![]() However, as a long-term solution, transportation scientists are also investigating the once-seemingly futuristic notion of flying car technology-a convergent form of ground/air vehicle transportation, and assessing associated regulations. Current pathways to overcoming these issues include the gradual transition toward a number of emerging transportation technologies, such as, autonomous motor vehicles for human transport, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) and “drone” technologies for surveillance, and package deliveries. Instead of following the traditional infrastructure expansion policy, current transportation research focuses on developing innovative and novel solutions to the aforementioned issues. In recent years, our surface transportation infrastructure is suffering from overuse, extreme traffic congestion, and roadway disrepair. 4Transport Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.3Motion Simulation Laboratory, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.2Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.1Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.Hulme 2,3, Grigorios Fountas 4, Ugur Eker 5, Irina V. Post them on our Facebook fan page.Sheikh Shahriar Ahmed 1,2, Kevin F. So what do you think? Would you sign up for the VW hover car? What’s your idea for future transport? E3 Spark Plugs wants to hear your thoughts. “We are no longer just building cars for, but also with customers and at the same time initiating a national dialog which gives us a deep insight into the design preferences, needs and requirements of Chinese customers,” said Volkswagen Director of Marketing Luca de Meo. The concept was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show along with a few other finalists – notably a “Music Car” that changes colors with the driver’s musical choices, and the “Smart Key,” a smartphone that can start your car’s engine. The initiative debuted in China last year and thus far, has prompted upwards of 33 million website visitors to submit 119,000 ideas. Volkswagen’s hover car concept is the brainstorm of an apparently as-yet-unnamed girl (we figure she hasn’t been publicly identified because she’s a minor, or shy, or because Volkswagen is protecting its intellectual property or because we just can’t read Chinese) who responded to a crowd-sourcing call for ideas. Rear-mounted thrusters would propel the car forward. Real-life implantation would require electromagnetic mineral strips embedded in the roads below it, creating the hovering effect. So how does it work? The idea is based on electromagnetic suspension. Dashboard information, including speed, mileage and engine cues are displayed hologram-style. It’s operated by a center-mounted joystick. ![]() The concept is vividly illustrated in a recently released video featuring a simulated cruise through Beijing in a wheel-shaped, two-seater pod floating several feet above the road’s surface. ![]() In a Marty-McFly-Goes-to-China moment, Volkswagen and China’s “The People’s Project” have debuted what might bring us closer than ever to that flying DeLorean we’ve all secretly pined for since the first installment of Back to the Future – that is, if it ever sees reality. Volkswagen's hover car would work via electromagnetic suspension.
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