As reported by Loqu, Rinspeed has created a modified Lotus Elise that can drive on land, drive on water, and, best of all, drive under water too. The vehicle (”car” doesn’t seem to fit quite right for this Elise) is called the “sQuba,” and is the creation of Founder and CEO of Rinspeed Inc. Frank M. Rinderknecht. Rinderknecht, a confessed Bond fanatic, apparently dreamed of building a car that would also double as a submarine. Just in case, I guess.

The sQuba is powered by 3 electric motors - 1 for the rear wheels, and 1 for each of its 2 propellers. The Elise’s normal gasoline engine has been removed. The vehicle will do 75mph on land, 4mph as a boat, and 2mph as a submarine. Being a targa, the sQuba is not waterproof, so air is provided for its passengers via an integrated compressed air tank. Time underwater is limited by the vehicle’s battery and air supply, and is generally about 2 hours.

So, is the sQuba an automotive breakthrough, or an unfortunate waste of an Elise? Lets just say that NHMS is prone to flooding during particularly violent rainstorms, and in those situations, the sQuba would definitely win any race…