A peek into the future of transport with the latest high-tech concept vehicles

The future is right here, right now. Low on emissions and high on style, feast your eyes on these incredible vehicles.

See also: Rolls-Royce Defines the Future of Luxury with Self-Driving Car

From autonomous sports cars to bionic scooters, here's our round-up of the latest concept vehicles that are lifting the lid on the future of transport:


PAL -V One

PAL-V-One.jpg
Photo: Courtesy of PAL-V

This two-seater has the comfort of a car, the agility of a motorcycle and the ability to fly. The PAL-V One has a top-speed of 180km/h on both the ground and in the air, and can take off and land pretty much anywhere. 

Its 230bhp engine powers the heli-bike to 100km/h in under eight seconds. The vehicle can switch between flight and drive mode in 10 minutes.

The first PAL-V Ones are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2018.


Pininfarina H2 Speed


Video: Pininfarina

Halfway between a competition prototype and a production supercar, this concept from automotive couture house Pininfarina is the world’s first high-performance track machine based on revolutionary hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The H2 is driven by two electric motors that push 500bhp through the rear wheels, firing it to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.

Pininfarina spent two years developing the powertrain and it sounds the part. Unlike conventional electric cars, it uses compressor technology to create an almost silent drive with futuristic-sounding whistles. Environmental responsibility has never looked racier.


Quadrofoil Q2S

Video: Quadrofoil

The Quadrofoil is the future of speed boating—the first all-electric and zero-emissions personal hydrofoil watercraft. Using four c-shaped hydrofoils to lift the boat out of the water and limit drag, it has a top speed of 40km/h.

It is silent and hardly causes a ripple, so the environment isn’t disturbed in any way. Handling is sports-car precise and the wheel, which has an integrated display and touchscreen controls, acts as the key.

Detach the steering wheel and the Quadrofoil is immobilised. With a 100km range, this is as efficient on the wallet as motor boating gets.


Renault TrezorRenault-Trezor.jpg

Photo: Courtesy of Renault

The scene stealer at the 2016 Paris Motor Show was a concept from Renault. This two-seater electric sports coupé explores the diamond marque’s styling and technical direction, giving clues to features headed for production—sensual lines and a bold front end, headlined by the c-shaped signature lighting.

This automotive eye candy is clever, too. Powered by 350 electric horses honed by Renault’s Formula E racing activities, it’s fully autonomous, meaning you can concentrate on soaking up the devil-red scenery. It’s a fascinating insight into next-gen thinking.


GI Fly BikeGi-Fly-Bike.jpg

Photo: Courtesy of Bignay Inc.

The Gi Fly Bike folds in one second in a single movement. It boasts a three-speed, 250-watt electric motor that gives up to 60km of pedal-less riding, meaning you needn’t shy away from hills, and solid tyres that won’t puncture.

It also features a USB port so you can charge your mobile devices and a centrally located holster so you can Google Map your destination. And once you get there, you can wheel your bike along like rolling luggage.

The 17kg Gi Fly takes all the strain out of cycling and reduces traffic congestion and air pollution in the process. Going for US$4,000 each, the Gi Fly starts shipping in June 2017.


Joey Ruiter Snoped

Joey-Ruiter-Snoped.jpgPhoto: Courtesy of JRuiter

Detroit-based designer Joey Ruiter has sent shockwaves through the winter sports world with this stunning snowmobile prototype—a monolithic black aluminium body that looks a bit like a giant PlayStation 2 with exposed screws, vertical head and tail lights that are pure bad-guy sci-fi, and a seating position like a cafe racer.

The lightweight chassis, 90cc motor and Chrysler Sno-Runner track mean this is no mere concept. Not only can it traverse mountains, it’s so cool it’ll create glaciers in its tracks.


Scrooser Scooter

Video: Scrooser

Perhaps the world’s most intelligent “manual” scooter, the Scrooser still requires the rider to push off down the road but takes your muscle power and doubles it. Using what it calls “impulse drive,” the Scrooser augments human effort with an electric motor, allowing speeds of up to 25km/h.

What makes this motor so special is that it analyses the force of your movements and adjusts the acceleration in line with your riding style, making this ride almost bionic.

Those super-wide wheels mean you can carve around corners flat-out, and it stays upright even when you step off. The silent engine, sleek minimalist design and easy manoeuvrability make it ideal for stealthy and stylish urban riding. Priced at US$4,264, the Scrooser is now available for pre-orders. 


Read the full article in the April 2017 issue of Hong Kong Tatler.

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