Uber will collaborate with Bell Helicopter to Develop Urban Electric VTOLs. Photo Courtesy: Bell Helicopter
Uber will collaborate with Bell Helicopter to Develop Urban Electric VTOLs. Photo Courtesy: Bell Helicopter

Dreams of flying



Flying cars have been the material of dreams for as long as anyone can remember. The taxi company Uber is trying to make those dreams into a reality with an announcement last week that it will launch prototype flying cars in time for the Expo 2020 in Dubai. While the technology enabling flying cars exists, the use of such cars by the public has a long way to go.

For one thing, there are an awful lot of regulatory issues that have to be worked out to accommodate flying cars. Just look at the issues regarding drone regulation. Having flying objects around some of the busiest airports in the world, such as Dubai International, poses a major safety risk, which authorities are only now working out. Flying cars would present a new set of challenges that will require significant debate.

For now, flying cars are confined to our dreams. Our children might one day enjoy these flying machines but there is a lot of legwork that must be done before we get there.

The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

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Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars