Car movies come in many forms. There are those where the vehicle is practically a character itself, films that elevate cars to stardom, and others that thrill us with incredible chase sequences featuring everyday automobiles. Then you have movies that are essentially non-stop chases showcasing as many supercars as humanly possible. But where does The Transporter franchise fit in? This series, known internationally as Le Transporteur, blends martial arts action with a distinctly European automotive flavor. Initially inspired in part by BMW’s “The Hire” short film series, The Transporter has spawned multiple movies and a TV series, solidifying its place in action cinema and launching Jason Statham into action hero fame. But when we ask, is “The Transporter” a good car movie?, we need to delve deeper into its automotive heart.
The Transporter Franchise: More Than Just Cars
At its core, The Transporter films revolve around Frank Martin, a mercenary in a sharp suit with a penchant for speed and a talent for hand-to-hand combat. He operates by a strict code, a set of “rules” that become a recurring theme, even as the plots often force him to break them.
Frank’s driver-for-hire rules – “never change the deal, no names, and never open the package” – extend to his vehicles. His automotive commandments begin with, “Respect a man’s car, and the man will respect you,” alongside practical advice like wearing seatbelts and banning coffee inside. However, “respect” in Frank Martin’s world is a relative term, considering the punishment his cars endure. He drives them off parking garages, across rooftops, through alleys, and even into lakes and moving trains.
Despite the vehicular mayhem, Frank’s car choices, with one Lamborghini exception in Transporter 2, lean towards powerful yet understated high-end road cars. They are more about refined performance than flashy supercars like Ferraris or Bugatti Veyrons. This makes the cars integral to the action, grounding the fantastical stunts in a semblance of automotive reality.
Frank Martin’s Car Collection: A Vehicle Breakdown
Let’s examine the specific vehicles that have defined The Transporter franchise and contribute to its status as a car movie.
The Transporter (2002): BMW 750i and Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The original Transporter film features a 1999 BMW E38 750i as Frank Martin’s primary vehicle. This model was a pioneer, introducing xenon headlights and integrated satellite navigation to European cars.
The 750i, previously seen as James Bond’s car in Tomorrow Never Dies, boasted an upgraded V8 engine producing 282 horsepower. Sadly, this iconic BMW meets a fiery end, detonated by a briefcase bomb.
Seeking new wheels, Frank commandeers a Mercedes-Benz W140. This S-Class model was renowned for its safety innovations, including side airbags, Brake Assist, and Mercedes’ Electronic Stability Program.
Its Adaptive Damping System proved useful for Frank’s aggressive driving style, even if most W140s didn’t typically carry kidnapped individuals in the back.
Transporter 2 (2005): Audi A8 W12 and Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
In Transporter 2, Frank upgrades to a top-tier Audi A8 W12. Initially driving more cautiously while transporting a child, he soon unleashes the car’s 335 horsepower to navigate Miami streets, evade police, and pursue villains.
While attempts are made to destroy this A8, it survives the film. In a memorable finale, Frank commandeers a Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster to chase a fleeing airplane, leveraging the supercar’s stealth bomber-inspired design for runway pursuit.
Transporter 3 (2008): Armored Audi A8
Transporter 3 returns Frank to France, still driving an Audi A8, but this time an armored 2008 facelift model. This iteration includes features like Side Assist and Lane Assist, adding a layer of modern technology to Frank’s driving arsenal.
Transporter TV Series (2012-2014): Audi S8
The Transporter TV series continued the Audi association, using the A8 but pushing it to its limits with even more crashes and explosions than the movies. While Jason Statham didn’t star, Chris Vance took over as Frank Martin, and the A8 was upgraded to a sportier S8 model, featuring enhanced performance and aesthetics.
Transporter Refueled (2015): Audi S8
Transporter Refueled, the fourth film, saw Ed Skrein take on the role of Frank Martin. Set in the South of France, the movie again featured the Audi S8 as Frank’s vehicle of choice, maintaining the franchise’s connection with Audi’s performance sedans.
So, Is “The Transporter” a Good Car Movie?
Answering the question, is “The Transporter” a good car movie? requires considering what defines a “good” car movie. If you’re looking for deep automotive narratives or realistic portrayals of car culture, The Transporter might not be the best example. However, if you appreciate action-packed sequences where cars are integral to the spectacle, then absolutely, The Transporter delivers.
The franchise excels at showcasing cars in thrilling, albeit often unrealistic, scenarios. The chosen vehicles – primarily BMW, Mercedes, and Audi – are not just props; they are extensions of Frank Martin’s character and tools in his trade. The films highlight the cars’ performance capabilities, even if pushed to exaggerated extremes. The stunts, while over-the-top, are undeniably entertaining and make the cars active participants in the action rather than just background elements.
Ultimately, The Transporter franchise car movies are a successful blend of action and automotive excitement. They may not be documentaries on vehicle dynamics, but they offer a fun, high-octane ride for car enthusiasts who enjoy seeing luxury sedans perform far beyond their everyday purpose.
Trust Endurance for Your Own Transporter (Minus the Explosions)
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