Image via Complex Original
Just in time for some summer fun, here is a collection of the coolest amphibious automobiles ever to take to the water. These futuristic vehicles have been around for decades, from serving the U.S. military to providing Americans with a very original way to enjoy the open water and catch some rays. So grab your favorite swim trunks and get ready to enjoy some quality surf and turf from the auto world.
Check out 10 Amazing Amphibious Cars.
10. Audi Hydron
Yes, even Audi has gotten in on the amphibious movement.
Designed by David Cardoso in 2010, Audi created the "Hydron," an electric-powered three-seater "automoboat" built with the ambitious hope seeing the production line. Cardoso describes the vision, "the Audi Hydron is a 3 seat, electric amphibious vehicle with the looks of a road car that can be used as a "boat" when necessary. Today, most amphibious vehicles are transformed road vehicles. The Hydron, on the other hand, is especially designed to give an original mix between land and water capacities."
It has a narrow cockpit to reduce water resistance and is propelled through the water by hollow axel wheels, each one is equipped with an electric engine that can pivot 90°. So is this the vehicle of the future or another flop of a concept car?
9. sQuba
The "sQuba" was presented by Rinspeed at the Geneva Auto Show in 2008. It is known as the "world's first diving car." You just gotta watch the video for full comprehension and some ridiculous entertainment, but apparently this transformer can be submerged at depths of 33 feet and for some odd reason remains a convertible while your admiring the marine world. No worries though, you may get wet but at least you've got "futuristic Carbon Nano Tubes" to hold you and your pal safe secure in the vehicle and thir is a supply fresh air to breath from the self-contained on-board system.
8. 2002 WaterCar Camaro
A custom creation from Watercar, this completely fiberglass 2002 Camaro convertible pulls its an independent suspension and brakes from a C4 Corvette. On dry land it is powered by a 2.5 Liter turbocharged Subaru boxer engine with 300 horsepower that is linked to a Rancho Type I-4 speed manual gearbox. Off shore it is propelled by a Berkeley 12JE Jet Drive. So, whenever you feel like taking to the water just pull up to the boat lunch and flip a switch, the wheels are hydraulically retracted and you got yourself a swimming Camaro. Where you at Mustang?
7. Splash
Known as the "Splash" by Rinspeed, this aquatic vehicle has "hydroplaning capabilities." (YES!?!) It has a top speed of 125 mph on land, so you can speed up to the water and with a press of a button you're living the boat life. Its powered by a 750 cc engine that runs on natural gas and looks like a Prowler lost at sea.
6. Sea Lion
The Sea Lion is definitely a crazy concept, and has great name too. It also boasts the title of fast amphibious car. Never had the desire to try to swim in a sports car, but the promo video is hysterically dramatic and quite entertaining.
5. Python
"Built to your wildest dreams," the Python is the self-proclaimed "world's fastest, highest performing amphibious car ever designed and built." It is quite the hot rod on land or water, equipped with a Corvette engine and rear end... but this unique whip will cost a pretty penny. According to their website, watercar.com, they are so confident in their title that they offer ten grand cash to anyone that builds a faster aquatic car. Just send an email to the given address with the subject line "Fastest amphib on the planet"...
4. Ford General Purpose Amphibian
The GPA (General Purpose Amphibian) was an amphibious truck made by Ford in 1942 and 1943 to serve in WWII. Although this small soldier did not fight for long, it still has clout among WWII buffs and many can be seen at certain car shows and military museums. Check it out in action with this classic bit of film from the post-war days in 1947.
3. Aquada
The Aquada is the fastest amphibian vehicle ever built (reaching speeds of over 100 miles on land and 26 knots on the water, equipped with HSA (High Speed Amphibian) technology from the British company Gibbs Technologies. On the road, the Aquada handles like a sports car, capable of a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph). Unlike many other amphibious vehicles, the Aquada was designed from the ground up to perform very well in both fields. This joint has been in production since 2003.
2. Army Duck
This six-wheel drive amphibious truck was originally made for the military during WWII, but now serves as a hugely popular tourist attraction anywhere near American waters (especially Boston).
1. Amphicar
The Amphicar was the first and only amphibious automobile mass-produced. Production began in 1961 and continued until 1965, with nearly 4,000 cars built. It is definitely a cult classic. We just saw a cherry example at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance. A surprisingly large amount have survived to see the 21st century, a testament to their original production quality and the TLC of their proud owners.