Rinspeed gets Real with its BamBoo EV Study, Could Enter Production

Rinspeed, the Swiss design house that dares to be different, has released real-life photos and additional information on its 2011 Geneva Salon-bound BamBoo, a concept study for a pure-electric beach cart. The latest creation from Rinspeed was jointly developed and built with Swiss engineering firms 4erC and Esoro, and features several innovations.

These include the canopy-like inflatable roof tent, which is covered on the outside with a water-resistant coating while the inner side is made from bamboo threads, and can be used as a beach mattress. In addition, both rear seats are inflatable and stored in two aluminum cases on the open cargo bed, and – they too can be taken to the beach.

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Posted on 06.47 / 0 comments / Read More

Rinspeed Previews BamBoo EV Concept well Ahead of 2011 Geneva Show

The 2011 edition of the Geneva Salon won't open its doors to the press and public for another three months and the organizers haven't even begun promoting the show yet, nevertheless, Frank M. Rinderknecht, the man behind wacky Swiss design house Rinspeed, has already revealed details about the company's all-new Geneva-bound concept model.

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Posted on 07.12 / 0 comments / Read More

Rinspeed UC?: Quirky Electric Micro Car Concept to Bow in Geneva

It's hard to imagine a Geneva Motor Show without an out-there concept from Frank Rinderkneckt and his Rinspeed brand. And true enough, the Swiss firm will perform the world debut of the all-electric "UC?", a concept micro car that is said to introduce a new mobility concept that integrates individual car ownership and public transportation.

And what exactly does that mean, we hear you ask? Well, according to the Swiss automobile and concept car maker, the UC? features an advanced railcar loading system that allows the driver to cover long distances by train.

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Posted on 10.07 / 0 comments / Read More

Rinspeed's Fiat 500 Abarth E2 with Dual Power Mode

For this year's Geneva Motor Show, Swiss tuner and concept car specialist Rinspeed has developed a modified Fiat 500 Abarth study badged "E2" featuring a dual power mode system that affects the engine electronics. What this system does is, with the touch of a button, it reduces the output of the 500 Abarth's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, from 160HP to 60HP. The 60-horsepower 'Commuting' mode, which is more suitable for city traffic, helps the 500 Abarth achieve an average consumption of around 4.0 lt / 100 km or 58.8mpg U.S.

Outside the city, the 'Highway' mode frees the 1.4 Turbo engine' 160HP. Fuel consumption in this mode is in the neighborhood of seven liters per 100 kilometers or 33.6mpg US.

"Just like the auto industry has to adjust to the demands of a new era, tuners have to look for new ways to do business as well," said Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht.

"I don't believe too much in eco tuning. Many drivers are not willing to miss out on driving fun and don't want to drive a something that announces to the world that they do without. But the number of people who want to use our energy supply responsibly not in the least because they want to protect our environment will grow quickly," he added.

Posted on 09.24 / 0 comments / Read More