Marty McFly wannabes around the world (including a few of us tech geeks here at E3 Spark Plugs) have begged for this one for years, and luxury automaker Lexus has finally delivered - sort of. Officials with the Japan-based company recently announced they've created the first real-world, rideable hoverboard and have the teaser video to prove it.
The 38-second teaser features a kid jettisoning his conventional skateboard for a mysterious, fog-oozing board floating inches above a concrete sidewalk, leaving us all aching to see the board and its rider take flight. No such luck - after all, it's called a "teaser" for a reason. What we do know is what's posted on the Lexus website.
"The Lexus Hoverboard uses magnetic levitation to achieve amazing frictionless movement. Liquid nitrogen cooled superconductors and permanent magnets combine to allow Lexus to create the impossible. Wrapped in a design that is uniquely Lexus, the Hoverboard features the iconic Lexus spindle grille signature shape, using materials found in the luxury car brand, from the high tech to the natural bamboo."
He levitating ride has been in development for the past 18 months and while Lexus is boasting of creating the "impossible," the brainiacs over at Science20.com are quick to point out a few factoids that only tech geeks of the highest degree would know. Their recent blog on the Lexus Hoverboard makes a few educated guesses at just how Lexus engineers pulled off the feat and suggests that to enjoy the ride, you'll likely have to turn your driveway into a magnetic field - and that ain't cheap.
But before you head out the door, credit card in hand, to buy up every rare-earth magnet you can find, know that your giddiness might be all for naught. That's because Lexus reportedly has no plans to bring the hoverboard to market. Perhaps a resounding wail from would-be buyers ultimately will change their minds. In the meantime, you may be in luck.
Los Gatos, CA-based Arx Pax also created what it claims is the world's first 'real' hoverboard, dubbed the Hendo, thanks to donors who contributed to a Kickstarter campaign. It was tested and approved by none other than pro skater Tony Hawk and the company says it aims to start shipping boards to backers as early as October.
If a viable hoverboard ultimately does make it to market, will you be in line to buy one? Post your thoughts on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page.
