Nissan’s European operations made a splash on Thursday by unveiling a water-going version of its latest Note hatchback. Cleverly named the Note Boat, Nissan is using the vessel as a way to promote the European launch of the Note, which is sold on these shore as the Versa Note.
Nissan launched the Note Boat at Dorney Lake near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire in England. Dorney Lake was a venue during the 2012 Olympic games.
Continuing that Olympic theme, the Note Boat was “driven” by three Olympic rowers – Helen Glover, Sophie Hosking and Polly Swann.
Similar to its production counterpart, the Note Boat features a sliding rear seat, although it’s a single stroke seat for a rower in this particular application. However, no modifications were needed for the Note’s rear doors, which open to an oar-friendly 90 degrees.
In order to help with navigation, the Note Boat retains the road-going car’s Around View Monitor.
Helen Glover said: “I wish I could have a camera system like this in some of my races – it certainly would make seeing where my rivals a bit easier!”
Nissan has received 3,860 orders for the Note since it went on sale in Europe on October 1.
The Note Boat is just the latest car-turned-boat. Earlier this year both MINI and Fiat unveiled sea-worthy versions of their regular production cars.