Flying car

March 19, 2:08 AMTampa Sports Car ExaminerMichael Berenis

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Cars can officially fly. We are living in the future, and flying cars are now here thanks to Terrafugia for creating the "Transition", a two passenger plane that folds it's wings in so you can drive it on roads. This "Flying car" has a total wingspan of 27'6" during flight and only 80" wide while being driven on land thanks to an electro-mechanical wing folding mechanism. Operated from the cabin, pilots can easily convert their Terrafugia Transition aircraft into a vehicle in 30 seconds.

Classified as light sport aircraft, a sport pilot's license is required to fly. A valid drivers license is required for use on ground. What makes this "flying car" different from previous attempts is that it's been designed with modern technology. The use of computer aided design, aviation modeling, and other computer engineering software played a key role in development. This design is also not retro fitting a manufactured vehicle to fly. Rather, it converts an aircraft into a street legal vehicle.

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Not available until 2011, when the time comes you'll need at least 2,500 feet of run way to take off in your Terrafugia Transition. Your take off will be powered by a Rotax 912S (technical specifications)horizontally opposed, dual spark engine capable of 100 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. This power is generated with only 86 cu. in. (1352cc), so gas mileage is amazing with 30 mph high way and 460 mile flight range. If the engine fails, this flying car comes equipped with a vehicle sized parachute to land you safely in emergency.

With a cruising speed of 115 mph, this flying car is already capturing sports car enthusiasts around the world. Similar to the Subaru EJ20 and EJ25 motors, modifications could be made to this engine to increase performance realistically to 200 or 300 hp on the ground by turbo charging the intake.  Already built with a carbon fiber drive shaft, this engine is ready for some serious power.

Meet the new face of sports cars that fly. Say hello to Terrafugia's "Transition"

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