Live Out Your Sci-Fi Dreams With The SkyRunner Flying Car

A new all-terrain vehicle which can also fly will go on sale in America this week. The SkyRunner buggy will cost $119,000 (£75,000) and deliveries are expected to begin in 2014.

To achieve flight, the SkyRunner uses a powered parachute, which takes just 3 minutes to prepare. The makers believe that parachutes are far safer than fixed-wing aircraft, and with just 2 extra controls for pitch and roll, anyone over the age of 17 can obtain a license after just 12 hours of lessons.

Power comes from a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, boasting 123bhp and 148lb ft. Not astronomical figures, but the SkyRunner weighs in at just 420kg, so dispatches a 0-60mph sprint in 4.3 seconds. In the air, you'll bounce off the limiter at 55mph, while on the ground you can hit 115mph. The frugal engine averages 53mpg, which equates to approximately 500 miles on road and 200 nautical miles in the air.

Imagine driving to the south of England, then flying over to France for lunch before returning in time for tea. Well that would be feasible - if it was sold in the UK. Despite being designed by UK-based Parajet Automotive, it is unclear whether it'll actually be sold here.

If you live in America, though, you should snap one up. Hoon through forests, climb mountains then jump off the side and float high above the land. Sounds like the most accessible, exciting way to enjoy flight.