2008 Rinspeed sQuba

NEWS & REVIEWS Background: You ever feel like you could reach your destination quicker if you could just cut through the ocean, lake, river or whatever body of water is in your way? Ever have fantasies of fording a river in your Ford? Me neither. However, the niche market segment that feels the need to have their car float and even dive underwater is now filled. Is it practical? Of course not, but it sure is cool! Performance: The Rinspeed sQuba is based off the Lotus Elise but with heavy modifications to allow it to drive on land, glide on top of the water and swim underneath it. The key was making the car water tight and pressure resistant. They also took out the gasoline engine and replaced it with three electric motors; two that power the underwater propulsion unit and one that handles the wheels. This is mostly for environmental reasons and keeps any pollutants a normal car may spew out, out of the water. Exterior: The sQuba is based on the Louts Elise except with the absence of any kind of top, which was removed for safety reasons. The company felt that in case of an emergency it was best the occupants be able to escape out the open roof instead of waiting for pressure in the cabin to level before opening the door. Interior: Inside the cabin you will find water and salt resistant materials including buttons and knobs designed to keep working underwater. You will also find two masks that are hooked up to compressed air tanks; much like a scuba diver would use. Before going underwater the passengers simply slip on the masks and open the door to start the submersion process. Market Impact: The cost, people's interest and the vehicle coming from a group well known for only building one-off concepts means any kind of mass production is out of the question. I would be happy to pay for just one dive in this car but not much more; is an amusement park ride far from its future? The biggest problem with the design is that the car can swim forward, go up and down but there is no other maneuverability built in. I am guessing this would make the underwater experience a little boring after the first couple times and could cause some owners to get their vehicle stuck. I wouldn’t be surprised to read about a one of these having to get pulled out of the water instead of driving out. by Benjamin Greene PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge