The Definitive Guide to Frank Martin's Cars in The Transporter Series

If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the art of high-speed precision driving in a sleek European sedan while wearing a tailored suit, odds are The Transporter franchise is already on your radar. The films turned Frank Martin’s cars into icons of action cinema—quietly powerful, unassuming from the outside, but full of torque and surprises under the hood. Whether you're a fan of Jason Statham’s movies, love action movie vehicles, or just want to know what car Frank Martin drives, this definitive guide dives deep into every model he piloted across the Transporter film series.

We’ll explore Transporter movie car models, discuss the Audi A8 W12 Transporter, cover Frank Martin’s car modifications, and break down the specs and styles behind each ride. Buckle up—this is the ultimate deep dive into cars from The Transporter series, and why they matter in both film history and the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere.

Frank Martin's Signature Style: Understated Yet Lethal

Frank Martin isn’t your typical Hollywood car guy. He doesn’t scream for attention. His vehicles reflect that—stealthy, black, powerful sedans with just enough luxury to get noticed and just enough muscle to outrun a helicopter.

He may not drive a DeLorean or Batmobile, but Frank Martin’s rides have earned a rightful spot among the most famous movie cars. In fact, when people search for best movie cars or luxury cars in movies, it’s not uncommon for Frank Martin’s Audi to make the list.

Transporter 1 Car: 1999 BMW 7-Series E38 (750iL)

Before the franchise became synonymous with Audi, the very first Transporter movie car was a BMW 7-Series, the E38 to be exact. In The Transporter (2002), Frank drives a black BMW 750iL, a car praised for its blend of power, refinement, and German engineering excellence.

• Specs:
  • Engine: 5.4L V12
  • Power: 322 hp
  • Transmission: 5-speed automatic
  • 0-60 mph: ~6 seconds
• Why It Works: It’s spacious, stealthy, and just aggressive enough to be intimidating. It also reflected the era when BMW's flagship sedans were the ultimate executive rides.
• Car Modifications: In true Transporter fashion, the car included hidden compartments, a custom trunk for packages, and of course, nitrous oxide for chase scenes.

Frank’s BMW was wrecked in one of the Transporter car chase scenes, prompting a car switch that would define the rest of the franchise.

Transporter 2 Car: Audi A8 W12 (D3)

This is the car that started it all for Audi in the Transporter series, making the Audi A8 W12 Transporter one of the most recognized cars in movies. In Transporter 2 (2005), Frank upgrades to a black 2004 Audi A8 W12 with Quattro all-wheel drive and a 6.0L W12 engine. This specific model turned heads globally, not just for its performance but for its clean, badass aesthetic.

• Specs:
  • Engine: 6.0L W12
  • Power: 444 hp
  • Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic
  • 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
  • Drive: Audi Quattro AWD
• Why It Works: The W12 was an elite beast—sophisticated on the outside but built to dominate on any terrain. Its all-wheel drive system made it ideal for the complex car stunt driving sequences that define the film.
• Trivia:
  • Yes, the Audi in Transporter was real—not a shell or studio replica. Audi even promoted the car’s role in the movie.
  • Jason Statham trained extensively to perform his own driving stunts.

Transporter 3 Car: Audi A8 W12 D3 (Facelift)

In Transporter 3 (2008), Frank once again drives an Audi A8 W12, but this time the facelifted version. It features updated front-end styling, advanced onboard technology, and slightly upgraded performance specs.

• Specs:
  • Engine: 6.0L W12 (enhanced)
  • Power: 450 hp
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • 0-60 mph: ~5.0 seconds
• Features Highlighted in Film:
  • Custom-built onboard systems
  • Reinforced undercarriage
  • High-speed GPS tracking tech (fictionalized)
  • Magnetic explosive sensor in plot

The Frank Martin car modifications get more theatrical in this film, with sequences involving trains, underwater escapes, and remote-controlled devices.

The Transporter Refueled Cars: Audi S8 D4

In the 2015 reboot The Transporter Refueled, starring Ed Skrein instead of Jason Statham, the tradition continues with the Audi S8 D4. This model introduces a younger Frank Martin with a flashier driving style and even more gadgets.

• Specs:
  • Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
  • Power: 520 hp
  • 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

Though the car is different and so is the actor, this installment tried to continue the tone of European executive sedans modified for high-octane action.

Other Notable Cars in The Transporter Series

While the Audi and BMW sedans take center stage, the Transporter film series vehicles include several cameos and chase participants:

• Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class: A recurring background player and villain choice, especially in European-set chase sequences.
• Peugeot 407: Briefly featured in chase scenes across European cities.
• Range Rover Sport & Land Rover Defender: Seen in adversary fleets.
• Ford Econoline Van: Used by villains and for kidnapping scenes.

Why Frank Martin’s Cars Are So Popular

Frank Martin’s rides are a masterclass in function meets style. Unlike over-the-top action movie cars like Bond’s Aston Martins or Dom’s Chargers in Fast & Furious, Frank’s vehicles are rooted in reality—luxury sedans with believable modifications. They're designed for optimal chase sequences and reflect a realistic level of customization that car lovers admire.

That’s why searches for "Frank Martin driving skills cars" and "Transporter car features" continue to trend.

Every Car in The Transporter Movies: Ranked

1. Audi A8 W12 (Transporter 2 & 3)
2. Audi S8 D4 (Transporter Refueled)
3. BMW 750iL E38 (Transporter 1)
4. Mercedes-Benz W140 (Villain’s Ride)
5. Peugeot 407 / Range Rover (Cameos)

Did Frank Martin Wreck a Lot of Cars?

Absolutely. Each film averaged 3–5 fully wrecked sedans during filming. The Transporter movie cars specs are one thing—surviving a rooftop jump or underwater dive is another. CarBuzz reports that Audi shipped several A8s to be destroyed during filming.

Final Thoughts: Why These Movie Cars Still Matter

Frank Martin’s rides have earned their place in the pantheon of iconic film vehicles. More than props, they define a character—a man bound by precision, loyalty, and a code. From the BMW 7-Series to the Audi S8, the Transporter franchise cars represent a clean break from loud, flashy chases to sleek, calculated performance.

In a world of hypercars and muscle car mania, Frank Martin proves that European luxury sedans can still be the best movie cars when paired with a stoic anti-hero and a well-choreographed fight scene in a parking garage.

If you’re thinking about buying one of these models used—or even already own one—you might want to consider a vehicle service contract to protect your investment. Repairs on a W12 engine don’t come cheap. Check out our Learning Center to learn how Noble Quote can help keep your ride road-ready, no matter what movie scene life throws your way.