Planning to assault the rebel base? Vilner’s Stormtrooper BMW 6 Series will get you there

By Andrew Hard September 9, 2014

Vilner Stormtrooper 6 Series — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bulgarian automotive designer Vilner is known for modifying sports cars with odd inspirations.

There was the Bullshark BMW 6 Series, which wore a variety of fins and accents to imitate its predatory aquatic cousin. There was also a Mercedes SL with crocodile-skinned interior, and a wool-lined, “aristocratic” 3 Series.

Vilner’s latest creation, which was just teased on the tuner’s Facebook, may be the most extraordinary of all. After all, it’s inspired by a soldier from a galaxy far, far away …

Related: BMW’s Bang & Olufsen 6 Series combines horsepower and high end sound

A Stormtrooper-inspired BMW 6 Series looks to be the Vilner’s next undertaking, as the company recently posted some awesome concept sketches of the car. It has similar aesthetic elements to the Bullshark, including a protruding hood and highlighted front nostrils.

New for the Stormtrooper (that’s just fun to say) are the customized wheels, wide-mouthed front fascia, and revamped side skirts. There are subtle cues to the Emperor’s favorite henchmen throughout the car, such as bold white paint and side gills that mirror the vents on a Stormtrooper’s helmet.

As of now, there’s little information regarding mechanical upgrades for the car, but there’s no reason to doubt Vilner’s commitment to performance. The 4.4-liter V8 from Bullshark 6 Series was bumped from 333 horsepower to 370 by way of an engine tune and an AC Schnitzer exhaust. The Stormtrooper BMW should be comparably fast, after all, you’re due back on the Death Star by 10.

As an added bonus, Vilner’s 6 Series should be safer than the standard car, because everybody knows Stormtroopers can’t hit anything (or can they?)

E-11 blaster rifle not included.

(Photo via Vilner)

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.