The Flying Car: Terrafugia Transition And Pal-V Battle For Futuristic Market [Video]

The Terrafugia Transition recently completed a test flight and took another step closer to becoming a reality. But the Terrafugia Transition isn’t the only name in the flying car game. A vehicle called the Pal-V One made its maiden flight earlier this week.

The Terrafugia Transition needs a runway to take off which may make it hard for the company to find buyers. Terrafugia already has 100 people who have put down a $10,000 reservation fee for the futuristic car and they are hoping to bring in some more customers this week at the New York Auto Show. But the car isn’t for your average citizen. At an estimated $280,000, the uber-rich will be the only people driving around (flying around) in a new flying car.

Robert Mann, an airline industry analyst, said:

“This is not going to be an inexpensive aircraft to produce or market. It has some uniqueness, and will get some sales, but the question is, could it ever be a profitable enterprise?”

Here’s a video of the Terrafugia Transition.

Are you impressed with the Terrafugia Transition? Is this how you imagined a flying car to work? If the Terrafugia’s flying car isn’t what you imagined check out the Pal-V, which is more of a flying helicopter.

The Pal-V just completed its maiden voyage so it could be a few years until this hits the market. Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V said:

“We are very proud to announce this successful maiden flight of the PAL-V and we now invite investors to create the future with us. We know there is a lot of interest for the PAL-V. Prior to announcing these test flights, we were already approached on a daily basis by potential customers and dealers wanting to be part of this exciting project.”

The Pal-V One will cost about $326,000. It flies below 4,000 feet, travels at about 112 mph, and runs on gasoline. According to the company, the plane can take off anywhere as long as you are not using controlled airspace.

Here’s a video of the Pal-V One.

What’s your choice for the flying car? Do you like the Terrafugia Transition or the Pal-V?