There is currently a surprising number of company’s competing to present the first flying vehicle, but after their showcase of the AeroMobil Flying Car 4.0 at the Monaco’s recent 2017 Top Marques, it seems like the Slovakian car company, AeroMobil s.r.o., is the closest to the coveted title.
image credit: motor1
Although AeroMobil s.r.o. was only founded in 2010, the company’s head designer, Štefan Klein, has been working on creating the flying car since the 90s. He managed to develop a number of prototypes before the company’s first official concept, the AeroMobil 2.5 even debuted, hence the 2.5 decimal. The model that was showcased in Monaco this past week is titled the 4.0 and the company stands firmly behind their statement that it is production-ready. They are currently said to be in the specification assembling stage and are already accepting pre-orders.
Engine and Powertrain
The 2017 AeroMobil Flying Car 4.0, in its essence is actually a small aircraft with retractable wings and a propeller placed in the back. The powertrain propelling the aircraft/vehicle is a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine that is capable of delivering up to 300 horsepower. What sets this 2.0 liter engine apart from the run of the mill aircraft engine is its ultra-light weight, better efficiency as well as its durability. We should note that this is the engine used for the flying mode, while on the road, the electric motor at the front axle comes into play. It runs thanks to the electricity that is generated by the aforementioned engine.
The AeroMobil holds a 24-gallon fuel tank, which is said to provide enough gas for over 435 miles of on-road range. But, when up in the air, the mileage increases to about 466 miles. While on the road, the speed is set at 100 mph, while in flying-mode the AeroMobil manages to travel at a speed of 222 mph.
image credit: motorauthority
Interior
Transforming from flight mode back to a plain old road car takes approximately 3 minutes. Inside, the AeroMobil Flying Car 4.0 is said to be able to accommodate a usable load of about 530 pounds, this is when taking into account the two occupants it has room for. Safety measures that were implemented after one of the company’s prototypes crashed back in 2015 include a parachute that the pilot can deploy to bring the airborne AeroMobil safely back to land, and there is also a monocoque structure for the cabin.
image credit: aeromobil.com
AeroMobil Flying Car 4.0 Release Date and Price
The AeroMobil Flying Car 4.0 will be produced in only 500 models, as a part of the company’s first edition limited run. The 25 of the quickest purchasers will be receving a special “Founders Edition” model that will come with special gear and extra features. The pricing will depend on the number of orders. So, depending on how well the Flying Car does, you will be able to purchase one anywhere from $1.3 million to $1.63 million. But, keep in mind that even if you have enough dough to splash out on the AeroMobil, you will have to wait until 2024 when the delivery officially begins.
