we told you about that stunt driver taking Bond's Aston Martin DBS into the drink (and the subsequent video aftermath) in what's being described as a highly dangerous "delivery-related" stunt. Now they've seen another car accident. Although this time it wasn't the DBS, it was double trouble as two of the men all about stunts were involved. Reportedly,

"the accident happened when the car used by two stuntmen rammed into a filming lorry and then into a wall on set near the picturesque Lake Garda in northern Italy..."

"...one of the two men, a Greek national, ended up in intensive care in a hospital in the nearby town of Verona."

Apparently, the other Bond stuntman was shaken more than he was — you know — right. Luckily it was the last day of filming around Lake Garda. God knows whether we'd be able to deal with another DBS going down. [via AFP]

The Wreckage Of The HMS Aston Martin DBS

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:50:00 EDT

We know this has to be as painful for you to look at as it is for us to write about. Footage has surfaced of James Bond's Aston Martin DBS after the Italian police fished it out of Lake Garda. If you recall, the driver of the car lost control while in transit to the set, sending both he and the car plunging into the murky depths, falling to a depth of 150 ft before our anti-hero was able to rouse himself and make his way, frog-like, to the surface. That sounds like some serious James-Bond-like action, but unfortunately, it won't be relegated to the "bloopers" reel as no one was around to record the action. Well, except for this gruesome post-mortem. Oh Aston Martin DBS, you are beautiful, even in death. [CarDomain Blog]

James Bond's Aston Martin DBS Swan Dives Into Italian Lake

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:20:00 EDT

It seems the lusty power of the Aston Martin DBS, a rain-soaked night and an over-zealous stunt driver conspired to result in James Bond's car taking a swim in Lake Garda in Italy. According to the Daily Telegraph, a stunt driver for the latest film Quantum of Solace, lost control while bombing along some narrow roads and managed to fly off the road. While the car was a quantum of sogginess, the driver managed to escape a similarly water-soaked fate, but probably decidedly less marketable as a stunt driver. We're thinking it's excusable to lose a car when you're rehearsing or performing a stunt in front of the camera and crew. It's probably less acceptable when you're merely attempting to deliver the car to the set. Even less acceptable is that it's the only car available for filming.

Tires With Retractable Studs Take A Note From Bond

Travis Hudson — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Anybody that has ever tried to put those damned tire chains on can smile and know that the age old midwest winter traditional may soon be extinct thanks to Q Celsius, a new tire that has retractable studs. The Q Celsius takes its name from James Bond's gadget man, Q, and operates with a switch inside the vehicle.

When you flip a switch inside the car a wireless signal is sent to the tires that will inflate a pocket of air within each tire that makes the little studs protrude from the tire's tread. Like most specialty tires, the Q Celsius is about 30 percent more expensive than traditional tires, but the manufacturer is hoping the lazy factor sets in and people will pay more to not have to put on chains or swap out for winter tires. [Detroit News]

Mexican Police Nab James Bond-Style Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

In a daring bit of cartel violence, drug runners in northern Mexico smashed into a military vehicle, jumped out, lobbed a grenade and then made their escape on foot. Daring! Audacious! But it's what they left behind that's really insane.

It was a Jeep Grand Cherokee outfitted with the goods to put up a smoke screen and deploy spikes in the event of a chase. Part of us thinks this is really cool, and wonders if there were also missile launchers behind the headlights, an ejector seat, and hidden machine gun turrets. But on the other hand, such weaponry would be directed at Federales, and that's not cool. It's worth noting that AMC Jeeps were originally equipped with a smoke screen/oil slick machine, but that was mounted under the hood, called "the engine." [BBC Online]

New Ford Ka To Be Shaken, Not Stirred In New Bond Film "Quantum Of Solace?"

Wes Siler — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EDT

We've got a chance to check out some exclusive video from the set of the new Bond flick, "Quantum of Solace." Yes, it's a silly name for a movie. But you know, the "Ka" is a silly name for a car — except for, you know, in Boston. So it seems like the two would work well together, which, if the video's right, will be just the case. The clip appears to show the new, and as yet un-revealed, Ford Ka hitting the silver screen in the new 007 movie, complete with some strange graphics running down the side. Well, we'd have preferred a new Mondeo like the last movie, but beggars Ka-n't be choosers. Ha. We slay ourselves. But what do you think? Is that the new Ka-Ka? Video after the jump.

[via AintItCoolNews]

Cannonball Lambo or Bond's Lotus? Which Is Cooler?

Mark Arnold — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

Each week we'll let two silver screen automotive icons face off and let you decide which stays and which one goes home, tailpipe between their legs. That's right, it's like an online Thunderdome — except without the death thing. We call it the "Star Car Shootout." Let's get ready to rumble.

Recently we told you about the Rinspeed sQuba, a vehicle which blatantly mimics 007's Lotus Esprit submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me. And while the scuba-diving Elise is pretty cool, it just doesn't compare to James Bond's original Lotus-sub when it comes to the "cool" factor. Which got us thinking: Sure, the Q-branch Esprit is one of the most famous movie cars ever, but just how cool is it? Superstar fame does not equate coolness; some people find infamy or obscurity much cooler. For instance, let's compare the Esprit to another wedge-shaped supercar that's capable of crossing a body of water: the Lamborghini Countach from the film Speed Zone. But before you make a knee-jerk decision, watch the clips below:

For those of you that don't know, Speed Zone was the third installment of the Cannonball Run series. And as you'd expect, it's terrible as an actual movie. The proper way to enjoy it is lying down on the floor in front of your TV, with assorted Hot Wheels to one side and some milk and cookies to the other. The movie is shamelessly ridiculous in all the best ways. But don't think it's a carbon copy of the first two Cannonball installments. Whereas the opening scenes of Run and Run II are identically cheesy, the opening of Speed Zone can actually stand on it's own merits. In this infamous scene, a trusty Lamborghini Countach is hotly pursued by the fuzz in their Dodge Diplomats. As opposed to the boring desert highways of the first two films; Speed Zone's chase is on windy country back roads. The Countach slides sideways on the loose dirt surface, as if it's enacting the hand-held 1:64 scale powerslides of boys everywhere. Then, to top it all off, the Lambo drives straight onto a pond and skims across the surface like a skipping stone. For me as a child, this was what ingrained the idea of what a Lamborghini or any other supercar is supposed to be: something rebellious, ridiculous, and rapid. Yes, I know some of the action shots are of a lowly Fiero-based kit rather than the genuine Italian article, but it was the '80s—people were more interested in spending money on blow than on movie props. Besides, every handsome star has a cheap lookalike stunt-double. Ok, I've said enough, just sit back and enjoy the awesome '80s soundtrack.

Most people automatically consider "James Bond" synonymous with "cool." It's easy to see why; he's got a license to kill, all the guns and gadgets the Her Majesty can afford, and he always delivers a witty punch line. And when it comes to iconic symbols that represent 007's character, Roger Moore's Lotus Esprit submarine is always near the top of the list, right up there with Sean Connery's Aston Martin DB5. Nowadays when we think of an Esprit, we imagine a very long-in-the-tooth model of late; but when The Spy That Loved Me came out, the Esprit was a fresh new model with a very modern image. So the Esprit was the perfect car to convince audiences that it could somehow transform into a fully-loaded submarine. Now, of course there was never an actual Esprit sub; just a series of different props and mock-ups. But that's all "movie magic," which is just fine. Let's pretend all those extra Q-branch goodies worked for real. Now ask yourself, are all those gadgets actually cool? or just very dorky? As you watch the chase scene, you're likely laughing. That's fine, except for you can't help but think that the people making the movie weren't making it with comedy as the primary goal. It's sort of the same feeling you get when watching the new Knight Rider: you laugh at the movie rather than with the movie.

So which do you like? The obscure b-movie hero? Or the blockbuster superstar?

Rinspeed sQuba: Bond's Lotus Submarine Made Real

Mark Arnold — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST

Of all the Bond films over the years, one the most memorable gadgets to emerge from Q-branch was the Lotus submarine-car from The Spy Who Loved Me. Of course that was all just movie magic special effects— until now. Rinspeed has taken an ordinary Lotus Elise, and turned it into a real working vehicle that drives on land and "flys" underwater. Though you're not going to stay dry if you want to go diving, because theres no airtight canopy to enclose you. To breathe, you'll have to wear a scuba mask connected to the car's integrated compressed-air tank. But who cares?! This is a car that goes underwater! And if that isn't enough, the sQuba is a zero-emissions vehicle powered by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries, so you don't have to worry about polluting your lake (or getting water in your intake). The only thing it lacks is a surface-to-air missile launcher.

Rinspeed's Zero-Emission World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show - a Green "Fish" with Q-Factor
Thirty years after the movie thriller 'The Spy Who Loved Me' hit the silver screen "sQuba" is the first car that can actually 'fly' under water.

"Dive it again, James!" If the situation gets too hot for the secret agent he'll go underground - or under water. So demonstrated impressively by Roger Moore in 'The Spy Who Loved Me" in 1977 when he dove below the waves in a sleek vehicle that moments before seemed to be an ordinary car. The only problem: The scene never really took place; it was an animation.

With the "sQuba," the world's first real submersible car, the movie fake now becomes reality for visitors of the Geneva Motor Show (March 6th - 16th, 2008). Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht (52) is known for his extraordinary automotive creations. The acknowledged James Bond enthusiast and Swiss automobile visionary kept revisiting this scene in his mind over and over: "For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly under water. Now we have made this dream come true."

And it is this submerged stabile flight at a depth of 10 meters that sets the "sQuba" apart from military vehicles. While the latter can go under water, they are limited to driving slowly over the submerged ground. Rinderknecht: "It is undoubtedly not an easy task to make a car watertight and pressure resistant enough to be maneuverable under water. The real challenge however was to create a submersible car that moves like a fish in water."

It also had to be a sports car that was converted into a diving dream in the facilities of Swiss engineering specialist Esoro. In a first step the combustion engine was removed and replaced by several electric motors. Three motors are located in the rear. One provides propulsion on land, the other two drive the screws for underwater motoring. They are supported by two powerful Seabob jet drives in the front, which 'breathe' through special rotating louvers from HS Genion (for opening and closing the water intake). The rotating outlet jets were designed to be extremely light yet twist resistant by using high-tech nano materials, so-called Carbon Nano Tubes.

It is a sure bet that the "sQuba" will steal the show from any 'Baywatch' beauty on the beach. And easily, too: You drive the car into the water and the car floats. That is, until you crack the door to let the water in. Immediately the "sQuba" starts on his way to the underwater world. The occupants' breathing air comes from an integrated tank of compressed air that divers know from scuba diving. Rinderknecht: "For safety reasons we have built the vehicle as an open car so that the occupants can get out quickly in an emergency. With an enclosed cabin opening the door might be impossible." But safety wasn't the only reason for choosing an open-top design: With an enclosed volume of just two cubic meters of air the vehicle weight would have to increase by two tons (!) to counteract the unwanted buoyancy, giving the "sQuba" the land mobility of a turtle. Without occupants the "sQuba" surfaces automatically. It is even capable of autonomous driving on land thanks to a sophisticated laser sensor system from the Hamburg company Ibeo - without any help from the driver or passenger.

Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. Rinderknecht: "The 'sQuba' is a zero-emission car as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions. The Swiss are among the world's pioneers in the area of hydropower. The 'sQuba's' filling station is the water reservoir." It is no surprise that the vehicle features powerful yet energy-saving LED lighting technology.

3-D foil elements with embossed fish and sharkskin patterns from Wetzel Processing Group and Hornschuch add visual pizzazz and streamline the exterior. Together with styling elements from Foliatec they create a harmonious velvety matt-white appearance.

For shore leave the "sQuba" relies on a stainless coil-over suspension from KW automotive and large Pirelli tires mounted on custom-made forged light-weight wheels from AEZ with 17- and 18-inch diameters. But the "sQuba" is really at home in the water. To make the occupants feel at home there as well the innovative salt-water resistant interior from Strähle + Hess features genuine mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond, normally used in high-tech abrasives. After all, 'diamonds are a girl's best friends.' The high-tech VDO instrument cluster and controls create a futuristic ambiance and allow controlling all vehicle functions even while submerged.

Frank M. Rinderknecht and his partners - amongst them also the fleet specialist LeasePlan - have created a truly unusual vehicle and in the process have thought of everything. Even the Motorex lubricants used in the 'sQuba" are biodegradable. For the Rinspeed boss that is a meticulousness stemming from conviction: "The 'sQuba' lets me be one with the elements and lets me immerse myself in a new and fascinating world - with Q factor. It is our duty to protect this world in which we are guests to the best of our ability." Isn't it, Miss Moneypenny? - James couldn't have said it better himself glancing at the sporty Swiss precision chronograph from C.F. Bucherer. Eau la la - shaken, not stirred.

Meet the New Bond Car: The Aston Martin DBS

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST

According to the lads at Motor Torque, the newest entry to the Bond stable will be the Aston Martin DBS &mdash the last car added to the Bond stable. Aston Martin is understandably delighted to continue its association with the film series (especially since Casino Royale wasn't a melange of bad writing, unnecessary tech and weak plot lines). According to Aston CEO Dr. Bez: "Aston Martin is Proud of our long association with James Bond. The DBS has its own unique character which equals that of James Bond. It is explosive power in a black tie."

We liked the DBS as the last Bond ride, and especially appreciated the seven cannon rolls it did at the end (spoiler alert). With Ford no longer running the show at Aston, we wonder if Bond will also be driving a Mondeo. [MotorTorque]

No Mr. Bond, We Expect You To Drive!

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:15:00 EDT

Obviously, Friday’s Question inspired a lot of good chatter. Sadly, missing from the choices for best Bond car, is the 2CV from For Your Eyes Only (UPDATE: Beluga got it). Yeah, it is one of Moore’s better movies, but… Moore < Connery. Still, what a great chase. And what a hot mama. Enjoy!

Name The Best Bond Car

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:00:06 EDT

Special Agent 007 and cars go together like Britney Spears and poor decisions — you have one, you have the other. Davey G and I were doing the IM the other day and trying to figure out which car is Commander Bond's best. Herr Johnson immediately slammed the kibosh down on the DB5 from Goldfinger arguing that it's just too obvious. Then, 4 seconds later, we both agreed that the Lotus submarine is the bomb digity. However, this being a QOTD, we're curious as to what you think. And before you start flappin' yer yaps, check this out: Wiki Bond Cars. That's right, an AMC Hornet!

Crash Another Day: 007's Cracked-up Aston Martin DBS Clone

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 07:12:26 EDT

Although the new Aston Martin DBS won't arrive in dealerships before later this year, 007's already had his way with one. Like any other audience member who'd come to "Casino Royale" for the car, not the man, we'd cringed when Bond barrel-rolled his prototypical Aston flagship as if it were just another hoopty from the Hollywood motor pool. Thanks to Evo, we know the crash car was just a gussied-up DB9, one of three such development hacks turned into DBS replicas. Evo tells the story of the stunt, and how one of the crashed vehicles ended up hanging around the office for a photo shoot instead of being crushed for the VAT reclamation (silly Euro tax laws). Actually, we're feeling a bit more jilted that the scenes of Miami were all just a digital ruse. – Mike Spinelli

How James Bond crashed his Aston [Evo]

Related:
Aston Martin DBS Officially Revealed [internal]

Complicate and Add Ballast: 007's Lotus Sub

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 22:00:00 EST

It's funny, because it's not been that long since The Spy Who Loved Me last crossed the television screen at the abode of Jalop Johnson. But we constantly romanticize the Lotus submarine, when in reality, the scene is kind of wooden and lame. Still, it's a Lotus submarine! We've always been perplexed at how the fish got into the car, though. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Surreal Lotus Esprit Clip [Internal]

Daniel Craig Can't Park His Escalade?

Ray Wert — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 08:29:49 EST

Daniel Craig recently bought a 2 1/2 ton Caddy Escalade, and due to the luxe-UV's long length (16 1/2 feet), the Brit Bond star's been having a bit of a problem parking the vehicle. According to his Hollywood next-door-neighbors,

"the star has been leaving his wheels jutting out at crazy angles or bumped up on the pavement...I've driven past it three times recently parked awkwardly, hanging off the pavement. It's become a real talking point in Hollywood."

It just goes to show you, whether you're a secret super double-0-agent, it's not always the size of your car that matters, sometimes it's also how you park it. Also, Hollywood driveways are really tiny. – Ray Wert

Daniel Craig is clueless about parking his car [DailyIndia.com]

Spy Photos: 2009 Jaguar XF

Ray Wert — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:34:45 EST

There's so much black tape and cardboard on this test mule, this could be Jag's S-Type replacement scheduled for launch this fall or it could be the next Ford Mondeo. Ok, it's probably not the Mondeo, but the folks at TCC claim it's code-named X250 and it's aimed at not only old S-Type buyers but also buyers of the BMW 5-Series. The new replacement for the no-longer-SexyType is expected to be powered by a slew of engines, including the new 3.2-liter six-in-a-row powering the Volvo S80. On the top end engine we're told it'll receive an 0.8-liter upgrade from the 4.2-liter V8 currently found in the S-Type. We've not got much else to say — except we've also heard FoMoCo plans on using this vehicle as the next ride for James Blonde. We can't wait. – Ray Wert

2009 Jaguar XF Spy Shots [TheCarConnection.com]

Over the Back Fence: Jaguar XF to Be Bond's Next Ride

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:24:48 EST

What'll come of James Bond's vehicle of choice after Ford sheds Aston Martin? FoMoCo's $100 million product-placement deal with Sony/MGM will only be in its second of three pictures by the next 007 flick, which means the DBS won't be usurped by a BMW (or similar). But fansite MI6 reports Bond will drive the upcoming Jaguar XF, set to replace the S-Type in 2008. Seems fitting, but imagine how many gallons of oil and smokescreen he could fit in a Volvo V70. – Mike Spinelli

OO7 to drive Jaguar XF in Bond 22 [CoolBrit]

Related:
More James Bond [internal]

DAF vs. FAF: Would Bond Drive a DAF?

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST

Since before lunch, the Loverman has been promising more evidence that the DAF is superior to the FAF. So far, we've yet to see any, and it's almost time for dinner. If DAF superiority is indeed the case, why does one of the most beautiful women in the history of the world, Carole Bouquet, choose the 2CV, the foundation upon which the FAF's greatness is built?

Why? Because FAF > DAF. [Thanks to ThnderBlt for the heads-up on the clip.] – Davey G. Johnson

Daniel Craig Wears A Cardigan? Fifth Gear Has A Chat With James Bond

Ray Wert — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:00:00 EST

Seriously, the one most unfortunate part of this interview of the new Bond, Daniel Craig, isn't that his first car was a Nissan, or that he can't stand Lambos or Ferraris. It's that he's wearing a cardigan. Absolutely dreadful if you ask us. – Ray Wert

Bond-ed And Insured: UK Company Pens Estimate For 007's Car Insurance

Ray Wert — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 15:15:00 EST

A UK car insurer pulled out the calculators over the weekend to come up with the price it'd expect to collect in premiums in order to ensure a quick replacement of 007's pretty new Aston Martin DBS in case anything should happen to the fictional character's car. And, after carrying the one and adding a zero somewhere, the folks at Kwik-Fit / Virgin Car Insurance came up with the princely sum of 7,108.50 ( approximately $13,478.39 in real American dollars) for protection on the roads. So that means whether the ride's being fliped over a damsel-in-distress or taking a missile up the arse, James Bond's "perfectly-formed" one will feel comfortable knowing he'll not have to pick up his paycheck from "M" with the price of a Brit sports car deducted from the bottom line. Now, if only the producers of the movie had known this going in — you know, before they totaled the DBS used in the movie (along with a few others) in a record-breaking seven-roll stunt. Check out the gallery below to see the Aston Martin's prettiness before it meets its more than likely end in the new movie. – Ray Wert

TELL ME MR BOND, HAVE YOU MADE ANY CLAIMS? [mirror.co.uk]

Is The Dream Dead, Like A Zephyr Product Reference Guide?

Ray Wert — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST

Just in case you didn't get enough of the firearm-powered fist full o' Lincoln dreaminess we showed earlier, and because I thought a couple of folks might like the backstory on the shot-up Lincoln Zephyr product reference guide — I've put together a little home movie to tell the tale — and to finally put the non-automotive, yet still auto-related, side of this little story to bed. – Ray Wert

No, Mr. Craig, We Expect You to Drive a JCB: On the Stunt Set of 'Casino Royale'

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST

With the latest Bond flick looming large on the horizon, one reporter ventured down to a set at Dunsfold Airfield (natural habitat of the Stig) to talk to the film's stunt co-coordinator, Gary Powell. Powell, who's worked on the last four Bond films, describes some of the stunts in the film and reconfirms that the latest installment in the saga of Ian Fleming's legendary licensed-to-kill agent will minimize the CGI factor and maximize the human drama of athletic competition. And we thought Christmas only came once a year. – Davey G. Johnson

'Casino Royale' stunt special [Time Out, UK]

No, Mr. Bond, I Expect You to Drive: New European Ford Mondeo in 007 Trailer

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 09:12:46 EDT

Ford's marketing association with the new Bond flick "Casino Royale" doesn't stop at 007's Aston Martin DBS. If you weren't aware, the company's introducing its new midsized Mondeo for Europe in the movie (Bond briefly drives one) and likewise produced this UK spot as both a tie in and commercial for the European Focus. Who says synergy is dead? – Mike Spinelli

[via Carscoop]

Mondeo Royale: Ford's New European Midsize on Set of Bond Flick

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 08:04:08 EDT

Ford released more photos of the 2007 Mondeo as it appears during filming of the next James Bond vehicle, "Casino Royale." It's not the first workaday sedan of Ford's to launch in a Bond flick; in 1976, a pre-production Taunus-Cortina appeared in "The Spy Who Loved Me." In the case of this 2007 Mondeo five-door, a pre-production workup that's been fitted with a sports bodykit and layered in a metallic blue dubbed "Tonic," moviegoers will see it in a sequence shot on location in the Carribean. According to a press release, new 007 Daniel Craig uses it, "to drive to a hotel after arriving in the Bahamas on the trail of a terrorist cell." Oh no, it's a rental? – Mike Spinelli [Gallery 1] [Gallery 2]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Ford Mondeo Sedan [internal]

Epicly Broken! Daniel Craig's Stunt Double Crashes An Aston Martin DBS In New Trailer

Ray Wert — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 16:41:35 EDT

The makers of the new 007 flick, Casino Royale, are getting the big "whatevs" from Bond fans over the choice of Daniel Craig as the main man with the double-0's. Throw in that whole rumor about him and a stick, and you'll get even more trouble from the car community. Luckily, the film producers are trying to make up for it with some shots of the new Bond ride, the Aston Martin DBS, at about 1:57 into the trailer...and then the icing on the cake, a piece of epic hoonage at about 2:18. True, it's potentially all computer-generated (though the crew did total three DBS'es in one day — so maybe it's real) — but nonetheless, take a gander at the trailer above for both pieces of double-0 automotive awesomness.

Death to the DBS! Bond Crew Kills Three Astons in One Day

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:30:00 EDT

Oh, the aluminiumanity! The stunt crew working on a mountain chase scene for the upcoming 007 bonanza Casino Royale has stuffed three of the supercars filming the sequence. Since the DBS is projected to sell for around $300k, that's almost a million dollars in exotics crunched in the name of Bondage. Who do the minions of the late Cubby Broccoli think they are? Stefan Eriksson?

Bond Crew Destroys $900,000 Worth of Sports Cars in One Day [PR Inside]

Related:
Aston Martin DBS Officially Revealed [Internal]

Jamie Kitman Takes on Product Placement

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 15:00:00 EDT

Commenting mostly on the John Lasseter/Zuffenhausen lovefest that resulted in Sally, the 911 featured in Cars, Automobile's Jamie Kitman muses on just how much things have changed since Aston intially refused to set Goldfinger's producers up with a DB5 a deal which ultimately contributed massively to the brand's mystique. "However," ponders Kitman, "It might be worth noting that James Bond's DB5 was not a quasi-human girl car, but rather a rolling armory of lethal weapons." And thanks for bringing up that Chrysler Celine Dion debacle, Jamie. We'd almost blocked that excruciating mistake out entirely. Ugh.

Cars in the Movies [Automobile]

Related:
Flip the Bonnet of 'Cars' [Internal]

Only for You: "For Your Eyes Only" Lotus on eBay

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 15 May 2006 18:27:16 EDT

After "Moonraker," the first movie we ever slept all the way through in the theater, Bond fans weren't expecting much from the series, which appeared to be petering out. But then came "For Your Eyes Only," and only the Connery purists' hearts were hardened. FYEO was a far better, more traditional Bond caper starring a proper, earth-bound sports car: the Giugiaro-designed Lotus Turbo Esprit. Now, the Bond Esprit from the movie, which became our favorite car right up until our ill-fated Countach period, is up for bidding on eBay, though it'll cost $250,000 just to get in the game. Damn. Now that ~~Shirley Bassey~~ Sheena Easton tune is stuck in our head.

James Bond For Your Eyes Only Turbo Esprit [eBay via Noonzwheels]

James Bond's Astin Martin DBS - New Hotness For The New Hotness

Ray Wert — Mon, 01 May 2006 09:15:00 EDT

June's edition of the UK's Car magazine has an in-depth on-the-set tete-a-tete with the new Bond Aston Martin DBS. We can only imagine how it goes:

Car, the Magazine: "So what's it like working with the Daniel Craig?"
Car, the Aston Martin: [Patented Aston growl]
Car, the Magazine: "Really, we can totally see that! That's so hot. How about the sets? Were they spectatcular?"
Car, the Aston Martin: [Patented Aston growl]

Car, the Magazine: "Oh so they did let you do your own stunts? What was that like?"
Car, the Aston Martin: [Patented Aston growl]

Car, the Magazine: "Well, thanks for sitting down with us today."
Car, the Aston Martin: [Patented Aston growl]

Aston Martin DBS, AKA James Bond's New Car [Sybarites.org] (hat tip to Isaac "Shaft" Berg)

Related:
More on Aston-Martin [internal]

Let the Front Office Have Some: James Bond to Drive a Ford Mondeo Too?

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 06:38:32 EST

FoMoCo has reportedly slipped the producers of upcoming Bond flick "Casino Royale" a ~~mickey~~ few million to put 007 into a Ford Mondeo as well as his signature Aston. According to the UK's The Sun, the company paid the film's producers $24 million so moviegoers can see Bond "using the [Mondeo] for chases and picking up girls." Let's see. We're supposed to believe Bond's out cruising chicks in a Mondeo, leaving a shiny new Aston DBS at home? The free world is so fucked.

Blue Oval Bond? [Edmunds]

Bond Not Manually Dextrous: Craig Can't Drive a Stick

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:44:00 EST

You know, we always figured that James Bond would probably be good at manual stimulation of the ladies; a quick diddle coming out of the tunnel in Monaco and even the most stolid of sexy Russian agents would be a gasping mass of orgasmic silly putty in his hands. And of course, we never questioned his ability to manipulate the shifter of an Aston. But according to The New York Daily News, new Bond actor Daniel Craig can't drive a stick. Wait, so the DBS doesn't come with a flappy-paddle gearbox? Or is Craig just that useless behind the wheel? Somebody call Bob Bondurant, stat. [Thanks to Rishi for the tip]

Craig's 007 can't get in gear [New York Daily News]

Good Morning, Moneypenny, You're Looking as Lovely as Ever: Bond's Aston DBS

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:55:39 EST

The next bit of Bond celluloid, a reworking of "Casino Royale," won't be out until the end of his year — November, that is. But the teasing of Aston lovers is merely in the preliminary stages. Bond fan site Mi6 has a side-view rendering of Bond's Aston Martin DBS, which will have a range of gadgets Q could only have dreamed in his most (military-industrial) complex fantasies. [Thanks to Simon for the tip.]

Aston Martin DBS - First Look [internal]

Related:
Bond to Drive New Aston in "Casino Royale" [internal]

Your Ink A-Splode! New Possible Airbag Detonation Technology

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 12:52:56 EST

Man, leave it to a spinoff of the British Ministry of Defense to come up with something all Q-styley like exploding printer ink. Perfectly safe while wet, once the substance dries on a substrate it becomes explosive and can be laid in varying thicknesses for fast or slow burns, which could mean more intricate and appropriate airbag deployment. Plus, y'know, exploding ink. Who doesn't want that?

Exploding ink could be used for airbag deployment [TransportTrends]

Related:
LA Po-Po Testing Tracking Darts [Internal]