2004 Rinspeed Splash

The 2004 Rinspeed Splash is a groundbreaking concept that merges the worlds of sports cars and amphibious vehicles, showcasing the Swiss company’s innovative engineering. Designed as a lightweight, agile sports car, the Splash is crafted from carbon-composite materials, making it exceptionally light at just 825 kg. The real marvel of the Splash, however, is its ability to transition from a street car to an amphibious vehicle at the push of a button. This transformation is powered by an electronically controlled hydraulic system that integrates both a Z-drive propeller and a hydrofoil system, allowing the vehicle to operate both on land and in water with incredible efficiency.

The transformation process begins when the rear panel lifts to reveal the Z-drive, which can be lowered into the water for propulsion. The system operates with a three-bladed propeller and can adjust its angle to ensure proper movement in various water depths. Once the vehicle reaches a minimum water depth of about 1.3 meters, the hydrofoil system is deployed. The rear spoiler rotates downward, and two hydrofoils unfold to a V-shaped configuration, lifting the vehicle 60 cm above the water's surface. This setup allows the Splash to glide effortlessly over the water at speeds of up to 80 km/h, effectively making it a hydrofoil craft.

On land, the Splash is powered by a two-cylinder Weber engine, modified to run on natural gas. With 140 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque, the vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and achieving a top speed of 200 km/h. The vehicle's independent suspension, made of chrome-steel, ensures smooth handling and dynamic performance. On water, in displacement mode, the Splash can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. When using the hydrofoil system, it can glide over the water, achieving remarkable speeds and offering a unique driving experience that combines both car-like performance and boat-like efficiency.

The Splash’s design takes advantage of both automotive and marine technologies. It features watertight compartments, buoyancy chambers, and bilge pumps for added safety, ensuring that the vehicle remains afloat even in challenging conditions. The hydrofoils, made of multilayer composites similar to those used in Formula 1, can be adjusted to optimize performance for different operating conditions, controlled via sensors and the pilot’s input. The vehicle is designed for both practicality and performance, offering a truly versatile driving experience on both land and water.

Rinspeed's innovative design was not only a showpiece but also proved its capabilities in real-world conditions. In 2004, Frank M. Rinderknecht, the founder of Rinspeed, set a world record for amphibious vehicles by crossing the English Channel in the Splash. The 36-kilometer journey from Dover to Sangatte took just over three hours, showcasing the Splash’s potential in both speed and endurance. The vehicle underwent modifications for the record-setting attempt, including reinforced hydrofoils and a new paint job, but it remained true to its core design.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Splash was Rinspeed’s tenth concept car, embodying the company’s vision of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vehicle design. The name "Splash" perfectly captures the vehicle’s ability to make a dramatic impact, both in the automotive world and on water. Through its unique combination of a sports car and amphibious vehicle, the Splash is a testament to Rinspeed’s ability to create vehicles that are as exciting as they are functional.