McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray unveils ’The Batmobile’

Gordon Murray is an iconic designer in the auto industry because of his previous work with the equally legendary McLaren F1. As a man that has long built a reputation as one of the best designers in the industry, Murray’s latest project involves the design of a car that’s arguably more famous than even the McLaren F1: the Batmobile.

Featuring aerodynamics that were inspired by Formula One, the two-seater Batmobile was designed and built for a different purpose than what we’d hope. No, we’re not going to see this car patrol our cities from criminals, nor are we going to see it on the silver screen anytime soon. Instead, this particular Batmobile will grace the stage in the Broadway musical, BATMAN Live.

In addition to the F1-sourced aerodynamic built, this Batmobile also comes with an eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and, in true Caped Crusader fashion, it also has plenty of gadgets and gizmos that would make Adam West proud. Murray made all the sketches and design details of the car, but was not responsible for the actual build of the Batmobile. That task was left to a London-based independent fabrication shop.

While we were surprised to find out Gordon Murray’s involvement in such a project, we’d be the last people to ever question the master’s work, especially if it involves the Dark Knight’s ride.

UPDATE 07/25/11: We don’t know if this is a foreboding of things to come, but Gordon Murray’s assault-on-the-senses, eco-friendly Batmobile crashed before the opening of the Batman Live World Arena Tour in the UK last week. No word on how the whole accident happened, but it’s definitely not the kind of start the organizers of the five-year traveling event wanted to have. Fortunately, a replacement car was immediately flown in and arrived just before the event kicks off tomorrow.

Check out the Batmobile’s official unveiling in London after the jump.