Imagine your favorite car gliding across the water as elegantly as it splits the asphalt. This dream, once reserved for science fiction novels, is now a tangible reality. For several years now, designers have been reinventing the concept of mobility by merging two previously distinct worlds: automobiles and water sports.
These innovations, far from being anecdotal, embody a booming trend that meets a growing demand for versatile, elegant, high-performance vehicles. From ambitious start-ups to industrial initiatives, amphibious vehicles are gradually making their way into the collective imagination and onto the world's waters. Focus on this revolution, from revisitable retro models to amphibious all-terrain vehicles.
Floating Motors: transforming automotive icons into boats
Italian start-up Floating Motors, founded by designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini, reinvents automotive classics by adapting them to the nautical world. A true pioneer in this field, the company proposes a bold transformation: converting classic cars or iconic two-wheelers into modern, high-performance boats. This innovative idea aims to bridge the gap between the nostalgia of classic car enthusiasts and the contemporary demands of mobility on the water.
The revisited flagship models include such icons as the Lamborghini Diablo, the Porsche 356, the Mini Cooper, the legendary Volkswagen Combi, the timeless Fiat 500, and even the legendary Vespa.
Floating Motors creations are available in several technical configurations: monohull for a classic approach, catamaran for greater stability, or hydrofoil for top performance. Engine options range from 25 to 300 hp, and are flexible enough to meet a variety of needs, from leisurely cruising to high-speed racing.
Prices vary according to model and configuration, reflecting both the technical sophistication and rarity of the replicas. A Fiat 500 Dolcevita, for example, starts at ?25,000, while an ultra-detailed replica of the Jaguar E-Type reaches ?185,000. These figures position Floating Motors as a luxury brand combining iconic design and nautical innovation.
Renault Twingo: a nautical foray as early as 1995
As early as 1995, Renault explored the concept of the amphibious vehicle by transforming the Twingo into a boat. This singular outboard allowed the boat to be piloted directly from inside the car, illustrating the innovation and creativity of the French brand at the time.
Watercar Panther: the ultimate fusion of off-roading and boating
The Watercar Panther is a high-performance amphibious vehicle combining the characteristics of an all-terrain car with those of a boat. Powered by a 305 hp 3.7 L Honda Acura V6 engine, it reaches a top speed of 69.5 knots on land and 38.9 knots on water. With acceleration from 0 to 52 knots in 4.5 seconds, it delivers impressive performance in both environments.
The vehicle is 4.57 meters long and 1.83 meters wide, weighing in at 1,361 kg. Its chromoly steel chassis ensures optimum stability, while its fiberglass hull guarantees ideal buoyancy. The rear-wheel drive system on land is combined with a jet for navigation, and the transition between the two modes takes just 15 seconds.
The brand also offers other convertible models such as the WaterCar EV, an elegant urban land cruiser that transforms into an 18-foot boat at the touch of a button. Its advanced features include a foam-filled, virtually unsinkable hull, next-generation marine-grade electronics, and an advanced planing hull design ensuring a smooth, efficient ride.
Gibbs Quadski: the high-speed sports amphibian
The Gibbs Quadski is another feat of amphibious engineering. This hybrid vehicle between off-road motorcycle and jet-ski transforms into a boat in a matter of seconds, thanks to a system of retractable wheels. Allowing agile driving on land and rapid navigation on water, the Quadski seduces with its versatility. With a top speed of 39 knots on the water, this vehicle promises adventures on any terrain. Quadski production has now ended and no new vehicles are available for purchase, but development continues on the next generation of high-speed amphibians.
Terra Wind RV: the top-of-the-range amphibious motorhome
Halfway between a luxury yacht and a high-end motorhome, the Terra Wind RV is the world's first amphibious motorhome. Designed by John and Julie Giljam, heads of C.A.M.I. (Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International), this 13-meter-long vehicle is made from materials such as reinforced fiberglass and a foam core. Powered by a 330 hp Caterpillar diesel engine, it reaches speeds of 130 km/h on the road and 7 knots on the water. However, its use at sea remains limited to calm waters, such as lakes and ponds, due to its hull fitted with inflatable bladders for stability. The Terra Wind RV redefines mobile comfort with its luxurious interior. It also features an electric platform at the rear, perfect for docking or water-based leisure activities. A rare model for lovers of unusual journeys.
