It's only November, but that flashy loudmouth two doors down has bribed the county council again - brand new "01-D" Mercedes in the driveway.
But you don't mind at all. In fact you feel a mild pity for the poor sap. Because you know how utterly crushed he will be when he sees that you have abandoned mere horizontal travel.
Soon, you'll go to work on your SoloTrek. Maybe you'll spot his car in the traffic jam and hover above him for a few moments, smiling sympathetically, before zooming off.
The SoloTrek's engine - with four separate motors - runs on ordinary petrol, giving a top speed of 80 m.p.h. The manufacturers say its ducted fans, chosen over free propellers, produce a more efficient thrust.
The driver can stay up in the air, typically at about 100 feet, for around three hours, or travel 120 miles or more. The new vehicle is also jampacked with safety features, including early-warning systems for anything that might cause the engine to stop working.
The SoloTrek XFV, price "equivalent to that of a high-end sports car", is still in testing, but will be available from www.solotrek.com
Become a gizmo source: smaccarthaigh@irish-times.ie
