The dream of two visionary entrepreneurs, the GIBBS high-speed amphibian is the product of millions of research dollars and years of development work in the United States, New Zealand and the UK. It will be produced at a 54,000-square-foot assembly plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
An entirely new form of transportation for consumers, the Quadski is capable of reaching speeds of 80kmph on both land and water and transitions between both in five seconds or less. Introduced at a Gibbs Sports Amphibian press conference in Detroit by Alan Gibbs, the company’s founder, and Neil Jenkins, its chairman, the Quadski is equipped with a 175bhp BMW Motorrad engine and transmission. With the press of a button, its wheels retract when entering the water and deploy when approaching land. This could be the perfect vehicle for India since our city streets are always flooding.
Jenkins told reporters in Detroit that Quadski will retail for about $40,000 when introduced in November. The company expects to have more than 20 dealership locations in place within the next 12 months, primarily in the Midwest, New York, Texas and the southeastern United States. The GIBBS amphibian weighs 1,300 pounds, is equipped with a 15-gallon fuel tank and will be available in five colors. Suggested retail pricing and details about GIBBS’ dealer network will be announced prior to public introduction in mid November.
