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Based on the Lotus Elise, the Rinspeed sQuba concept, to be shown at the Geneva Auto Show soon, is an all-electric vehicle with three motors, one to drive the car on land and two to power a pair of screw-drives for underwater movement. These are aided by two Seabob jet-drives that “breathe” through rotating louvers mounted on the car’s fenders and appear to give the car its manoeuvrability underwater.

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The sQuba behaves like a normal Elise on land and rides on a stainless coil-over suspension wearing Pirelli tyres wrapped around custom forged lightweight AEZ wheels, 17-inch in front, 18-inch rear. Other unique features include a salt-water resistant interior, super high-friction diamond abrasive materials, and a laser sensor system for driverless motoring.

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But the car is a convertible, so the issue of breathing underwater is solved by an onboard breathing system that works like scuba gear. Apparently a closed cockpit would require ruining the car’s on-road balance, so occupants get wet anyway. As much as Rinspeed keep referring to James Bond, our British spy isn’t going to be happy getting his tuxedo wet.

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Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. The ’sQuba’ is a zero-emission car, as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions.

4 Comments » Post a comment

  1. by cb, on February 16 2008 @ 9:06 pm

    ah finally the solution to dubai’s traffic problems. when the waters are crowded they shud make one that flies thru air.

  2. by NS, on February 16 2008 @ 10:43 pm

    I’d rather wait 10 hours in traffic than wade underwater through the filthy Dubai creek!! :-P

  3. by Don, on February 17 2008 @ 4:42 pm

    evrythin sounds gud ………but sad that it comes with conventional roll down (manual) windows

  4. by Saad Bashar, on February 17 2008 @ 6:54 pm

    do you guys know that the rinspeed splash(car can go on water) costs 900,000 pounds!!!

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