Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)

Image
People used to say that cars in the '50s and '60s had fins, giant wing-like protuberances that designers grafted on to capitalize on the fledgling concepts of aerodynamics. Your fist impression of the Terrafugia Transition is much the same as standing next to a 1959 Coupe de Ville -- it's huge, and the giant vertical stabilizers on the back have a distinctly Cadillac feel. This, however, is different. Sure, it too is made in the US, but it's crafted of carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum, costs $279,000 and seats only two. Oh, and did we mention it can fly? It's making its major auto show debut this week and we got a chance to check it out. Follow us after the break for some grounded impressions.

Continue reading Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)

Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)

Image
People used to say that cars in the '50s and '60s had fins, giant wing-like protuberances that designers grafted on to capitalize on the fledgling concepts of aerodynamics. Your fist impression of the Terrafugia Transition is much the same as standing next to a 1959 Coupe de Ville -- it's huge, and the giant vertical stabilizers on the back have a distinctly Cadillac feel. This, however, is different. Sure, it too is made in the US, but it's crafted of carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum, costs $279,000 and seats only two. Oh, and did we mention it can fly? It's making its major auto show debut this week and we got a chance to check it out. Follow us after the break for some grounded impressions.

Continue reading Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)

Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday

Image
Terrafugia's Transition could finally be making its way to the production line. The "flying car" has journeyed far beyond the concept phase, achieving its compulsory nod from the DOT last summer, and now reaching production prototype status. On March 23rd, the latest Transition flew past one more hurdle, completing its first airborne trial. The hybrid vehicle rolled down the runway at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York before ascending to 1400 feet -- the entire flight lasted a mere eight minutes, and marks the first of six planned phases of flight testing during the aircraft's voyage past experimental stage. There's still no word on when the Light Sport Aircraft will be making its way to soon-to-be Transition owners, but those hankering for a preview can catch a glimpse of the craft at the New York Auto Show from April 6th through the 15th. You can also taxi past the break for a tail-level view of the test plane's trek to takeoff.

Continue reading Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday

Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CNET  |  sourceTerrafugia  | Email this | Comments