Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. Whether you take this piece of advice onboard regarding what you’re about to read is another matter entirely. But here goes nothing.
Yes, after all the empty promises of The Jetsons, Back to the Future, and Bladerunner (original and 2049), we’ve finally reached that point in the modern age. As of today, we have:
- AI musicians
- autonomous cars
- zero gravity champagne
And now, you can pre-order yourself the world’s first flying car all thanks to a Dutch company known as PAL-V.
PAL-V is eyeing 2019 to deliver the PAL-V ONE, an elegantly designed two-passenger airmobile/landflyer, with dual engines, curve stabilization, self-stabilization, and yes, a leather interior to top it all off.
On the road, the 100 horsepower engine will be able to clock maximum speeds of 160 KMPH, with a fuel economy of 7.6 litres per 100KM. And up in the air, the 200 horsepower engine will be able to cruise at 140-160 KMPH, with a maximum speed of 180 KMPH, at a fuel economy of 26 litres per hour. The maximum range will be between 400KM to 500KM with a 4.3 hour endurance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtKFDTtpzZc
True to the capitalist ideals that dictates our everyday lives, however, this won’t be the only flying car available for pre-order. As it has been reported, a rival company known as Terrafugia (a subsidiary of Volvo) is also launching a product.
The Terrafugia Transition is projected to go to market starting October of this year. It will reportedly be able to clock in speeds of around 320 KMPH and travel distances of roughly 640 KM. Competition is healthy for innovation, but I’ll let you decide which one you yourself prefer.
In terms of air regulations and whatnot for both products… who knows. Again, we’re not saying this is a safe bet, so don’t go blowing your next twenty paychecks on travel concepts, working man.
The PAL-V ONE starts at a price of €300,000, moving up to €500,000 for the extras like dual control and power heating. Find out more about it here.
As for the Transition, a price has not yet been revealed, though there are rumours it will hover (heh.) around the $280,000 USD mark. Find out more about it here.
