2008 Gibbs AQUADA

NEWS & REVIEWS Shiver me timbers. Here’s a car that’s a boat. Or is it the other way around? Starting in early 2009, just in time for the Michigan ice-fishing season, New Zealander Alan Gibbs will start offering his highly acclaimed Gibbs Aquada amphibian right here in the United States. It’s been around in Europe since 2003—in fact, back in ’04, daredevil Virgin airlines boss, Sir Richard Branson, “drove” an Aquada across the English Channel, setting a new amphibious-speed record. And unlike previous attempts to produce a car that doubles as a boat, the Aquada actually works. Punch a button, drive into the water, and in just 10 seconds this three-seat sports car morphs into a speedy speedboat. Like a Jet Ski, the 175-hp V-6 drives a water jet that punches the “car” along at a comfy 35 mph. On land, it’ll sprint from zero-to-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and go onto a top speed of around 100 mph. The only sinking feeling you’ll get is seeing the expected $85-grand sticker. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge