Underwater car makes Asia debut at Singapore Motorshow

Reuben Lee | Sep 26, 2008

CNET Asia was treated to a press preview of the Singapore Motorshow 2008 at the Suntec City Convention Centre yesterday. While the event showcased several new automobiles from major car manufacturers such as Honda and Subaru, what caught everyone's attention was the sQuba car from Swiss maker Rinspeed.

Touted as the "world's first real submersible car", the sQuba was apparently inspired by the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. According to a company representative at the Motorshow, the convertible sports car works just like any regular automobile on land. But once it hits the water, three engines powered by onboard Lithium-ion batteries convert the car into a submersible vehicle capable of going at 6km/h on water and 3km/h underwater up to a depth of 10m. However, unlike Bond's bubble-sealed Lotus Esprit submarine, the sQuba remains open-topped and won't leave your tux all dry and pressed when it gets to land again.

Not surprisingly, the concept sQuba needs to come with diamond-coated non-slip textile seats and fabrics that drain off water quickly, among other innovations. It's just a pity the exhibitors weren't able to demo the vehicle's underwater capabilities. Now that would really have been a treat for car enthusiasts.

For the Motorshow, the sQuba will be landlocked. Fortunately, the sQuba isn't the only highlight at this year's event. Car makers also unveiled a handful of new vehicles, including the Subaru 7-seater Exiga, third-generation Honda City and new Nissan Murano SUV. Visitors will also get a chance to see the Honda RA108 Formula One car up close.

The biennial Singapore Motorshow 2008 opens to the public today till October 5. Entrance fees apply.

Filed under: Future Tech
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