Luxury car maker Lexus has unveiled its new hoverboard that uses magnetic levitation technology to hover above the floor and even move over water, as part of the latest project in its Amazing in Motion campaign.
In a film that is available on Youtube, Lexus shows the Lexus Hoverboard in action at a specially built hoverpark near Barcelona.
It took 18 months of design and technology planning and weeks of testing at the hoverpark.
The board was put through the paces by international pro-skateboard star Ross McGouran. He said: Ive spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like Ive had to learn a whole new skill, particularly int he stance and balance you need to ride the hoverboard.
The hoverboard has two cryostats - reservoirs that contain superconducting material, kept at -197 degrees celsius through immersion in liquid nitrogen. It is then placed above a track fitted with permanent magnets to achieve magnetic levitation.
The hoverpark uses 200 metres of magnetic track beneath the surface of an area similar to a conventional skate park, Lexus added.
Lexus worked with a team of scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH who specialise in magnetic levitation technology.
Dr Oliver de Haas, CEO of evico said: The magnetic field from the track is effectively frozen into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track - essentially keeping the board in a hover. The force is strong enough that the rider can stand and even jump on the board.
Lexus International vice-president Mark Templin said: We set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible, collaborating with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion.
The Lexus Hoverboard film Slide features the new board together with its new GS F saloon, the forthcoming addition to the companys F-designated range of models. The film was helmed by Henry-Alex Rubin.
The company says that the hoverboard remains a prototype and will not be offered for sale.
In Youtube comments, there was disbelief that the video was genuine. Its clearly fake because hover boards dont work over water. Duh, says one person.
Another person commented: Maybe its real, but this vid is so fake.
