First races with Pilot:innen 2024: Airspeeder unveils new MK-4 flying car in Adelaide

After the first races with remote-controlled flying cars were held as the "EXA Series" in 2022, the Airspeeder racing series recently unveiled the "MK4" - its first human-piloted flying car. As the "Formula 1 of the skies," as the series calls itself, races with up to 20 pilot:s in ten teams are scheduled to take place starting in 2024.

The MK4, Alauda Aernautics' fastest electrically powered vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL for short), is expected to reach its top speed of 360 km/h 30 seconds after a standing start. The flying car is powered by a total of eight electric motors, which together can call up an output of 400 kW.

The battery gets its power from a hydrogen-powered turbogenerator. This should enable the 950-kilogram vehicle to cover a range of around 300 kilometers. According to the technical specifications of the racing series, this should be enough for racing action lasting between five and 20 minutes. However, since the races are supposed to last longer, the battery is changed during a pit stop. This currently takes about one minute.

"We've built the cars, developed the sport, secured the race venues and secured sponsors and technical partners," said Matt Pearson, CEO of Alauda Aernautics and Airspeeder. Among the newly acquired partners is tech company Intel, which will provide strategic support, particularly in the areas of software, computer technology and artificial intelligence for the safety systems.

The Airspeeder Crewed MK4 | #MotorsportElevated pic.twitter.com/YihbwlgzF6

- Airspeeder (@AirspeederHQ) February 21, 2023

Airspeeder now open for teams & pilot:ins

With the unveiling of the MK4 at the Motorsport Show in Adelaide, the series has officially begun preparations for its inaugural season, which is scheduled to take place in 2024. Accordingly, pilot:ing and teams can now apply to Airspeeder. "Now is the time for the most progressive car brands, OEMs and racing teams to become part of a truly revolutionary project and a completely new motorsport," Pearson continued.

The races are to be held at heights of ten to 60 meters in the most diverse locations possible - over oceans, deserts, canyons and snowfields. Similar to Extreme E, there will be little to no opportunity to watch the events on site. Livestreams are to be made available via digital channels.