Wednesday, October 7, 2009

We have Pythons in the Water!

It will cost around 125, 000 British pounds, and some say it may be the fastest amphibious vehicle developed to date. It's called the Python, and while it won't pry every car enthusiast away from his or her Rolls Royce or Lamborghini, this car/boat hybrid has caught my eye (regardless of the fact I'll never own one).


"The Python is powered on land by a V8 engine from a Chevorlet Corvette, which produces 640 horsepower and enables the 3,800 pound machine to reach 100 mph. On water, thrust is provided by its Dominator Jet, which gives around 500 horsepower. [Daily Mail Online]"


The Python, made by the California-based company WaterCar, has reached speeds up to 60 mph on water. That's faster than many speedboats, and the best part of the entire vehicle may be that switching from road to the waves is done by one push of a button to raise or lower the wheels.


How does the Python, weighing nearly 2 tons, reach such speeds on the water? It utilizes propulsion to raise the craft up onto a plane which allows the boat to skim across the surface of the water rather than trying to push all of that mass through the water. Out of the water, this awkward looking vehicle has the front end of a truck, the rear end of a corvette, and the interior is similar to what you would expect from a speedboat.


I really enjoy the look of the Python, despite being awkward, but then again, I tend to enjoy strange designs and odd aesthetics. Either way, it would be great to have more options in amphibious vehicles. You know, something that's fun for the whole family!

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