20091215 The Terrafunia Transition (2)

The Terrafunia Transition

One look at the Transition tells you that, at heart, it really is an airplane. In fact, Terrafugia doesn't call the Transition a "flying car" at all. Instead, the company uses the term "roadable aircraft." Like other airplanes, the Transition has wings, a tail and a propeller. It is powered by an aircraft engine and has an optional parachute. More importantly, you need a pilot's license to fly it. Still, the Transition is also very much a car. Like other cars, it has a steering wheel, four wheels and crash protection.

It runs on normal premium auto gasoline, and you can't drive it unless you have a driver's license. With an expected price of $194,000 and seating limited to two, the Transition won't replace airlines or family cars any time soon. But it does provide a whole new range of travel choices. Transition drivers will no longer be confined to land. Moreover, if bad weather prevents a flight, Transition pilots can always just drive home.



parachute n. 降落傘/翅膜
eg: Don't forget to open your parachute when you jump out of a plane.

steering wheel n. 方向盤/駕駛盤
eg: The video game lets you use the steering wheel to control where you are going.

pre- 之前的
premium adj. 高級的/優質的
=> higher quality
premium gasoline 高級汽油
eg: My aunt gave me a premium membership to the health spa!
eg: This premium beef costs twice the price of regular beef.
eg: The house is located on a premium site.

confine v. 限制/使局限
confine to
eg: We usually confine the kids to the backyard because we don't want them to play in the street.
eg: Please confine your remarks to our private discussion.
eg: He was confined to bed for months due to his injuries.

option n. 選擇
optional adj. 可選擇的
eg: When buying a new car, adding on a GPS system is optional.
eg: Math class is compulsory(必修的) for all students, but French and art are optional(選修的).

at heart
=> at its core
=> at its center

//== Chat Room ==//

roadable adj. 可以行駛在路上的
roadable aircraft 可行駛道路飛行器
=> a vehicle able to move on a road

-able
=> 一般都是用在動詞

washable 可洗的
microwaveable 可微波的
recyclable 可回收的

rechargeable adj. 可充電的
searchable adj. 透過搜查能找到的/可被搜查的
acceptable adj. 可以接受的
enjoyable adj. 快樂的/有樂趣的


//== Grammar on the Go ==//

Still, the Transition is also very much a car.

very much a ...
very much a + noun
=> talk about how something show a great degree or a amount of certain quality

eg: Paul is very much a natural leader and enjoys coordinating team projects.
eg: Although my friends think this sculpture is ugly, I think it's very much a masterpiece.