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The Geneva motor show is nearly upon us, so it must be time for another kerrazy koncept from Swiss bizzarists at Rinspeed.
It’s called the iChange, a low-slung sports car powered by a lithium ion battery pack mated to an 201bhp electric motor. It’ll hit 60mph in just over four seconds and manage a top speed of about 130mph.
But – and there’s always a but with Rinspeed – here’s the kicker. It’s a one-seater… that’s also a three-seater! When you’re on your own in the car, the rear deck sits closed, but, says Rinspeed, “At the push of a button the rear end of the teardrop-shaped car "magically pops up to reveal two more seats."
Yes, they actually used the word ‘magically’. Doesn’t exactly inspire you with confidence, does it?
In fairness, the theory is a sound one: when you’re driving one-up, the iChange morphs into a more aerodynamic shape, saving fuel and energy.
Only problem is, Rinspeed doesn’t seem to be too clear on how it actually works: there’s lots of lovely information on how the interior functions can be controlled through your iPod, and how the alloys were inspired by classic Bugattis… but not a whole lot on how the clamshell roof changes form so magically.
And we can’t help noticing that, in the promotional video Rinspeed has released, the iChange sounds worryingly like a four-pot diesel. Hmm.
Perhaps all shall become clear in Geneva next week. It could be a work of genius. Hey, we laughed at that strange sQuba concept, and just look what happened to that. Er…
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
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whitewings05 commented on this article
at 12:00 pm on 26 February 2009
They weren't driving too fast in that video of theirs. Top speed of 130? Maybe not. It's quite ghastly too at that.
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Mikeado commented on this article
at 12:15 pm on 26 February 2009
I think the exterior design was a bit of an afterthought (they even had to nick a set of Insignia lights). As for the rest, it makes no sense
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Mikeado commented on this article
at 12:15 pm on 26 February 2009
I think the exterior design was a bit of an afterthought (they even had to nick a set of Insignia lights). As for the rest, it makes no sense. So, classic Rinspeed, then.
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dorcari commented on this article
at 12:17 pm on 26 February 2009
well, maybe today i'm a bit venomous today...but in the video it clearly shows how do you get the 2 extra seats, please...a bit more attention because that is not a spoiler rising but the whole clamshell roof rising to make space for the back seats.
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JayM commented on this article
at 01:05 pm on 26 February 2009
Yes, It shows that the Camera Car was a diesel...
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