The Evolution of the Transporter's Garage

Since the release of the original The Transporter in 2002, the franchise has become a cult classic, celebrated not only for Jason Statham's intense martial arts sequences but also for the high-octane automotive stunts. While the series kicked off with a different manufacturer, it is the Audi A8 that became synonymous with Frank Martin's professional persona in the subsequent films.


The Audi Connection

In the first installment, Statham’s character operated a BMW E38 735i. However, the production team decided to shift gears for the sequels, opting to put the protagonist behind the wheel of the 6-liter W-12 Audi A8L. According to Motor Trend, director Louis Letterier sought a vehicle that perfectly balanced executive luxury with high-performance sports capabilities. In 2004, the filmmaker reached out to the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer, and by the following year, the A8L W-12 was ready for its cinematic debut in The Transporter 2.


Performance Specs of the A8L

For The Transporter 3, the production team upgraded to the 2008 version of the A8L. Both vehicles shared nearly identical performance profiles:

  • Engine Power: Approximately 450 hp at 6,200 rpm.
  • Acceleration: Capable of hitting 0-60 mph in roughly five seconds.
  • Handling: Equipped with adaptive air suspension to adjust ride comfort.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Known for high consumption, averaging 13-15 mpg in the city and 17-19 mpg on the highway.

Beyond the Audi: Other Notable Appearances

While the Audi holds the spotlight, the franchise featured several other engineering marvels:

«The A8L W-12 was considered one of Audi’s most reliable models, a necessary trait when performing dangerous stunts like jumping a car onto a moving train.»

The original BMW 750iL featured in the first film was a modified beast. To improve the quality of the chase scenes, the original transmission was replaced with a 6-speed manual gearbox sourced from a BMW 850 CI. Additionally, the film showcased a Mercedes-Benz W140, outfitted with a Turbo-Diesel engine and an Adaptive Damping System to manage the stresses of aggressive maneuvering.


Perhaps the most exhilarating machine to grace the screen was the Lamborghini Murcielago in The Transporter 2. During the film's climactic sequence, Statham uses the roadster to chase down an airplane on a runway. With a 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds, it remains one of the most impressive vehicles in the series' history.