Summary

Can transform from a Jeep-inspired car to a Jet-Drive-powered speedboat in seconds. Powered by a 3.7-liter Honda SOHC V6 engine with VTECH producing 305hp mated to a 4-speed manual transmission or powering the Jet Drive via a power takeoff.

Details

This 2018 amphibian WaterCar Panther can transform from a Jeep-inspired car to a Jet-Drive-powered speedboat in seconds. It is powered by a rear-mounted 3.7-liter Honda SOHC V6 engine with VTEC, producing 305hp and 274 ft/lbs of torque, mated to a 4-speed manual transmission on land, or powering the Jet Drive via a power takeoff on water. The WaterCar Panther is capable of approximately 80 mph on the ground and 44 mph on the water, so it can easily tow a water skier or towable inflatables. This vehicle was initially built in 2017 and first registered in the U.K. in April of that year. It has been upgraded by Prodrive and made compliant to current road traffic regulations. The Panther features a custom lightweight steel chassis with fiberglass for the body and hull, which also incorporates composite material for extra strength. The hull is also filled with closed-cell Styrofoam for buoyancy. It features hydraulically retractable wheels fitted with off-road tires and a high ground clearance to access places that a boat and trailer could not. It can be converted from road car to speedboat, with the power coupling swapped from the manual transaxle to the Jet Drive in around 10 seconds with the touch of a button. It features adjustable trim tabs to change the running angle when it is in boat form, plus automatic bilge pumps and marine lighting. This vehicle is equipped with an adjustable fabric roof, along with a Bluetooth-enabled Fusion stereo. The vehicle has been finished in the custom hue of Ocellus Teal from the Aston Martin color palette, complementing Cream leather upholstery with a black vinyl dash and gray carpets. In order to meet U.K. road regulations and IVA compliance, as well as to improve performance, the Panther has been fitted with several upgrades by Prodrive. Its updates include new brake hydraulic routing and a master cylinder upgrade, revisions to the seat mounting and security, and an updated dashboard layout with cabin re-trim. The vehicle now features U.K.-compliant front, rear and side lighting, plus additional engine cooling capability, and a custom stainless-steel twin-exhaust system with a marine water-cooling helix.