Automotive

Gibbs unveils two new "Amphitrucks"

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Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian (pictured) and Humdinga II amphibious trucks
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian (pictured) and Humdinga II amphibious trucks
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Humdinga II amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Humdinga II amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Humdinga II amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Humdinga II amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Phibian amphibious truck
View gallery - 18 images

The folks at Detroit's Gibbs Technologies are no strangers to aquatic vehicles. In the past several years, they have brought us the zippy Aquada sports car, the Quadski ATV/personal watercraft hybrid, and the four-wheel-drive Humdinga SUV concept. Yesterday, they announced the addition of another two vehicles to their fleet - the Phibian and Humdinga II high-speed Amphitrucks.

The mostly carbon fiber-constructed 4WD Phibian is capable of highway speeds when traveling on land, thanks to its twin turbo diesel engines - looking like it does, it would also presumably be capable of turning quite a few heads while heading down the road. When it enters the water, its wheels retract and its dual jet drives kick in. This is done with the touch of a button, and takes about ten seconds. Once on the water, it can reportedly attain speeds over 30 mph (48 km/h).

Three crew members and 12 passengers can comfortably fit inside the Phibian, when it's in passenger-carrying mode. When reconfigured for cargo-carrying duty, it is able to manage a payload of 3,307 pounds (1,500 kg). Not surprisingly, it is designed with military, rescue and humanitarian operations in mind.

Gibbs Technologies has announced the availability of its Humdinga II amphibious truck

While we did hear about the Humdinga SUV when it was still a concept, Gibbs took yesterday's opportunity to announce that its successor, the Humdinga II (above), is also now available for order.

The 4WD vehicle is powered by a supercharged 350hp V8 gasoline engine, offering land and water speeds in line with those of the Phibian. It can carry five to seven passengers or a payload of up to 1,653 pounds (750 kg), depending on its configuration.

Because it's smaller and more nimble than the Phibian, it is intended more for use in a light-duty patrol or rapid response role.

There's no word on price for either vehicle, but inquiries are undoubtedly welcome.

Source: Gibbs Technologies

View gallery - 18 images
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9 comments
Snake Oil Baron
I\'ve been skeptical of the idea of a market for amphibious cars but amphibious trucks might very well be useful. Between military, disaster recovery and rural applications it might just work. And then we might alleviate some bridge and main road traffic by having small delivery trucks drive down a ramp on one side/location of a river and drive up somewhere else. This capacity would mean it would not have to be a perfect boat or truck to be more useful than either one.
Rubiyanto Pramono
Interesting
Jay Finke
I need at least 2 of these.. ya know in case I forget where I parked one
pomaikai
Those hardy folks in Hot Springs, Arkansas will likely want a fleet of these, to replace those lumbering ( when not sinking) WWII Ducks the use for tours around town and in Lake Hamilton.
Nantha
Great!! This vehicle can fill a very big niche. From eco-tourism, military and mostly in disaster recovery. So simple and so good.
A'Tuin
As Gibbs are linked with Lockheed Martin how soon will it be before they produce one of these that flies?
Gadgety
At last some news from Gibbs. They were supposedly launching the Aquada in 2010, but since the economic downturn hit, there have been no news from Gibbs at all. Obviously they are dependent on military budgets to get some scale and lowering costs before offering any of this to the public. Looks promising. I\'d like to see a RV/Houseboat/Mobile Home version.
BigMan
The vision of this vehicle is interesting but probable will not be a reality, due to design type, lack of clear vision and a market that is not viable. There is no company that is looking to manufacture this type and take on the challange. It will stall out.
The Skud
I would love to see someone produce a camper version as well - the ideal combination, Load up in your garage/carport, drive to the nearest lake or river launching site, pick your camping spot somewhere and land for the night! Later you could pick out a tourist spot and explore via (electric, yes they are coming) trail bike for a while.