Next year, Klein Vision will begin selling its two-seat flying car, which boasts a higher speed in flight than when driving
Referencing the iconic “Back to the Future” quote about needing roads, Klein Vision’s AirCar, slated for production next year, will offer both driving and flying capabilities, priced around that of a high-end Lamborghini Revuelto.
After five years of development and successful test flights of their prototype, the Slovakia-based company has unveiled renderings of the production model. According to a co-founder, speaking with Top Gear, the AirCar will be available for approximately $800,000.
Compared to the initial prototype, the production AirCar features a longer windshield, suggesting a reduced front overhang. The headlight design has been updated with sawtooth vents, and the lights have been repositioned to the front. However, the overall shape, large rear wing, and central propeller design remain largely consistent, still evoking a blend of 1980s Group C race cars and the WWII-era Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft.
A significant change is the engine. While the prototype used a 1.6-liter BMW engine, the production model will be powered by a unit from a South African supplier, producing 276 hp (though Top Gear suggests optional versions with 316 hp and 335 hp). The lightweight AirCar, weighing 1,764 lbs (800 kg), has a top road speed of 124 mph (200 km/h) and can reach 155 mph (250 km/h) in flight.
Transitioning the 19-foot (5.8 m) long coupe into a 27-foot (8.2 m) wingspan aircraft takes about two minutes for the wings to unfold. The absence of a pressurized cabin limits the flying altitude to 10,000 feet (3,050 m), similar to a Cessna Skyhawk in realistic peak altitude, but unlike the Cessna, the AirCar can be driven home after landing.
While seemingly a niche product, Klein Vision anticipates the air mobility industry to reach a $162 billion valuation by 2034. They envision the AirCar appealing not only to wealthy enthusiasts but also to taxi services, albeit likely at a premium fare, positioning it as a high-end transportation option for the foreseeable future.
