The same folks that brought you the Subaru-powered, Chevrolet Camaro-bodied amphibian are at it again. WaterCar's latest land-to-sea-and-back creation is the Python. Hailed by the California-based company as the world's fugliest fastest amphibious vehicle, the Python is offered with a choice of Corvette V8 engines ranging from a base LS1 all the way up to GM's latest 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 that makes 640HP in the Corvette ZR1. Marine propulsion comes courtesy of a Dominator Jet drive.
Weighing in at 3,800 lbs or 1,725 kg, the Python is said to be able to reach top speeds in excess of 60mph (97km/h) on the water and 100mph (160 km/h) on land. The maker also claims that the amphibious vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.5 seconds and hit the quarter mile mark in around 12.5 seconds.
For the record, WaterCar does not clarify with which GM LS V8 engine the Python achieves these performance figures on land, though we suspect that it's the LS9.
WaterCar trumpets that the transition from car-to-boat is immediate as the only thing that the driver has to do is put the transmission in neutral then engage the jet, and push a button to raise the wheels. When coming out of the water, the d(r)iver has to reverse the process.
The company says that the Python is hand built to order and can be customized right up to the exact placement of the seats and pedals with buyers offered a choice of more than 60,000 exterior shades and 4,000 interior colors. However, bear in mind that neither a soft/hard top or air-condition is offered at this time.
If you plan on buying one, be warned that prices for fully customized and completed examples start off from a hefty $200,000 or about €137,000 at the current exchange rates.
