The $100,000 'Batmobile': 7 Shocking Custom Details Of Justin Bieber's Cadillac CTS-V Coupe (And Where It Is Now)
Few celebrity cars have generated as much controversy and curiosity as Justin Bieber's custom Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. Back in the early 2010s, this matte black, Batman-themed muscle car became a symbol of the young pop star's extravagant lifestyle and his burgeoning love for unique automotive customizations. As of today, December 20, 2025, the legend of the "Bat-illac" continues to fascinate car enthusiasts and Beliebers alike, prompting a deep dive into the extreme modifications that turned a potent American V8 into a one-of-a-kind, albeit polarizing, street machine.
The vehicle was a pivotal moment in Bieber's car collection, marking the beginning of his close relationship with the world's most famous custom shop. While the car itself is over a decade old, its distinctive features—most notably the impossible-to-miss suicide doors—ensure it remains one of the most talked-about vehicles in the history of celebrity car culture.
The Anatomy of a Legend: Justin Bieber's Cadillac CTS-V Batmobile
The story of the "Batmobile" began when Justin Bieber, then a teenager, tasked the renowned California-based custom shop, West Coast Customs (WCC), with transforming his new American luxury coupe. WCC, led by Ryan Friedlinghaus, took a standard Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and gave it a complete overhaul, creating a vehicle that was unveiled to the public at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, instantly cementing its iconic status. The car was even featured in the finale of the reality show *Inside West Coast Customs*.
7 Extreme Customizations That Defined the 'Bat-illac'
The modifications were far from subtle, focusing heavily on an aggressive, stealthy aesthetic inspired by the Dark Knight franchise. These seven features are what set the car apart from any other CTS-V on the road:
- The Matte Black Wrap: The car was originally a bright color (reportedly red) but was immediately wrapped in a stealthy, non-reflective matte black finish. This choice was essential to achieving the classic Batmobile look, giving the high-performance coupe a menacing, covert presence.
- Custom Batman Emblems: The car was adorned with custom-made Batman logos. A prominent Batman emblem was placed on the front grille, replacing the standard Cadillac crest, and the word "BATMOBILE" was emblazoned across the rear of the car.
- The Suicide Doors: This is arguably the most famous and controversial modification. WCC engineered the coupe's doors to open backward, a complex and expensive modification known as "suicide doors." This feature dramatically altered the car's profile, making it a true showpiece.
- Black Crystal Emblems: The exterior's stealth theme was carried through with black crystal emblems and badges, adding a subtle touch of luxury and flash to the dark finish.
- Swarovski Crystal Interior Accents: Inside, the luxury was amplified. The interior featured the singer's initials, 'JB', picked out in genuine Swarovski crystals, a testament to the no-expense-spared approach to the build.
- Camo-Inspired Interior: Reports indicate the interior received a unique, custom camo-inspired trim, a choice that polarized purists but aligned with the car's aggressive, military-esque aesthetic.
- Advanced Sound System: As an artist, a top-tier audio setup was mandatory. WCC installed a comprehensive, custom sound system to ensure the cabin experience was as intense as the exterior look.
The total cost of these customizations was reportedly significant, turning an already powerful sports sedan into a multi-phase project that captured global media attention. The car was a massive undertaking that showcased the technical capabilities of WCC and the audacious taste of its young owner.
The Unmodified Powerhouse: Cadillac CTS-V Performance Specs
Underneath the layers of custom matte black vinyl and crystal emblems, the heart of the "Bat-illac" remained a true American performance icon: the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. This generation of the V-Series was celebrated for its blend of luxury and raw power, making it a perfect base for a celebrity custom build. The performance figures were impressive straight from the factory floor:
- Engine: 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 (LSA engine).
- Horsepower: 556 hp (415 kW).
- Torque: 551 lb-ft (747 Nm).
- Transmission: Available as a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.0 seconds.
- Top Speed: Over 180 mph.
- Chassis: Equipped with Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a highly advanced suspension system that can adjust damping in milliseconds, offering both comfortable cruising and aggressive cornering.
The decision to customize a high-performance domestic coupe instead of a European exotic like a Ferrari or Lamborghini was a nod to American muscle, giving the car a unique identity among Bieber's other high-end vehicles. The combination of the LSA V8's brutal power and the aggressive Batmobile styling created a vehicle that was impossible to ignore.
The Legacy and Current Status of the CTS-V 'Batmobile'
While the Cadillac CTS-V was reportedly one of Justin Bieber's favorite cars for a period, his car collection is constantly evolving. In the years following its debut, the singer moved on to other highly customized vehicles, including a chrome-wrapped Fisker Karma and various supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari F430.
Where is the 'Bat-illac' Today?
The current whereabouts and ownership of the custom CTS-V are not publicly confirmed with a recent auction or sale record. This is a common occurrence for high-profile celebrity vehicles, which are often sold privately, keeping the final transaction price and the identity of the new owner out of the public domain. The public record indicates:
- It is no longer in Bieber's primary rotation: The car is consistently referenced as a "past" or "famously owned" vehicle in articles detailing his current collection, strongly suggesting it has been sold or is stored privately.
- Its Value is Tied to its History: While a standard 2011-2012 CTS-V Coupe holds a strong value, the unique celebrity provenance, the extensive WCC customization, and its pop culture significance (as a "Batmobile") would dramatically increase its value on the collector market.
- A Cultural Icon: Despite its absence from Bieber's recent public life, the "Bat-illac" remains a key piece of early 2010s celebrity car culture. It symbolizes a time of maximalist customization and the intersection of Hollywood and high-performance American engineering.
The Cadillac CTS-V 'Batmobile' stands as a bold statement from a young star with unlimited resources, a vehicle that perfectly captured his persona at the time. Its legacy is not just in its powerful engine or its technical modifications, but in the sheer spectacle of its existence, ensuring its place in the history books of celebrity automotive excess.
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