Future flying cars will surprise you

‘ALTO’ is a hydrogen-powered VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicle) whose hanging shape draws its inspiration from hot air balloons and plant terrariums. This project was born from the work of a young designer selected among six finalists for the ‘Lexus 2040: Soul of Future Premium’ award. Presented by Lexus in collaboration with the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, the project challenged postgraduate students to explore new architectures at the university’s Intelligent Mobility Design Center (IMDC) to outline a vehicle prepared to respond to changes in urban life and future European society, and to reinvent the role that Lexus can play as a luxury mobility brand. For this reason, Richard Newman, the winner, decided to look towards a future in which technology will be so commonplace that it will no longer be considered a luxury; instead, what people will value will be the premium experiences with which to “celebrate each day”. And he describes the vehicle as a “jewel in the sky—like a cloud pendant” with an exterior that can be customized. In addition, the functionality of the vehicle will allow it to be attached to the sides of buildings. “He wanted to create something that was groundbreaking, that would draw attention but also make people smile,” says Richard, who hails from Coventry, UK. “It has been an organic design process, with changes that were obvious and that I have been able to introduce as the program progressed thanks to the contributions of the Lexus designers.”