Take William Stein, a University of Washington math professor who grew up skating vertical half-pipes in the 1980s.

WSJ: I Say, That's One Gnarly Grind You Just Executed

First, the ducted fan design allows the car to achieve the speed and maneuverability of a helicopter -- 155 mph, 12, 000-foot altitude, two hours of flight time, vertical take off and landing -- but removes the dangers of exposed rotors, allowing the "car" to sidle up to buildings for rescue missions, or coexist in close quarters with other vehicles.

ENGADGET: Urban Aeronautics plans X-Hawk flying car for 2010