Aston Martin has just unveiled its vision of a luxurious flying car, unveiled as the Volante Vision Concept.
While it remains to be seen if flying cars have a serious future in the future of transportation, startups and established automakers are looking to get their foot in the door in case they do take off (pun intended).
The Aston Martin Volante Vision Concept has been created with partners Cranfield University, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, and Rolls-Royce. The vehicle is very much a design concept but Aston Martin is allegedly thinking about creating a functioning prototype to send into the skies within the next two years.
Many details about the Volante Vision Concept remain under wraps. What we do know is that it will use Rolls-Royce powertrain technology but specifics haven’t been disclosed.
Like any Aston, the concept’s design is crucially important. It comes from the mind of Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman, the man also responsible for designing the DB11, Valkyrie, new Vantage, and DBS Superleggera.
Consequently, the Volante Vision Concept has a much more appealing and sleek design than other private flying vehicles and consists of two propellers up front and a large central propeller to allow for vertical take off.
Speaking about the concept, Aston Martin president and chief executive Andy Palmer said flying vehicles will play an important role in reducing congestion.
“With the population in urban areas continuing to grow, congestion in towns and cities will become increasingly demanding. We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation, the Volante Vision Concept is the ultimate luxury mobility solution.
“Humans have always spent on average, one hour commuting to and from work. The distance we live from our workplace has been determined by the methods of transportation available.
“The Volante Vision Concept will enable us to travel further with our hourly commute, meaning we are able to live further away from where we work. Cities will grow, and towns that are today too far away from cities to be commutable will become suburban,” Palmer said.