Another 6 Amphibious Vehicles

Floods that hit major cities as happened recently in Jakarta, causing peoples difficulty to performing their daily activities. Moreover, water not only the streets flooded, but turned into sea and makes ​​vehicles difficult to get through. Certainly both motorcycles, and cars through the streets of watery plain difficult because the engine is broke down.

The vehicle designers have long dreamed of motorized transportation that can go safely on two different nature. The result is now a growing number of companies are already producing cars and motorcycles that run on land and water. Here's a relatively popular amphibious vehicles are:

1. SPIRA4U

Spira4u car is a car which is very light (only 137 kg) because most of the body (about 90 percent) is made of reinforced foam and the rest is made and fiberglass, poly carbonates and aluminum.

The vehicle is built by Thailand's Aluminum and Glass Technology Co. Ltd, and led by engineer and entrepreneur Lon Ballard.

Spira4u, the reinforced foam car from Thailand. (Picture from: http://trendsupdates.com/)

By using the foam material could even make Spira4u floating on the water, so it is just right for those of you who live in flood prone areas. Spira4u engine uses Yamaha Mio 100cc engine that can be driven up to 113 km/h and there is a 2-seater in it. However there is no information about the price of this vehicle.

2. THE PYTHON

This type of amphibious vehicle has a stylish design upscale sports car or automotive enthusiasts commonly referred to as "hot rod". The Python has the ability sped over the water at speeds of over 100 km/h. Powered by GM-sourced V8 from the Corvette ZR1, the Python can reach from 0-100 kph in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 160 kph on land. Featuring a Dominator Jet Drive propulsion unit, the WaterCar can reach a maximum speed of 97 kph on water as well.

The Python water car. (Picture from: http://www.designbuzz.com/)

This Python using materials specially designed to float on the surface of the water like a boat. The car was created by Dave March an auto builder in Fountain Valley California. The materials used are specialized materials that are corrosion resistant automotive engine technology combined denngan high performance. Claimed to be the fastest amphibious car in the world, the Python weights 1,725 kg and comes custom-built to meet your preferences with 60,000 exterior and 4,000 interior color options.

3. QUADSKI

Unlike the previous two models of vehicles, this amphibious vehicle, Quadski has ATV character. The Vehicle designer is a New Zealand businessman Alan Gibbs.

The Quadski's power comes from a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder BMW engine that pumps out 175 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. Output is limited to 80 hp on land, while a six-speed automatic gearbox powers it through the twisties and inclines. This four-wheeled motorcycle can go up to speeds of 70 km/h both on land and water. To change the mode of driving from land to water and vice versa, it only takes five seconds.

Quadski ATV converts into waverunner. (Picture from: http://www.wired.com/)

The Quadski was go on sale in November 2012 in Florida, USA. The price of U.S. $40,000 (or approx Rp. 384 million), but the worldwide sold will be done in 2014. The company aims to sell as many as 1,000 units of amphibious motorcycle in the first year of marketing. (See Gibbs amphibious trucks here.)

4. TERRA WIND

In September 2004, commercial pilot John Giljam built an amphibious motor home that cost U.S. $1.2 million (or approx Rp. 11,5 billion) and was 42 feet long. Powered by a rear-mounted 330-hp diesel engine, the all-aluminum bodied home on wheels uses two propellers and two rudders when it's floating.

Terra Wind Amphibious RV. (Picture from: http://uncrate.com/)

It has two inflatable pontoons on its sides for stability but can travel on water without them. Giljam now builds other amphibious machines through a company called Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International, which also builds DUKW-type vehicles for tour companies.

5. SEAROADER

Englishman Mike Ryan designed and built his first Land Rover-based SeaRoader amphibian in 30 days back in the 1980s.

He's built amphibious motorcycles, a Lamborghini-bodied amphibian, and his shop engineered the three floating cars featured on Top Gear in 2006.

SeaRoader amphibian-Lamborghini. (Picture from: http://www.automotto.com/)

SeaRoader amphibian-Land Rover. (Picture from: http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/)

The SeaRoader is Ryan's first production amphibian, made with steel body panels. It sells for U.S. $42,000 (or approx Rp. 403 million). The on-road propulsion comes from the Land Rover's original 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine. In the water, a separate marine engine and output jet in the back can push the SeaRoader to 6 mph.

6. DOBBERTIN SURFACE ORBITER

Using a double-wall stainless-steel milk tank from the back of a truck, Rick Dobbertin from Cazenovia, N.Y., built an amphibious truck that he drove from Florida to South America via the Gulf of Mexico, and back to the U.S. on land in 1995.

Dobbertin Surface Orbiter. (Picture from: http://www.dobbertinhydrocar.com/)

It took him four and a half years to build the craft, which is 32 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, 10 feet high, and weighs 9 tons fully loaded. Its GM diesel V-8 makes 250 hp and powers all six wheels. The "surface orbiter" has traveled 33,000 miles (53,108 km) on land, 3,000 miles (4,228 km) in the sea, and was sold in a 1999 divorce auction for U.S. $200,000 (or approx Rp. 1.9 billion). (See another Amphibious.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPIRA4U | WATERCAR | CAMI  | SEAROADER | POPULAR MECHANICS | OVI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 25012013]
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