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.

Another notable feature is the dashboard that is said to open "in breadbox fashion" revealing the control elements and the futuristic VDO display on the driver side, and a glove box that houses a seven-inch HTC tablet PC “Flyer” with docking station on the passenger side.

The funky four-seater with the composite body made out of polymer plastic materials is powered by an electric motor from the German Fräger Group (German e-Cars) that delivers 54 kW / 72HP and accelerates the 1,090-kilogram (2,403 lbs) vehicle to a top speed of 120 km/h or 75 mph. The battery’s capacity is good enough for a maximum driving range of 105 km or 65 miles. The BamBoo rides on 17-inch AEZ three-spoke billet aluminum wheels wrapped around Goodyear “EfficientGrip” energy-saving tires.

Rinspeed's boss Frank M. Rinderknecht claims that the BamBoo is more than a simple concept study as the company is already thinking about series production."Yes, there have been constructive talks for some time with a number of potential manufacturers,” Rinderknecht stated adding that Düsseldorf consulting firm A.T. Kearney already has manufacturing and company concepts for a series production in the drawer.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

2009 Rinspeed E2 based on Fiat 500 Abarth

(from Rinspeed Press Release) Swiss Innovative Thinker Frank M. Rinderknecht Builds Fiat 500 with Two Energy Levels. „E2“ - 60 or 160 hp at the Push of a Button from Swiss Automotive Powerhouse Rinspeed

What is this? It is round, small and cuddly, has eyes to fall in love with, a sexy behind - and on demand 60 or 160 hp as necessary. It is Rinspeed’s answer to the fast changing requirements of the market and sociopolitical perception about the tuning industry.’ Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht hits the nail on the head: “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.” The Swiss automobile visionary Rinderknecht, who has his roots in the tuning business, observes a change in people’s attitude, at least in the western world: “We need an intelligent use of our fossil resources, especially of our energy".

Rinspeed’s creation is based on the Abarth version of the Fiat 500. Its name ‘E2’ signals the fact that the nimble little Italian car is equipped with two different power levels: The 60-hp ‘Commuting’ level is more than sufficient to move along with city traffic while saving energy. In this mode the ‘E2’ consumes just some four liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Outside the city, the ‘Highway’ mode provides driving fun and added power for fast and safe passing. In ‘Highway’ mode the engine produces 160 lively horsepower and transforms the Italian flea into a venerable hornet. Fuel consumption in ‘Highway’ mode is in the neighborhood of seven liters per 100 kilometers. The energy management system of the ‘E2’ is controlled by a small button in the cockpit that affects the engine electronics.

Rinderknecht believes he is on the right path with his new interpretation of automobile customizing. With the ‘E2’ and his concept car ‘iChange,’ which is much further removed from production, he wants to nudge the automotive as well as the tuning industries in a new direction, to leave well trodden paths and creatively look for new ones: “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.”

© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>