Flying Car Maker Terrafugia Closer to Takeoff (Pictures)

A company looking to market a flying car released a scale model and computer-generated mockups of its plans. Terrafugia, which plans to bring to market what it calls "roadable aircraft" says it is on track to deliver a real product sometime late next year.

The designs follow last year's successful test at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York.

The four year-old-company said improvements include:

• Automotive-style crash safety features including an energy absorbing crush structure in the nose of the vehicle and a rigid safety cage to protect the occupants.
• A customized, intuitive touch-screen interface in the cockpit.
• An improved wing with an optimized airfoil and a folding mechanism that operates smoothly & safely from inside the cockpit.
• A pusher propeller with an open empennage that makes efficient use of the 100 hp Rotax 912S mid-mounted engine in flight and is locked in place when driving.
• Rear-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission and tuned independent suspension for responsive road handling.

Earlier this year the Federal Aviation Administration granted Terrafugia a weight exemption that will allow the vehicle to weigh 110 pounds more than the normal maximum for light sport aircraft. Like the first run of electric cars from Tesla, this air-road hybrid is likely to be a novelty buy for very well-heeled buyers. Early estimates say the product may cost around $200,000.