Top 5 Amphibious Cars

KUALA LUMPUR: Automakers have always strived to go beyond the ordinary and craft cars that can change the face of mobility. Since, Carl Benz crafted his first gasoline-powered car, auto enthusiasts around the world wanted to go one step further. After inventing and innovating in the fastest, most luxurious and expensive car segments, automakers decided to go beyond imagination and craft cars that do more than just run on the road. Earlier, cars that run on water or can fly were considered fictitious, a figment of imagination or a part of Sci-fi movies. But, with the onset of cutting-edge technologies, cars that travel on air and water are not only practical but are available too. Though, flying cars are still a futuristic concepts, cars that run on water are more closure to reality. Automotive manufacturers provide amphibious cars to anyone who is willing to pay the price. Though, numerous makers have tried to create their amphi-cars, a few have succeeded, and a few have failed, but only a few have been able to mass-produce their creations. We at CarBay provide 5 amazing amphibious cars, that are extremely slippery rides.

SeaRoader Amphibious Lamborghini Countach:

Those who love Lamborghini's on the road will die to own this first ever amphibious Lamborghini, that is not only magnificent on the road but on water too. Call him a sea god, cause he is one, Mike Ryan of SeaRoader has converted numerous types of cars into amphi-cars, from conventional jeeps and motorcycles to unconventional ice-cream truck and even a London taxi can. The Countach is also transformed into a water-car by him. But this one of its kind amphibious Lamborghini comes with a hefty price tag, as the cost of converting this roadster into a water-car costed a ton load of money. When in water, a hydrofoil at the front of the car lifts the nose of the Countach, while hydraulic activators compress its Formula 1-style suspension system. Also, the amphibious controls have been elegantly incorporated in the car's dashboard, making it look as gorgeous as any other Lambo on the road.

Gibbs Aquada:

The Gibbs Sports has been crafting innovative and technologically advanced amphibians cars for a decade now. Their cars have been able to push the envelope, with its unsurpassed technology. The Aquada is one such amphi-car from this New Zealand automaker that has stirred up the sea, literally! Unlike other amphibious cars, the Aquada is not a modified land car or a boat, instead it’s a specially designed vehicle that’s equally at home in the water as it is on dry terrain. This super fast amphibian car is able to sprint over 60 km/h (100 mph) on land and 50 km/h (30 mph / 26 knots) on the water. When in the water, the car uses a jet (powered by the engine) to produce thrust that propels it across the water. The Aquada made history in March 2004 when notorious business tycoon - Richard Branson piloted one across the English Channel in one hour, 40 minutes and six seconds, setting a new record.

Dobbertin HydroCar:

If you love the Lotus Esprit S1 submarine car in James Bond movie and wish to experience a similar adventure, then the Dobbertin HydroCar is apt for you. This uniquely crafted amphibian car in one of its kinds in every term. Firstly, it transforms it shape from 'Land Mode' to 'Water Mode' with just the flip of a switch. On land, the car sports full-length articulating sponsons, that are raised to act like fenders. In water, the sponsons are lowered nearly eight inches to transform the car into a tunnel-hulled watercraft, all this in just seconds. It is made with the best kind of stainless steel, ensuring to be rust free. The car generates power from a robust dyno-tuned Chevrolet engine that produces 762 horsepower. It uses a four-bladed Rolla stainless steel propeller in water.

Sea Lion:

For all those speed junkies, who want to conquer the sea, you can do so in the fastest amphibian car – Sea Lion. Designed by Marc Witt, this amphi-car is specially crafted to break speed records and set world records on land and water. On the road, the Sea Lion clocks in at 125 mph (201 km/h). Not terribly impressive, but it’s off the road where the Sea Lion shines. In the water, meanwhile, it can reach respectable speeds of as much as 60 mph (96 km/h). The Sea Lion is made using TIG-welded 5052 aluminum and CNC-milled and uses Berkeley 12 JC pump as propellers.

WaterCar Panther:

This exceptional and rare SUV, is an all-terrain king, literally! Not only it is capable to run on road and mud, it can also travel on water. One of WaterCar Panther's designer Dave March always dreamt of building a car that would perform equally well on water as they did on land. Entered the Panther, which runs like the wind of 80 mph on land and 44 mph in water. It is powered by a 3.7-liter Honda VTEC engine when on land and a Panther Jet Engine while in water. The Panther’s design is based on a Jeep CJ8 Scrambler, however, because the chassis of the Jeep was too heavy for the water, the Panther’s lightweight chassis is made of chromoly steel.