What if The Empire invaded a planet with an extensive road system and needed a fitting mode of transportation for Darth Vader? Perhaps a Sith Lord would commission engineering droids to build something like this, the Darth Vader Car. Here on Earth, the creative minds at Hot Wheels have designed and built a fully working, large-scale model of their Darth Vader Car.

The idea started back in November of 2013 when the design team came up with the idea for Darth Vader toy car. After the small-scale version was finished, they went big. Built in only two months, the car is completely drivable.

The Darth Car is based on a Corvette C5 platform. Its new menacing bodywork is constructed mostly from fiberglass and carbon fiber, making the car nearly 50 percent lighter than the original C5. Under its lengthy hood still lies a Corvette engine, though this one has been upgraded to an LS3, 6.2-liter V-8 -- the engine used in the 2008 and newer C6 Corvettes. Of course, it’s been massaged to make well beyond its stock output numbers. PCW Brands, the car’s builder, says it makes 526 horsepower and hits 150 mph. A six-speed manual transmission delivers The Force to the rear, custom-made wheels and tires.

Loads of special-effects gear is added to bring the Vader Car to life. Darth Vader respirator noises emanate from the grille while light saber sounds play as red lights glow along the rocker panels. Even the cockpit roof opens up like Darth Vader’s helmet. Oh, and there’s also a drift brake lever for, you know, agile maneuvers while in pursuit of Rebel forces.

The Darth Vader car currently on display at the 2014 Comic-Con International convention taking place in San Diego, California.

Click past the jump for video and pictures on the Darth Vader Car By Hot Wheels.

2014 Darth Vader Car by Hot Wheels

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Darth Vader Car by Hot Wheels
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 526
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Darth Vader Car By Hot Wheels