The Transporter film franchise launched in 2002 with Jason Statham starring as Frank Martin, utilizing high-performance vehicles like the BMW E38 753i and later the Audi A8L W-12 to execute high-stakes martial arts and stunt driving sequences across multiple sequels, according to franchise production details.
Evolution of Statham’s Screen Cars from BMW to Audi
For the original 2002 film, Statham’s character drove a 1998 BMW 750iL Euro model, though the film referenced it as a 735i, according to production notes. That specific vehicle featured a V-12 engine capable of 322 horsepower. Filmmakers replaced the original transmission with a 6-speed manual unit typically seen in the BMW 850 CI—the same model actor Pierce Brosnan was pulled over in for speeding, as noted in automotive records—to allow for better action sequences during chase scenes.
When production shifted to the sequels, director Louis Letterier reached out to Ingolstadt car manufacturer Audi in 2004 to secure the Audi A8L W-12 for “The Transporter 2,” according to Motor Trend. Letterier favored the vehicle because he believed it represented a well-crafted blend of luxury and sports cars. Audi brought the A8L to the United States the following year, perfectly timed for the movie’s premiere. For “The Transporter 3,” Statham upgraded to the 2008 A8L model, which featured nearly identical specifications to its predecessor.
Did You Know?
The Audi A8L W-12 models used in the franchise came equipped with an adaptive air suspension system that allowed drivers to adjust ride smoothness based on driving conditions, pushing out roughly 450 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.
Performance and Reliability on Set
Staking high-speed action scenes on heavy sedans requires robust engineering. Both the Audi A8L models accelerated from zero to 60 mph in five seconds, though they were notably fuel-heavy, achieving between 13 and 15 mpg on city streets and 17 to 19 mpg on the highway, according to automotive specifications. Beyond raw speed, Motor Trend notes that the Audi A8L W-12 ranked as one of Audi’s most reliable models ever built—a crucial trait when directors demand stunts like jumping a car onto a moving train or over a Miami canal.
In addition to the BMW and Audi models, Statham’s character also piloted a Mercedes-Benz W140 during the series. That particular vehicle featured a specialized Turbo-Diesel engine paired with an Adaptive Damping System designed to smooth out aggressive driving maneuvers. Meanwhile, “The Transporter 2” showcased the Lamborghini Murcielago roadster, a machine capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, which Statham used to chase down an airplane on a runway during the film’s climax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What car did Jason Statham drive in the first Transporter movie?
Statham drove a 1998 BMW 750iL Euro model, though the vehicle was referred to in the film as a 735i, according to production records.
Why did the filmmakers switch from BMW to Audi for the sequels?
Director Louis Letterier reached out to Audi in 2004 because he felt the Audi A8L W-12 offered an ideal blend of luxury and sports car capabilities for the character’s driving style, according to Motor Trend.
What were the horsepower specs for the Audi A8L W-12 models used in the films?
Both the Audi A8L W-12 models pushed out approximately 450 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and went from zero to 60 mph in five seconds.
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