Swiss create Bond-like underwater car

[underpants]

Source: MSNBC



GENEVA - OK, so the Swiss have invented a car that runs on land and underwater. But did they REALLY have to make it a convertible?

It’s called the “sQuba,” and conjures up memories of James Bond’s amphibious Lotus Esprit from “The Spy Who Loved Me.” That fictional vehicle traveled on land and, when chased by bad guys in a helicopter, plunged into the water and became an airtight submarine — complete with “torpedoes” and “depth charges.”

But “Q” isn’t responsible for this one.


Passengers will be able to keep breathing underwater through an integrated tank of compressed air similar to what is used in scuba diving.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23183588

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NO NO No WE WERE PROMISED FLYING CARS!!!They got it ass backwards :grr:

[Ano Genitus]

1. Seems like a grand new way to pollute the water to me.

What's wrong with scuba diving?

[izquierdista]

3. I suppose you WALK to the store, too.

Obviously aimed at the market of underwater couch potatoes who don't want to swim all the way to the reef and back.

[Ano Genitus]

5. Helluva bump when you hit one of those big turtles!

I won't deny it - that thing looks cool. But so unnecessary!

[ConcernedCanuk]

9. How about it's "zero-emission car " status - Electric water sealed motors - no pollutants

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Rinspeed’s Zero-Emission World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show - a Green “Fish” with Q-Factor

"Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. Rinderknecht: “The ‘sQuba’ is a zero-emission car as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions. The Swiss are among the world’s pioneers in the area of hydropower. The ‘sQuba’s’ filling station is the water reservoir.” It is no surprise that the vehicle features powerful yet energy-saving LED lighting technology.

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And the open(convertible) concept eliminated the buoyancy problem of the air inside,

And a considerable safety feature considering that it is very hard to open a door on a vehicle underwater when there is air inside.

Read on - great article!

And a great photo gallery

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http://www.rinspeed.com/pages/cars/squba/pre-squba-fotos.htm">here

[AlphaCentauri]

11. scratching the corals will damage the ecosystem n/t

[ConcernedCanuk]

13. Would also damage the car, I think they'll be careful - sQuba ain't a cheap car . . .

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[Taverner]

2. I want one

But I'll take it in a hard top, thank you

[ohio2007]

4. and this is why the Swiss have no submarine fleet

LOL

;)

[Donkeykick]

6. Won't Need A Fish Finder Now.

;)

[Doctor Cynic]

7. Swiss Army Car?

[AndyTiedye]

16. You Should See the Swiss Space Shuttle

[Not a robought]

8. Finally!

The novelty of swimming to my underwater hQuse is getting old.

[JBoy]

10. Yeah, but does it have cup-holders?

[daleo]

12. It's good for taking the kids to school

Well, to a school of fish, anyway.

[jmondine]

14. Maybe Switzerland can use it for their navy

[ChazII]

15. Good thing this did not come out 4/1.

[RuleOfNah]

17. Just in time for the run to Paraguay!

For the regime's sake I hope those are easier to drive than a bicycle or a Segway.

[Kokonoe]

18. I hear it goes through gallons per mile.

[dysfunctional press]

19. there's no way i want the general public to be in flying cars...

too many people have too much trouble driving in two dimensions- i'd hate to see how they handle a third.

[Algorem]

20. this'll be great in the cities drowned by global warming soon

very soon

good investment opportunity

[pinniped]

21. It looks exactly like a Lotus Elise.

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