Automakers are known for pushing boundaries, but their innovations haven’t always been limited to the road. Some of the biggest names in the industry took their expertise to the skies, crafting aircraft that blended speed, luxury, and technology. Get ready to discover ten impressive machines that prove car companies can soar just as high as they race.

HondaJet

The HondaJet took flight in 2015, flaunting its unique over-the-wing engine design for speed and fuel efficiency. Celebrities and CEOs love this sleek, whisper-quiet aircraft, including Michael Jordan, who reportedly owns one. With a top speed of 486 miles per hour, it outpaces its rivals while sipping fuel like a hybrid.

Piaggio P.180 Avanti

Sleek, fast, and futuristic—the Piaggio P.180 is a flying Ferrari. Built by Piaggio Aerospace in 1986, this twin-turboprop marvel broke the mold with its pusher-propeller design and luxury jet speed at half the fuel cost. It became a favorite among high-profile passengers, including Ferrari executives and Formula 1 drivers.

Ford Tri-Motor

Before Ford dominated the highways, it ruled the skies with the Ford Tri-Motor, a rugged, all-metal aircraft built between 1926 and 1933 in Detroit, Michigan. Nicknamed the “Tin Goose,” this revolutionized air travel, carrying passengers, mail, and cargo across America, and it was even used by Franklin D. Roosevelt for his presidential campaign.

Rolls-Royce P-51 Mustang

The P-51 Mustang was already a fast, deadly fighter—but when it got a Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine, it became unstoppable. It was originally built by North American Aviation in 1940, but when its engine swapped into the Rolls-Royce Merlin, it became a high-altitude predator, dominating WWII dogfights and escorting bombers.

Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero

The Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero was developed in the 1990s and built in Nagoya, Japan. Bigger, faster, and loaded with advanced tech, it has a carbon-fiber composite wing—the largest of any fighter. It was used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, patrolling the Pacific with advanced radar and deadly precision.

Hawker Harrier Jump Jet

Before Hawker Siddeley merged into Jaguar Cars’ aerospace division, it built one of the most revolutionary aircraft ever—the Harrier Jump Jet. Developed in 1969 in the UK, its ability to hover, dodge missiles, and launch from aircraft carriers made it a fighter pilot’s dream. Even Tom Cruise trained in one!

Subaru UH-2

Subaru has taken to the skies with the UH-2, a next-generation utility helicopter developed in collaboration with Bell. Designed to replace the outdated UH-1J fleet, it features a sleek four-bladed main rotor and a powerful twin-engine setup. Its versatility shines, with roles ranging from troop transport to disaster relief, making it a key player in modern aviation.

Ford Flivver

Henry Ford had a bold vision: to make planes as affordable and accessible as cars. Enter the Ford Flivver, a tiny, single-seat aircraft dubbed the “Model T of the sky.” With a wingspan of just 22 feet and weighing under 350 kg, the Flivver was a groundbreaking innovation, pushing the boundaries of aviation in its time.

Mitsubishi SpaceJet

In 2007, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation unveiled the SpaceJet, aiming to revolutionize regional air travel. Developed in Nagoya, Japan, the SpaceJet family included the M90 and the M100, designed to offer enhanced passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. The prototype’s maiden flight took place on November 11, 2015.

Bugatti 100P

In 1938, legendary car designer Ettore Bugatti built the Bugatti 100P in France, a futuristic, twin-engine race plane designed to shatter speed records, with 500 miles per hour. However, World War II halted the project, leaving it grounded until 2015, when enthusiasts built a replica to take flight. 

Mitsubishi MU-2

The Mitsubishi MU-2 was Japan’s bold leap into aviation. Developed in the 1960s and produced in Nagoya, Japan, it became one of the fastest aircraft in its class. Its speed and efficiency made it a cult classic—proof that Mitsubishi’s engineering genius wasn’t just for cars, but for the skies too.