Rinspeed, a Swiss innovation hub in the field of mobility, is renowned for its unconventional car designs. The iChange, one of its creations, adapts its shape and layout based on the number of passengers and is controllable via an iPhone, although it is not affiliated with Apple, which has its own plans for an iCar. Another notable creation is the Oasis, an autonomous car featuring a glass exterior and a garden on the dashboard.
However, the sQuba is the one that has truly captivated global attention. Inspired by a scene from ‘The Spy Who Loved Me,’ where James Bond maneuvers a modified Lotus Esprit underwater, the actual sQuba was purchased by Elon Musk. The Rinspeed team, using a Lotus Elise chassis as the foundation, endeavored to create a Bond-worthy car. The sQuba, an all-electric vehicle, boasts three motors: one for land use and two for underwater exploration.
On land, the sQuba can achieve speeds of up to 75mph and accommodates a driver and one passenger. When transitioning to underwater mode, the car floats on the water’s surface until its interior is flooded, allowing it to submerge. Capable of descending 33 feet underwater, the sQuba is both salt- and water-resistant. Once submerged, occupants use scuba diving gear to breathe while navigating underwater.
Equipped with twin water jets at the front for steering and lift, and rear propellers for forward movement, the sQuba delivers the exhilaration of driving underwater. However, its top underwater speed of 1.9 mph may not be particularly thrilling. While the prototype incurred a seven-figure cost, Rinspeed suggests that the sQuba will be priced “less than a Rolls-Royce,” positioning it as a luxury item. Although no official release date has been announced, Rinspeed markets the sQuba as a “toy for rich people” rather than a practical means of transportation.
