Ghostbusters franchise is back with a new installment, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, set to hit theaters on March 22. A new mechanical character, a black-painted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van called the Ecto-Z, is ready to chase the ghosts. This intriguing van has a rear pull-out rack that carries a load of Proton packs and other gear. Despite this new introduction, the iconic Ecto-1, a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, retains its starring role. The Ecto-1 has a special place in the movie series and fans’ memories, making it a common discussion point in the world of cinematic automobiles. The Ecto-Z, even though a bit different in design from the Ecto-1, boosts its own appeal with large Ghostbusters logos and a rack loaded with ghost-catching equipment.
Introducing the Ecto-Z
The Ecto-Z reveals itself as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s interpretation for the Ghostbuster’s series. It is the van version of the iconic Ecto-1 that was originally a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance. The Ecto-1 was seen racing through the New York streets in several scenes, thus staying a star. The Ecto-Z may not match the coolness of the Ecto-1 but scores with a neat rear pull-out rack that holds proton packs and other ghost-chasing gear.
The Classic Ecto-1
The Ecto-1, also known as the Ectomobile, was a prime feature of the original Ghostbusters series. Originally a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, it evolved into a ghost-chasing machine. It was the ride that Dr. Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, and Winston Zeddemore used to pursue paranormal pests. With its presence in the new film, the legacy of Ecto-1 continues.
Features of the Sprinter Ecto-Z
The Sprinter Ecto-Z stands out with its black paint job, steel wheels, and large Ghostbusters logos on its sides and split rear doors. Although it doesn’t seem to have sirens, its arrival is clearly marked. Swing open the rear doors, and out slides a rack loaded with Proton packs, ghost traps, and muon scrubbers. The lack of information about what’s under its hood leaves room for speculation. However, it could potentially house a diesel four-cylinder with turbocharges.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Set to be released on March 22, the film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire continues to combine humor, science fiction, and suspense. Its unique mechanical character, Ecto-Z, manifests in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Although different from the Ecto-1, it adds to the movie’s charm with its black paint, Ghostbuster logos, and pull-out rack.
Legacy of Ghostbusters
The Ghostbusters franchise has long been envied for its good-natured ghost-busting team and the unusual Ectomobile. Looking back, film enthusiasts and car lovers will always remember the distinct combination of the Ecto-1 and the Ghostbusters. The introduction of the Ecto-Z in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire serves to add a retread with a fresh perspective to this legacy.