An amphibious vehicle that is fast in the water as well as on land has been developed by a UK research company. Unlike previous efforts to build a commercial cross-over between a car and a boat, the new vehicle can reach speeds that should satisfy boy racers and powerboat enthusiasts alike. The as-yet-unnamed aquatic car has been built by Gibbs Technologies based in Nuneaton, England, and should be officially launched later this year.

Managing director of Gibbs Technologies Neil Jenkins says that the new vehicle can hit speeds of 35 mph (56 km/h) on water and 100 mph (160 km/h) on the road. By contrast, existing amphibious cars, which are often custom built, can rarely travel at more than 10 mph (16 km/h) on water. The new car has unique features including retractable wheels and a water jet propulsion system. Jenkins says that a flicking a single switch prepares the car to take to the waves. Jenkins says that a price tag for the new vehicle should be announced later this year.