Aston Martin unveils flying Volante Vision Concept

Aston Martin is planning for an airborne future.

Aston Martin is one of the oldest manufacturers of luxury sports cars, but the firm could soon become the newest builder of personal aircraft if its latest concept comes to fruition.

On Wednesday Aston Martin introduced a radical new design study known as the Volante Vision Concept. Unlike Aston Martin's current offerings, which have four wheels and are earthbound, the Volante Vision Concept is a luxury aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

As whimsical as a personal aircraft is for the automaker, Aston Martin calls the Volante Vision Concept a "near future study.” However, Aston Martin stopped short of saying it had any concrete plans to put the aircraft into production.

Likewise, Aston Martin declined to divulge any of the Volante Vision Concept's details, but the company did reveal that the airship would theoretically be powered by a Rolls-Royce-sourced hybrid-electric powertrain. Cranfield University and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions also assisted with the aircraft's design.

"With the population in urban areas continuing to grow, congestion in towns and cities will become increasingly demanding,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer. "We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation, the Volante Vision Concept is the ultimate luxury mobility solution.”

The Volante Vision Concept features a unique cockpit with a 1+2 seating arrangement. Like any proper Aston, the concept's seats are upholstered in rich-looking leather.