The new Amphicar – it drives, it boats

November 10, 8:26 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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The Aquada - it drives and boats

Well, we did an article on a flying car, so now how
about a car that goes like a boat..?

That’s right, there are currently cars that have been developed
that can drive on the road just like a normal car and with the flip
of a switch the wheels retract as you drive off of the boat launch
ramp into your favorite lake or river.

In retrospect, a vehicle like this existed back in the 60’s. It was
the venerable Amphicar. Built in Germany and driven with a
4-cylinder British built Triumph engine with a whopping 43 hp.
It flew at an amazing 7 mph on the water and 70 mph on land.

To bring you up to date, a company called WaterCar is
building the World’s Fastest Amphibious Vehicle. The
WaterCar is a fiberglass amphibious vehicle styled after a
2002 Convertible Camaro. The engine powering this vehicle
is the Subaru turbocharged 2.5-liter 300 hp which normally
powers the Subaru Impreza WRX STI . The suspension and
brakes are late model Chevy Corvette parts.

The WaterCar can reach speeds in excess of 125 mph on land
with excellent handling provided by the Corvette suspension.
When the WaterCar is driven into the water all four wheels are
hydraulically retracted with the flip of a switch. The bottom
covers that enclose the wheel well are also hydraulically extended
to create a smooth high speed bottom which allows the WaterCar
to easily hit speeds of 40 mph on the water. The WaterCar has
a removable center mount ski pole that makes it ideal for wake
boarding or skiing. Yes, skiing - certainly not something the
Amphicar could do!

Another amphibious vehicle is the Gibbs Technologies Aquada,
and it’s a convertible to boot. Early prototypes of the Aquada are
powered by a 2.5-liter V-6 with 175 hp which is the same engine
used in the Land Rover Freelander. Although that isn’t as much
power as the WaterCar it is enough to propel it on the water at 40
mph and on land at over 100 mph. The Aquada is also capable of
towing a skier. Production versions scheduled for 2010 will come
with a 250 hp V-6 which will increase its performance levels.

So, there you have it, a couple of very different automobiles.
How cool would it be to cruise down the highway on a nice
summer day and just decide that you want to go boating.

What are they going to come up with next?

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com