Flying cars have been the subject of many fantasies. From Hollywood to some far off garage in the middle of nowhere, car nuts and their likes have been trying to defy physics and follow the Jetsons lead in taking our trusted four wheeled metal pet to the skies. Many have tried and as many have failed for a variety of reasons; a lack of funding, flawed design, or a lack of knowledge are among some of the causes for failure.
Moller International, a company that has been trying to build and sell flying cars for 25 years now without any sucess, is behind the development of the infamous Skycar and its once again pursuing the flying-car dream and this time they have a secret weapon; a genuine investor with infinite pockets.
Its latest tease is adapting the body shell of a Ferrari 599 GTB for use as a flying vehicle. Called the Autovolanter, this 599 GTB that’s freed from the shackles of gravity is capable of vertical take-offs and landings thanks to a hybrid powertrain comprised of rotary engines and electric motors. The vehicle, proposed by a wealthy Russian businessman who’d apparently like to bypass Moscow’s busy traffic with style, has already gone through small-scale testing and Moller seems rather pleased with the results.
Initial goals for the Autovolanter are a 240km range on the ground, with 64 of those coming from battery power alone, and 120km of airborne flight at high speeds. So the Autovolanter is basically a flying Chevy Volt based on a Ferrari. To make it a reality, the vehicle would need 800 horsepower… no problem, right? Oh yeah, and Moller needs around $5 million for continued development. Word is they’re currently seeking more wealthy Russian businessmen who apparently have no sense.
Source: AutoBlog
