What would Darth Vader drive? A car that looks like his helmet, obviously

By Stephen Edelstein Published July 23, 2014

With a trio of new Star Wars movies in the works, plenty of entities are trying to cash in on the reinvigoration of the franchise. While there aren’t many wheeled vehicles in that galaxy far, far away, Hot Wheels is jumping on the proverbial bandwagon.

At the 2014 Dan Diego Comic-Con, the toymaker unveiled a life-size version of the “Darth Vader Car” that will kick off a new line of Star Wars-inspired toys later this year.

The car is powered by a Chevrolet LS3 small-block V8 that sends 526 horsepower to the rear wheels, and breathes through back-lit side exhaust pipes. Is that enough power for an aspiring ruler of the galaxy?

The nose piece inspired by Vader’s helmet is made from carbon fiber, and designers even managed to integrate the three bits of hardware from the triangular mouthpiece, which serve as the car’s headlights.

The Darth Vader Car was built by Picture Car Warehouse, which has supplied vehicles for movies from 2Fast 2Furious to The Town, and is apparently fully drivable.

It probably isn’t for sale, though. Comic-Con denizens will be able to buy a 1:64-scale replica, which comes in a lightsaber-shaped case, of course.

The Darth Vader Car may be cool, but Lord Vader himself will probably stick to spacecraft. This thing looks fast, but Vader’s TIE Advanced X1 fighter is faster. It also has lasers.

Stephen Edelstein

Former Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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