Moller International uses Ferrari as basis for next Skycar
Moller International builds the science fiction cars of the future. You know the ones. They are able to lift straight up like a helicopter and fly like a plane. The personal vehicles that they create are called VTOLs (vertical take off and landings) or Skycars.
According to the Telegraph, Moller has decided that the Ferrari 599 GTB is a terrific base upon which to build its next Skycar called the Autovolanter. The Autovolanter will not be for the financially faint of heart. The Ferrari by itself costs £200,000 ($320,000) and the final air car is expected to cost £500,000 ($799,000).
Clearly, this won’t be your typical Ferrari. Moller will be making modifications such as adding eight powerful thrusters to the car.
Designer Bruce Calkins says the car features a specially designed hybrid fuel and electric system to power the thrusters, creating as much as 800 horsepower.
The thrusters and hybrid system will allow this modified Ferrari to fly and I don’t mean speed wise, although the speed of this hybrid will be very impressive. The new flying car will be able to reach 100 mph on the ground and 150 mph in the air.
This Ferrari is expected to fly like a helicopter at altitudes up to 5,000-feet. Any thing above that height would require too much energy.
The vehicles flying and driving distances will be limited. Driving, the Autovolanter will go about 150 miles. Flying, this hybrid will go 75 miles. Not necessarily the vehicle to take you from coast to coast in one go but certainly a classy way to go short distances at a hop.
This is the first ground car that Moller has modified into a flying car. The 599 GTB has the right shape and layout, and with wind tunnel testing over with, Moller found that this was the right car to modify.
Whether this car becomes a reality or not, depends Moller’s ability to get funding. If Moller is able to obtain funding, well in 2010, those who still have a cool £500,000 can pony up to buy one.
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November 5th, 2008
I gotta get one of these! This is even better than a motorcycle. I can just see me now, flying over all that rush hour traffic and landing easily in parking spaces. Just as soon as I win the lottery. . .
August 31st, 2010
When you’re thinking of exquisite high-end cars, the Europeans retain the leadership, thanks to such famous brands as Ferrari, Range Rover, Koenigsegg, and Maserati. Cherish luxury, love life.