A 15ft-long, six-wheeled behemoth that on first glance looks like a cross between the Batmobile and a (very) stretched limousine, billed as the 'Superbus' was unveiled in Dubai on Sunday.

The superbus represents a new concept for safe, flexible and sustainable mobility is designed using aerospace technology in combination with Formula 1 technology to create a lightweight structure with a low drag shape that is stable and controllable at high speed.

The prototype is electrically powered with a 1000-1200kg rechargeable battery pack, according to the design team from TU Delft University, including former Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels.

The strength of the concept is that the Superbus can drive everywhere where a normal bus can drive, Mr Ockels told The Daily Mail.

The bus is built at an estimated cost of $18 million, the Superbus measures 4.5m, has six wheels, 12 doors, and seats 23 passengers. Inside each passenger will have a personal air bag, television and internet access.

The first Superbus prototype was presented in Dubai at the World Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) hosted by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

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