Bionic dolphin takes on Flipper

This blows SeaWorld right out of the water. A new "bionic dolphin" vehicle, according to CNN, not only can swim alongside seagoing mammals but can also stand on its tail before dropping back down to cruise at speeds up to 55 mph with its 425-horsepower Corvette engine.

But this manmade Flipper is no cheap carnival sideshow: A custom version would set you back around $350,000, though its creators say the cost could drop to a mere $120,000 or so for a two-seater model. At those prices, the Kevlar-skinned creation may be headed for commercial or even Pentagon sales. After all, it wouldn't be the first time that dolphins have been used for national security. (More photos here).

(Photo: Noland)