In a move that will cause serious concerns amongst those of us that choose to use better quality, more functional portable audio devices, three major car manufacturers have struck a deal with Apple. Ford, GM and Mazda will kit all of their 2007 range of vehicles with the ability to dock an iPod, allowing control via the existing stereo controls. BMW, Mercedes Benz and Volvo already do so. I think some of the Audi range does as well.

This is great news for the mass public, who all seem to be very happy with their iPods, oblivious to the fact that there are much better products available. However it is likely to be the final blow to someone like me who will now have to buy an iPod for my next car.

Let me explain - An iPod uses a proprietary docking system, meaning that these cars will be built to support that Apple dock. To connect your own player into your car you usually a third-party car stereo head, and install an RCA (red & white stereo plugs) lead which can site in the glovebox. I did this in my Mazda 323 to plug in my iRiver. Now I can also plug an iPod or any other music gadget directly into this, but modern cars do not generally offer this facility from their highly-integrated stereos. Our Subaru Outback, for example, can only accept input via a radio transmitter, and you make a number of compromises using these devices. If an iPod dock will be the only way I can connect my portable music player, then I guess I have no choice but to buy an iPod.

Note: I plan to create a reviews section on this site very soon, and we will definitely look at the key mobile audio devices in detail.

Was watching “Fifth Gear” on Foxtel this morning, when they reviewed the amazing Gibbs Aquada in full, and gave a teasing glance at the “Splash Car”.
Gibbs Aquada
I am completely hooked on the Aquada and desperately want one, however at £125,000 it’s going to take a lot of photographic jobs to
raise that sort of money. It travels at up to 150mph on the road, and appears to perform like a genuine sports car. In the water it will do 30 knots and can tow a skier. The transition from water to land and back again is managed automatically by the onboard computer and looked very easy to do. The driver position is in the middle, with passenger seats to the left and right, so it seats three.
Splash Car
The Splash Car is based on a hydrofoil system giving the car a 60cm clearance from the water surface. You apparently feel like you are flying. On smooth surfaces the Splash Car can reach speeds of 45 knots with the hydrofoil operating, and 28 knots in standard boat mode. I haven’t been able to source a price on this one, but I’m sure it’s expensive.
WaterCar.
Boring name, but looks a bit more like an Italian sports car (which is not generally a look that appeals to me) and appears to be the quickest of the lot at 125mph on land and 45mph on water. Unfortunately there is very little information online about it, so I can only assume that this is another six-figure sum, pointless dream car.

What else is out there?
Well, the only realistic options I have are second-hand and hobby cars like these, starting at around USD$25,000:

• Amphicar - some of the first domestic amphibious cars can be bought second-hand and restored.
  
• Tall Paul’s Tiki Mobile - This 59 year-old Connecticut resident built his own amphibious car from scratch by scavenging junk parts. It’s now for sale, but can’t go very fast and is not street legal.
  
• Amphibious Marketplace - This is a great resource to find all sorts of second-hand amphibious vehicles. Just about any of the older style models can be found here, and the prices range from affordable to forgetaboutit!
  
• And finally, most of us can really only afford to buy models. I suspect they’re still not terribly cheap, but it could be a very enjoyable hobby if you can’t see yourself ever actually owning a real one.
  

See you on the road/river/lake…