Yeah, yeah, Blade Runner and Back to the Future promised we’d have flying cars a few years ago, but actual humans, as opposed to movie humans, have things to do and car videos to watch online, so it took a little longer than maybe it should have. No matter: starting in 2019, the Dutch PAL-V is going into production, and it’s basically a dual engine car that converts into a helicopter. It’s not quite like the M.A.S.K. cartoon promised us, where you can just push a button and make that happen, but more like the toys based on said cartoon, where you have to manually transform it. Still, convertible cars didn’t used to have push-button roofs either, and look where we are now.
Found via Golf Digest–yes, we read Golf Digest occasionally here at Nerdist, being renaissance humans and all–the PAL-V is not for the faint of heart, or bank account. You’re looking at 300,000 Euros for the basic model, and 500,000 if you’d like such add-ons as dual controls and power heating (higher altitudes are colder, y’all). Also, in a somewhat bizarre twist, the company really wants you to email them what your dreams are. Somehow, I’m guessing “to be rich enough to afford a flying car” is going to be a common one.
The company breaks down would-be drivers into four categories: entrepreneur, adventurer, innovator, and pilot, but that last one seems the most important, given that flying lessons are included with purchase. Background checks to ensure you aren’t secretly employed by V.E.N.O.M. are not mentioned. Oh, and that pesky FAA approval isn’t guaranteed yet. Details, details. As long as James Bond gets one.
What would you do with a flying car? We’re not asking for your dreams, but would love to read your comments.
Images: PAL-V
Flying cars all over the place:
- Are flying cars doomed to suck?
- How about flying bathtubs?
- This one might be more accurately called a driving jet plane.
