Rinspeed sQuba makes Elise go underwater
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 maneuverability underwater.
The sQuba behaves like a normal Elise on land and rides on a stainless coil-over suspension wearing Pirelli tires 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.
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.
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.