A zero-emission vehicle, the sQuba has the capability to drive on land, on water and up to 10m under water. Thanks to its Lotus chassis, the sQuba moves like a cat on land, and with Swiss firm Esoro's help, it moves like a fish underwater. The first step in the process was removing the car's dependance on air - so the petrol motor was out, and electric motors were in. Next the car had to be sealed air tight - electricity and water don't mix, after all - although the open top means the passenger compartment is flooded when under water. Power comes from lithium-ion batteries - and the zero-emission status of the car is reinforced by another Bond gadget: a rotating license plate in the rear.
While underwater, the car is powered by SeaBob jet drives that reside in directional nozzles on the sides of the vehicle. Three motors provide propulsion, one on land and the other two in the water. Occupants breathe from an integrated compressed air tank similar to those used by scuba divers. The open top of the vehicles isn't just for sun-and-surf cruising: if things get ugly underwater, the open top makes for easy exit - and when you're being chased by evil super-villains, things have a tendency to get ugly.
The sQuba will be on show at Geneva next month, but until then we have an extensive gallery of photos and a video to fuel your imagination.
Reader Comments
Thu Feb 14 2008 4:48 PM
kukslv says
Awesome car, but du they have crashtest under the water?
Thu Feb 14 2008 4:59 PM
Roy says
Despite the video (or perhaps because of it) I must express skepticism. I do not understand how the car controls its attitude or depth underwater. I thought it was going to be via the jets on the side of the car, but they do not appear to move. Also, there were enough bubbles to suggest ballast tanks. Finally, what is the range of this vehicle on land vs underwater? It appears that the 10m means a depth of 10 meters, not a range of 10 miles.
It still appears to be movie magic to me. If it is real, it's really quite cool, although of extremely limited utility - I can think of exactly one instance in which a submersible vessel with such a limited range would be useful - let's hope they open a dealership in Hawaii!
Thu Feb 14 2008 5:00 PM
Roy says
It does give new meaning to the phrase "Spy Shot"!
Fri Feb 15 2008 4:52 AM
claudio says
it s really fantastuc . i wish to get contact from your firm . i m lookig for a position as a sell car in asia and russia ........ wait for a replay sure you ll agree on different market and posible commercial partnership
Fri Feb 15 2008 9:22 AM
Gus says
This falls under the category:
"Just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it SHOULD..."
Fri Feb 15 2008 11:27 AM
Ivan says
Just rediculous. Cabrio submarine? Imagine sitting in wet suit under water . . . comfy.
If u want to make sub, make it waterproof, add oxygen tank or something.
How can they market this thing? I can't believe what i am seeing.
Sat Feb 16 2008 4:42 AM
JODY says
NOW THAT IS ONE BAD ASS MOTHER OF A CAR.I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CAR LIKE THAT!I HOPE IT COMES ON THE SHOW ROOM FLOORS VERY SOON.RELY GOOD JOB
Tue Feb 19 2008 1:15 AM
TAV says
It is a advertising course and no more. Such car will be never created in a reality.
Tue Feb 19 2008 12:38 PM
Daniel D. says
Don't destroy our dreams TAV :'-(
Wed Feb 20 2008 3:28 AM
Cliff says
Incredible car, I wish the video was better!
Wed Feb 20 2008 3:55 PM
Ali says
Roy: I would assume that one of the 2 levers on the diver side is used to control depth. As far as how far this car can go underwater, well keeping in mind this thing is electricly powered it will all depend on just how long the battery can go until it runs out. I'm sure it's no less than half an hour though as this has been done several times with other car makers already and they've achieved up to an hour underwater with their concepts.
As one person put it, this is probably not something we'll see in a future market anytime soon but I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of having it on a resort in Haiwaii either :)
Wed Feb 20 2008 6:29 PM
Sir Yappie says
its been designed to appear in the next Bond film...
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.