Terrafugia Transition Flying Car Draws Crowds at 2012 New York Auto Show
Terrafugia’s Transition, a road-legal aircraft with folding wings, was the centre of attention at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, promising a new approach to personal mobility.
Terrafugia’s Transition, a two-seat flying car with folding wings, became the star attraction at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, drawing attention from both the motoring and aviation worlds. The Massachusetts-based company presented the vehicle as the first practical step towards personal air-road mobility, with the Transition already available to order at a price of $300,000.
How the Transition Works
The Transition is designed to operate as both a light aircraft and a road-going car. Its wings fold up alongside the body, allowing it to fit in a standard garage and travel on public roads. On the ground, the Transition can reach speeds up to 65 mph and delivers around 35 mpg, using a 23-gallon tank of premium unleaded petrol. In the air, it cruises at up to 115 mph, burning approximately five gallons per hour. The vehicle is powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine, producing 112 hp, and its carbon fibre construction keeps the weight down to 970 lbs.
Licensing and Practical Use
Owners of the Transition must take off and land at airports and are required to hold at least a sport pilot licence, introduced by the FAA in 2004. This licence demands roughly half the training time of a traditional private pilot’s licence, making the Transition more accessible to enthusiasts. Terrafugia highlighted that users must still plan flights, monitor weather, and comply with air traffic control regulations, just as any pilot would.
On the road, the Transition is street legal, with the ability to drive home from the airport after landing. The company emphasised the convenience of storing the aircraft in a standard garage, eliminating the need for hangar space.
Engineering and Company Background
Terrafugia was founded in 2006 and employs around two dozen engineers and technicians. The company has also worked on military projects, including a flying Humvee concept for the US Marine Corps. The Transition’s development relied on advances in lightweight materials and small, efficient engines, making a practical flying car possible after decades of failed attempts by others.
- Transition must use airports for take-off and landing.
- Sport pilot licence required to operate in flight.
- Conventional car licence required for road use.
Public Reaction at the Show
The Transition’s presence at the New York show generated widespread interest, with visitors drawn by the prospect of a vehicle that could genuinely bridge the gap between car and aircraft. While the $300,000 price and regulatory requirements limit its immediate appeal to a niche market, Terrafugia’s display captured imaginations and revived the long-standing dream of flying cars. For those interested in more conventional debuts from the same show, see our coverage of theVolkswagen Golf Mk7 and GTI Make US Debut at New York Show.
