This is what we dreamt would be happening in 2018, isn't it? Not variable speed limits, internet on planes, or Snapchat - but flying cars, and now we have them. The PAL-V Liberty can be ordered today, will be shown to the world at the Geneva show, and is described by its makers as "fully compliant with existing regulations". Hmm...
Power for the Liberty on road comes from a 100hp engine, giving a 100mph top speed and a range of up to 817 miles. Air propulsion is a via a 200hp engine, allowing PAL-V's creation to reach 3,500m and 112mph. It's also said to make as much noise in the air as a light aircraft, and much less than a helicopter.
As can be seen, the Liberty rides on three wheels, with the rotor blades folded away on the roof. It's said to take between five and 10 minutes to have the car ready for flight mode, and also to return it to a roadworthy condition. What will take more time is reaching a location suitable to fly, as PAL-V says the Liberty requires a minimum take-off space of 90x200m - clearly without obstacles, too. And you'll need a pilot's licence...
The Liberty will be launched as a €499,000 Pioneer Edition, a lavish range topper which includes flight instruction, power heating and "personalisation options." Once the 90-car production run for that has been sold, the Sport model will be launched, the purist's choice that does without so much standard kit but costs a mere €299,000...
Following the Geneva debut, PAL-V says the Liberty will reach customers in 2019, a period it describes as a "pivotal time in aviation and mobility history." So, do you think the Liberty will take off? Let us know in the comments below.
So it's a car you need a long straight to take off on, a pilots license and I assume you'd need clearance to fly it? As cool/impressive as it is, it really is pointless.
Sat in one briefly (on the ground) in Shanghai last year. Didn't feel particularly sturdy. They are basically giant drones with a seat or two and some wheels.
