Rinspeed will at the Geneva Motor Show (March 6th thru 16th, 2008), showcase their sQuba Concept Car. The makers claim that it is the world's first real car with the capabilities to not only drive on land but also dive underwater with the use of two propellers in the stern and two powerful jet drives in the bow which propel the vehicle which has a steel chassis, while its lightweight body panels are made of carbon nanotubes. An electric motor provides rear-wheel drive while on roads. Underwater, two propellers in the stern and two jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle. With zero emissions, the design is even environmentally friendly, eliminating any pollution into the sea.The two-seater also includes a self-contained on-board oxygen system to supply the driver and passenger with fresh air for breathing. Rinspeed CEO Frank Rinderknecht admits
that part of the inspiration for the underwater car comes from the 1977 James Bond hit "The Spy Who Loved Me." The sQuba concept symbolizes the realization of this fantasy that once sparked his imagination. And exactly thirty years later this amazing - yet at the time animated - film sequence materializes and becomes reality, in today's world..
So while you won’t be taking a Sunday drive down to the Titanic, I imagine the experience of diving underwater in a car will be unique enough for most drivers. Of course to achieve this feat the car had to be custom built using a host of materials that will keep it off a production line for many years to come.
Sources: One and Two
