The attendee at this year’s New York International Auto Show will have a real treat. Not only they get to enjoy the variety of new releases and concept models from the traditional auto brands, but there is something that they thought was only possible in Sci-Fi movies or in imagination – a flying car!
Terrafugia, a Woburn, Mass.-based company, is known for making the “flying car” Transition® Roadable Aircraft. The two-seater has four wheels and foldable wings, allowing for a drive on the road as well as a fly in the sky.
The company, whose name is derived from “escape the earth” in Latin, was founded in 2006 by MIT-trained aeronautical engineers and MBA’s, attracting interests from the aviation community. But with the hope of reaching outside of the aviation world, the group has decided to come to New York for the auto show.
“Everyone has a dream of a flying car,” said Cliff Allen, vice president of sales for Terrafugia.
“People in Times Square didn’t know one actually existed. This is the first time they were seeing one,” Allen added.
During the press preview portion of the New York International Auto Show, Terrafugia will present the latest generation Transition® production prototype as well as details of the company’s future plans. The highly acclaimed show will be held April 6-15 at Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Anna Mracek Dietric, COO of Terrafugia, explained that the NY event will be the venue to 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.”
Show Director Alan Liebensohn said he is “thrilled” to have the flying car at this year.
“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,” said Liebensohn.
The prototype of the flying car has recently completed its first official flight on March 23, flying across 1,400 feet for 8 minutes. Transition® is said to travel at the maximum speed of 90 mph on the ground and 115 mph in the air. It is possible to fly up to 490 miles.
Around 100 people have already put $10,000 deposit for a Transition® before it is available in the market. According to reports, the product is to cost around $279,000. Those who wish to purchase one must have a valid pilot license by taking a 20-hours-flight test. The company is shooting for the first delivery date to be within the next year.
Take a look at the photos of the "Flying Car" here
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