Mansory Empower Flying Car Concept

Aircraft and automobiles have been practically joined at the hip since heavier-than-air flight began in 1903. Rolls-Royce built aircraft engines and autos until the two divisions were separated in the ’70s; aerodynamics jumped from wings to wheels in the ’20s and ’30s before finding a foothold in the ’60s. Even though aerodynamics have become as important to automotive design as suspension and powertrains, we’re still waiting on a practical flying car — and we’ll be waiting quite a bit longer. Mansory, known for its radical supercar makeovers, is promising to be there to customize those flying cars when they arrive, giving a glimpse of what it might be like with the Empower concept. The Empower adds exaggerated fender flares, winglets, and a vertical stabilizer to McLaren-esque mid-engine bodywork for an idea of what an airborne supercar might look like. When grounded, the wheels are deployed into the wheel wells, Back to the Future-style. Although it’s a look into the distant future, it’s pretty good-looking.