Submersible Rinspeed sQuba concept

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 manoeuvrability underwater.

The sQuba behaves like a normal Elise on land and rides on a stainless coil-over suspension wearing Pirelli tyres 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. As much as Rinspeed keep referring to James Bond, our British spy isn’t going to be happy getting his tuxedo wet.

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.