Aston Martin Volante Vision Concept – a FLYING autonomous Aston

Aston Martin has teamed up with Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University to build the Aston Martin Volante Vision Concept, a hybrid, flying autonomous vehicle.

There have been endless proclamations over the years that we’ll all be following the lead of The Jetsons and getting around in flying cars very soon, but despite efforts by some ‘pioneering’ companies we’re really no closer to that imagined future transport world.

But Aston Martin are now throwing their hat in to a Jetsons future with the Aston Martin Volante Vision Concept, a collaboration with Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, previewing a ‘near future’ hybrid, autonomous flying car.

Because this is a ‘near future’ concept, Aston’s ambition hasn’t been hindered too much by reality, so the Volante Vision comes with a gas turbine hybrid engine from Rolls-Royce, vertical take off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, enough battery for pure electric flights and a Jetsons canopy over the three occupants.

The drawback for the concept of flying cars has always been the ability of owners to actually pilot the car in the sky, but it’s clear that will become much less of an issue with the advance in autonomous driving (and flying) technology, as well as new propulsion solutions. 

Aston Martin Creative boss, Marek Reichman, said:

We are at the beginning of a new generation of urban transportation, vertical mobility is no longer a fantasy. We have a unique chance to create a luxury concept aircraft that will represent the ultimate fusion of art and technology.

We have used forms and proportions that express the same devotion to design, engineering and beauty that shape our cars.

Will we all be enjoying a Jetsons lifestyle in a decade? For the first time it wouldn’t be too far fetched to think it a possibility.