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The Rinspeed sQuba, unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, is a groundbreaking concept car designed to operate seamlessly on both land and underwater. Its creation was the realization of a three-decade-long dream for Rinspeed founder Frank M. Rinderknecht, inspired by the iconic Lotus Esprit submarine from the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.”

Based on a Lotus Elise chassis, the sQuba underwent extensive modifications, replacing its combustion engine with multiple electric motors—one for land propulsion and two for underwater operation, complemented by powerful Seabob jet drives.

This innovative design allows the sQuba to dive to depths of up to 10 meters, with a waterproof body and an interior crafted from salt-water-resistant materials, including mother-of-pearl trim, emphasizing its unique dual-environment capabilities.

Despite its remarkable engineering and a development cost exceeding US$1.5 million, the Rinspeed sQuba has remained a prototype with no plans for mass production. It was envisioned more as a luxury “toy for rich people” than a commercially viable vehicle, a sentiment echoed by Rinderknecht himself due to its limited appeal.

Nevertheless, the sQuba’s legacy in the automotive world is significant. Its zero-emission powertrain and advanced materials showcased technologies ahead of their time, influencing future innovations in electric mobility and amphibious vehicle design.

The extensive media coverage and its presence at the Geneva Motor Show solidified its status as a symbol of Rinspeed’s audacious creativity and engineering excellence, leaving a lasting impact on automotive enthusiasts and designers.

Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinspeed_sQuba

https://www.topspeed.com/cars/rinspeed/2008-rinspeed-squba-ar52400/

https://www.rinspeed.com/en/sQuba_30_concept-car.html