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A UFO-like flying car, which will set back customers $288,000, has been pictured for the first time as the landmark technology moves closer to take-off.
Created by California-based automotive and aviation company Alef Aeronautics, the Model A vehicle premiered at the Detroit Auto Show this week.
After finally receiving legal approval in June to fly from the US government, tech fans have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see the new car in action.
The car wowed industry experts as it made an appearance at the highly influential auto show in Michigan.
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According to Alef Aeronautics, Model A would not only boast capabilities to drive on roads but also take off in a bid to avoid traffic jams.
The electric vehicle was awarded a limited FAA Special Airworthiness Certification, meaning testing on its flight capabilities and production were allowed to take place.
Jim Dukhovny, Alef founder and CEO, said that while the version seen in Michigan was “not the final consumer version… it is pretty close”.
He told the Robb Report website that the company was aiming to begin production on the first car by “the end of 2025”.
The company says the car is 100 percent electric and is drivable on public roads.
It also has the capacity to vertically take off and land.
Alef notes that it can also fly above some obstacles “until a desired destination is reached”.
Within the car, one or two passengers could be driven or flown and the cabin is stabilized by a bespoke gimbaled rotating cabin blueprint.
At around 17 feet long, the vehicle is said to be able to drive around 200 miles – or fly 110 miles.
It is also designed to fit into any parking space or garage.
Dukhovny added after the FAA certification: “We’re excited to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week.
“This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.”
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