M3 Amphibious Rig

The M3 Amphibious Rig is basically a self-propelled amphibious bridging vehicle that is used for the projection of tanks and other vehicles across water obstacles. It’s self-deployable by road, operating as a 4×4 wheeled vehicle with a maximum road speed of 80 km/h. When driven into the water for amphibious operation, it deploys two large aluminum pontoons, and is propelled and steered by 2 fully traversable pump jets at speeds of up to 14 km/h. Multiple rigs may be joined by long connectors called “ramps”, 4 of which are carried on each vehicle, to form a bridge across a water obstacle. 8 M3 Rigs will bridge a 100m water gap this way, and can be traversed by vehicles up to and including the heaviest 60+ ton main battle tank like the Leopard 2A6 and Challenger 2. Continue reading for three more weird vehicles that actually exist.

3. Wood Burning Car

Wood Burning Car

High gas prices made 36-year-old Eugene Chernigov seek alternatives, and he ended up converting his old Opel into a wood burning vehicle. The system consists of a wood-burning stove and a metal canister towed behind his car, both of which connect to the engine. Gas emitted from the wood combustion is stored into the metal canister, filtered, cooled and then fed into the engine. The vehicle consumes approximately 40-pounds of firewood per 100 kilometers, which costs him only $.38 USD. Depending on the wood quality, and how dry it is, the car can achieve speeds of up to 60mph.

2. Lexus Origami Car

Lexus Origami Car

Lexus managed to create a drivable cardboard replica of its IS sedan, calling it the “Origami Car”. Slices of cardboard were glued together on a steel and aluminum frame, all powered by an electric motor. The fully-furnished interior, functioning doors, headlights, and wheels ensure a somewhat comfortable ride. The car itself was built by London-based LaserCut Works and Scales & Models, who utilized a digital 3D model of the IS sedan that Lexus provided. The teams started by dividing the model into separate parts – the main body, dashboard, seats, and wheels – and then digitally rendering them in 10mm slices.

1. Homemade Batmobile

Homemade Batmobile

Zac Mihajlovic from Camden, New South Wales, always wanted a real-life Batmobile, so he decided to build one himself. After two years of work, he’s the proud owner of Australia’s only registered 1989 Batmobile replica that can be legally driven on public roads. “It’s got adjustable suspension, it’s got a working afterburner, which is from the film – no machine gun, sadly, no grappling hooks, no bombs that come out of the wheel, but beyond that, it’s pretty close. It’s my absolute pride and joy. I feel like if I do nothing else for the rest of my life, I’ll die happy,” said Mihajlovic.

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A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.