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Posts with tag rinspeed

Rinspeed's sQuba becomes submersible, ridiculous reality

Rinspeed already got our attention with the concept for its fully submersible sQuba vehicle, but now that they've actually gone and built a fully working prototype we've really got to hand it to 'em. As you can see above, the vehicle is pretty much in line with the concept images, with the always-versatile Lotus Elise serving a base. Of course, that has gone under plenty of modifications, including the addition of two Seabob jet drives, and two extra motors to power 'em, to say nothing of the salt-water resistant interior and DARPA Challenge-tested driverless laser sensor system. Of course, while it's definitely a lot farther along than the last time we saw it, the sQuba's still apparently nowhere being available to the general public, no matter how deep-pocketed they might be. Be sure to hit up the read link below for plenty of pics and an appropriately cheesy video, and look for the car itself to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

sQuba, the driving, diving concept car from Rinspeed

Our old friends at Swiss tuning, restoration, and general ride-pimping expert Rinspeed are back with perhaps their most ambitious project to date: a fully-submersible concept car dubbed the sQuba that's equally at home on the road or under the sea. Set to be unveiled next March at the Geneva Motor Show, the multi-faceted, electric motor-powered vehicle reminds us somewhat of the Gibbs Aquada and Hydra Spyder, except the sQuba is actually able to dive and navigate up to ten meters underwater thanks to jet drives in the bow and propellers in the stern. A self-contained, on-board system inside the carbon nanotube-based body structure provides occupants with fresh air while submerged, although the engineers probably let down more than a few folks by omitting a weapons system of any kind. No release date yet -- or even production plans -- for this one-off supercar, which, might we be so bold to suggest, would make a hell of a better-looking crime-fighter than you, Mr. Knight Industries Three Thousand. Bigger pics in the gallery below...

Rinspeed and Bayer develop transparent eXasis vehicle


At last, the long, grueling wait has ended. We now have a transparent vehicle to match those dashing clear polycarbonate rims, as Rinspeed is teaming up with Bayer MaterialScience AG yet again to create another eye-catching vehicle. Just over two years have passed since the two collaborated on the Senso, but now their minds are set on crafting a Makrolon-based whip "with a completely transparent body and floor," and if you can manage to look through over the clearness, you'll notice a compact two-cylinder 750-ccm Weber engine sitting atop the transmission. Additionally, those hoping that this piece of eye candy would be kind to the environment will also be thrilled, as the motor is entirely driven by bioethanol. Once you're seated in the specially-designed Recaro chairs, twin "transparent indicator and function displays" appear to hover on both sides of your field of vision, and touching them opens up a bevy of user-controlled options whilst motoring around. Notably, this outlandish ride has far surpassed the Photoshop stage, and will actually be on display at next month's Geneva Motor Show, and if you're interested in seeing this bad boy in high resolution, be sure to tag the links below and hold on tight.



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