Lexus Releases New Trailer Of ‘Slide’ Hoverboard

Lexus unveiled the first trailer of its new product, Slide, a real hoverboard — yes, the one you’ve been waiting for since Back to the Future.

Slide Hoverboard

We already knew that Lexus was working on this project, but many still believed it to be a hoax, until now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEA0R00qwpc

The board’s magic works with the same technology as Japan’s Shinkansen train: magnetic levitation, “to achieve amazing frictionless movement,” as Lexus’ website says. It includes superconductors, cooled by “liquid nitrogen,” combined to permanent magnets that stick it to the ground. Unfortunately, the hoverboard only works on steel surfaces. Also, liquid nitrogen will have to be refilled: it is cheap, but you’ll have to buy a tank that isn’t cheap at all.

“BORN AGAIN”

Lexus released another video in which professional skateboarder (and hoverboard tester) Ross McGouran describes riding it as being “born again.” It must be said that if skateboarders ever have the chance to get their feet on it, it will definitely revolutionize their sport and offer new riding perspectives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Oyx-vzZOg

But no one knows if the public will ever be able to ride Lexus’ hoverboard. Back in June, Lexus said Slide wouldn’t be sold, and is only for demonstration purposes. However, some reports claim it might be released in October, for Back to the Future’s anniversary. Regardless, Lexus is expected to unveil it on August 5.

Back To The Future

The hoverboard was indeed mainly popularized by the Back to the Future movies, thanks to Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who rides it through the streets of California. Many brands have tried to recreate the hoverboard since the 80s, but no one have made a real and functional hoverboard before Lexus. Some managed to come close, such as Hendo Hoverboard in California or the Hovertrax.

The first Back to the Future movie will celebrate its 30th birthday in October, with a special screening in Los Angeles. The event will take place on Oct. 21, since this is the day McFly and Dr. Brown choose in Back to the Future 2 for their journey through time.

Toyota announced in June that they’re working on a flying car, using the same technology as Lexus’ hoverboard does. “It’s very confidential information but we have been studying the flying car in our most advanced R&D area,” said to Bloomberg’s Hiroyoshi Yoshiki, managing officer of Toyota’s Technical Administration Group.