Terrafugia is an aerospace company based in Woburn, Massachusetts who has been eagerly trying to develop a flying car with real-world functionality. This is what they’ve come up with after years of research and testing, the Transition Roadable Aircraft. The name’s a mouthful, and it doesn’t look very car-like, but it seems to work.
The TRA will make it first public appearance at this year’s New York Auto Show
At the show fans and visitors can get up close and personal with this weird vehicle and even see the foldable wings in action. Terrafugia staff and expert will also be at hand to explain the details of their flying car.
And yes, it’s street-legal. Terrafugia is actually taking orders for this car with $10,000 deposit. The final anticipated base price is $279,000. Mind you, you need a pilot license to drive this thing.
Some of its convenience features include Rear wheel drive on the ground, Automotive-style entry and exit, Two place, side by side, Automated electromechanical folding wing, No trailer or hangar needed, and Cargo area holds golf clubs. As for safety, which is a big concern in a car like this, it gets Full vehicle parachute available, Modern glass avionics and Automotive crash safety features.
Show Director Alan Liebensohn is “…thrilled to have Terrafugia at the Show this year. ” He adds, “The Transition® is a truly unique vehicle that represents an enormous step forward in how we view personal transportation and individual freedom. We know it will be a huge crowd pleaser.”
Anna Mracek Dietrich, COO of Terrafugia, explains, “We selected the New York International Auto Show to continue the roll-out of the Transition® because of the value this show brings in terms of exposure to future owners, investors, and partners. The NYIAS is a venue from which we can show the first practical street-legal airplane to the world while meeting the people who will be part of its commercial success in the years to come. New York is the perfect place to accomplish all of this.”
Source NYIAS Press Office