Mercedes Sprinter Joins Ghostbusters Team as Ecto-Z in Frozen Empire

ECTO-Z Joins ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Premiere on Mar 22 with New Cast Member!

The highly anticipated Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, premiering on March 22nd, will introduce a fresh team of Spenglers who will unite forces with the original Ghostbusters to protect humanity. This installment also sees the addition of a new member to the squad in New York City: The ECTO-Z, inspired by the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. As the two generations of Ghostbusters battle against an onslaught of malevolent spirits, the ECTO-Z will speed through the bustling streets of the Big Apple, striving to thwart their plans of plunging Earth into a frozen oblivion once again.

A recently unveiled ghost-hunting vehicle is indeed a logical decision, providing the cast with greater space and contemporary features than the Cadillac-based ECTO-1. Additionally, although Mercedes-Benz has produced (and still produces) some of the most high-powered and opulent European cars available, the remarkable development of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter highlights the significance of practical commercial vehicles in creating a financially successful range of diverse models for car manufacturers.

The ECTO-Z, with its striking Ghostbusters logos, is easily distinguishable against the sleek black paint and black steel wheels. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “ECTO-Z?” Well, the answer lies in the letter Z, which stands for Zeddemore – the last name of Winston Zeddemore, portrayed by Ernie Hudson. In the original Ghostbusters film, Zeddemore joined the team after responding to a classified ad. And for those who are die-hard fans of the classic ECTO-1, which featured a massive red ’59 Caddy tailfin, you’ll be pleased to know that it also makes an appearance in the new film. After all, the ECTO-1 is an iconic symbol of the Ghostbusters franchise, and it would surely cause an uproar among fans if it were absent.

Take a look at the efficient pull-out rack filled with equipment for battling ghosts! Resembling something straight from the popular show Mythbusters, the rack effortlessly glides backwards to offer convenient access to the Proton Packs, Ghost Traps, and Muon Scrubbers. In contrast to the original 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance ECTO-1, the ECTO-Z is much more inconspicuous and functional, specifically designed for cold climates. These measurements are based on the Mercedes’ 144″ wheelbase High Roof setup for the Sprinter. Based on images of the ECTO-Z, it appears that this is the exact configuration used by Mercedes for the iconic vehicle in the movie.

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE - Official Trailer (HD)

What exactly is the powertrain? The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans from model year 2019 and onward have undergone various engine changes, such as the replacement of a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6 with turbocharged diesel engines. However, with the launch of the latest model in 2024, Mercedes has streamlined the options to just two 2.0-liter inline-4 engines, in its pursuit of creating the top cargo van in the market.

The basic edition of this car boasts a singular turbocharger, yielding a formidable 170 horsepower and impressive 295 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the advanced model is equipped with two turbochargers and generates a robust 211 horsepower and a hefty 332 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with efficient 9-speed automatic transmissions, but only the more powerful four-cylinder engine allows for the addition of 4-wheel drive.

Regrettably, the power source for the ECTO-Z remains a mystery. Additionally, it is not an electronic eSprinter, as those are exclusively constructed on lengthy wheelbase chassis. Nevertheless, a fleeting glimpse of the ECTO-Z can be caught in the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire trailer showcased above.

The producers of Ghostbusters: Frozen Kingdom gave fans a special treat before the film’s premiere by allowing them to get up close and personal with the new ECTO-Z. The vehicle was parked outside the iconic “Hook & Ladder Company 8” firehouse in New York City, serving as an interactive display for fans to admire. To further immerse fans in the frozen world of the film, the building will maintain its icy appearance for two weeks starting on March 15th.In addition to the display, Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with the film to provide behind-the-scenes footage and other exclusive content on their social media platforms. Fans can look forward to seeing this content on TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. This partnership will give fans a deeper look into the making of the film and add to the excitement surrounding its release.

WebsiteMercedes-Benz is a luxury car company known for its high-quality vehicles and innovative technology. With a heritage that dates back over 100 years, Mercedes-Benz has become synonymous with elegance, performance, and cutting-edge design.Mercedes-Benz is an upscale automotive brand celebrated for its top-of-the-line cars and advanced technology. With a history stretching back more than a century, Mercedes-Benz has become synonymous with sophistication, exceptional driving capabilities, and modern aesthetics.