Rolls-Royce unveils its own ‘flying taxi’ concept that can be ready to take to the skies in a few years

A concept image of the Rolls-Royce EVTOL craft mid-flight. Image: Rolls-RoyceThe race for the skies surges forward and one of those at the forefront might not be a company you expect. Rolls-Royce, the British automaker more known for its luxury cars, has been involved in the aviation space for as long as it’s been a car manufacturer. It has produced engines of some of the most famous aircraft ever built, including the Supermarine Spitfire fighter of World War II. Now, the company is bringing this expertise into the development of its own prototype electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle.

Often called the “flying taxi” concept, Rolls-Royce unveiled this vehicle at the Farnborough International Airshow. The EVTOL is being marked for use in everything from private ownership, public transport, logistics, to military use. It makes use of gas turbines to generate electricity for the six propulsors, which is designed specifically with a low-noise profile. By using turbines, it wouldn’t need to be recharged and it can fit into the existing infrastructure such as heliports and airports. This EVTOL can hold five people and travel at speeds of up to 400kph with a range of over 500km. When it reaches cruising height, its wings fold away to reduce drag and cabin noise. Two propellers will help it fly through the air. Rolls-Royce sees this model as being commercially viable by the middle of the next decade.

Source: Silicon Republic

Rolls-Royce Wraith gets a bespoke luxury yacht feel

It’s almost automatic to associate Rolls-Royce with the word bespoke. So, what new highly customized vehicle is coming out? A new nautical-inspired version of the Wraith made by a former Disney Imagineer. Eddie Sotto, the founder and chief designer of Sotto Studios/LA. Sotto, has conceptualized a new look for the Wraith that would cost around US$1 million. Sotto previously designed the US$83-million Skyacht One designer jet, which is a customized Embraer Lineage 1000E. That was inspired by the fictional antihero Captain Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus—so, we know he likes the theme.

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Rolls-Royce’s concept is as futuristic as it gets

Rolls-Royce’s new concept is truly a vision. The 103EX vision vehicle highlights how the luxury car manufacturer interprets the self-driving technology. The car itself is 20 feet long and stands five feet tall. It has a two-person silk covered couch and a see-through glass display in the dashboard area where your steering wheel usually is. It has a roof canopy, has bespoke features, and promises to be almost soundless as Rolls-Royce says: “The only sound is the hushed beat of your own heart.” And, of course, the car comes with artificial intelligence in the form of Eleanor. You can watch the concept video above or get a 360-degree look of the car in this link. Rolls-Royce says they could make the 103EX available in the 2040s.

 Source: Laughing Squid