Newsfrom Japan

Tokyo, Oct. 8 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo-based startup A.L.I. Technologies Inc. on Tuesday unveiled details of a "flying bike" it plans to exhibit at the Tokyo Motor Show kicking off later this month.

The hoverbike, named "Xturismo," is modeled to resemble a sports car. It is capable of levitating 2 meters above ground in three seconds and moving at high speeds.

The vehicle cannot run on Japanese public roads. It will be promoted to exhibit-goers as the mode of transport of the near future.

The roughly 2.8-meter-long vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine and levitates using propellers mounted under its body.

A.L.I. Technologies plans to sell the vehicle mainly to wealthy foreign individuals, with deliveries slated for 2020. Its price has yet to be announced, but is expected to be around that of a luxury sports car.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]