Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Friday, 15 February 2008 16:38
Opinion and Analysis
Page 3 of 4
Rinspeed say that power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries.
Here Rinderknecht says that: “The ‘sQuba’ is a zero-emission car as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions. The Swiss are among the world’s pioneers in the area of hydropower. The ‘sQuba’s’ filling station is the water reservoir.”
To add to its environmentally friendly green credentials, the car also features powerful yet energy-saving LED lighting technology.
There are also “3-D foil elements with embossed fish and sharkskin patterns from Wetzel Processing Group and Hornschuch add visual pizzazz and streamline the exterior. Together with styling elements from Foliatec they create a harmonious velvety matt-white appearance”.
When the sQuba is on land, it “relies on a stainless coil-over suspension from KW automotive and large Pirelli tires mounted on custom-made forged light-weight wheels from AEZ with 17- and 18-inch diameters”.
But the “sQuba” was truly designed for underwater fun. Rinspeed have spared nothing on the car’s interior. Aside from the previously mentioned “innovative salt-water resistant interior” which comes from Strähle + Hess, there are also “genuine mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond, normally used in high-tech abrasives”.
There’s also a “high-tech VDO instrument cluster and controls create a futuristic ambiance and allow controlling all vehicle functions even while submerged” – although listening to the radio underwater would certainly be an interesting experience – I wonder how good the reception would be?
Rinderknecht says that they have thought of everything in creating this car, with even the Motorex lubricants used in the “sQuba” being biodegradable, because their goal was to make the vehicle “pollution free” not only in the engine, but also with the lubricants and greases.
Rindernecht said: “The ‘sQuba’ lets me be one with the elements and lets me immerse myself in a new and fascinating world - with Q factor. It is our duty to protect this world in which we are guests to the best of our ability.”
He continued that: “Because we have used a zero emission engine, it was very clear to us from the beginning that we wanted to minimize the pollution in every aspect, especially because this vehicle also moves in the precious element of water. With Motorex, we have found a partner that was able to address the specific demands that we had and could optimally support us in the development”.
So, how much is the car, and when can consumers buy them? Please read onto page 4.
