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Sports Car

While most car manufacturers are touting autonomous technology as the next major milestone in automotive technology, others believe we'll be able to avoid traffic jams when flying cars become mainstream. Most recently, Samson Motors unveiled the 200 mph Switchblade as the world's first flying sports car. But to make flying cars a reality would involve overcoming numerous legislation hurdles and pass regulations for both a car and an aircraft which is no easy feat, not to mention convincing the public that it's a safe mode of transport.

One company that believes it's closer to making flying cars a reality is Pal-V, which will reveal the world's first production flying car at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Liberty, Pal-V believes the reveal will mark an "historic breakthrough in the evolution of flying cars." On the road, the Pal-V can be driven as a three-wheel car with the rotor blades folded away, but can be transformed into a flying vehicle. You'll need to manually convert the car into flight mode which is said to take around five–ten minutes. Power for the Liberty during road use comes from a 100-hp Rotax airplane engine providing a range of up to 817 miles and a 100-mph top speed.

Another 200-hp Rotax airplane engine provides air speeds between 31 mph and 112 mph at 11,000 feet in the air and an air range of 310 miles while gyrocopter blades provide lift. You'll also need a gyrocopter license to operate it. "The production model is the moment of truth," said Pal-V CEO Robert Dingemanse. "The moment where the wall between fiction and facts is torn down. A production model is the last stage in the R&D process before starting full production and delivery. All certifications required for commercialization will be granted on the basis of this production model. It is the pivotal point that separates pioneers from dreamers."

It's been designed to comply with both road and air regulations in Europe and the US. Once full certification is granted, Pal-V is planning to sell the Liberty to customers in 2019. The Dutch company is already accepting $2,850 reservations for the flying Liberty car: an entry-level model will cost around $397,000, while a special launch edition will cost nearly $600,000.