Car News

Rinspeed iChange spent some seriously hard currency to the tune of €1 million to build it. The Rinspeed iChange Concept has as its main attraction, the ability to change from a 1 seater to a 2 seater and finally into a 3 seater via some electronic trickery. Clean technologies are also applied to the 130kW (177hp) Rinspeed iChange Concept so that it becomes a complete eco-friendly model car for the future motorist. At the push of a button the rear end of the teardrop-shaped car magically pops up. Rinspeed iChange Concept is a lightweight zero-emission car with dramatically reduced energy consumption. The basic idea behind the 'iChange' is the energy demand of a vehicle depends mostly on its weight, the type of engine it uses, and its aerodynamic properties. Rinspeed iChange Concept weighing in at only 1'050 kilograms. To power the car, the Swiss specialists chose an electric motor. The electric motor of the 'iChange' produces 150kW, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 220 km/h. The sprint from rest to 100 km/h takes just slightly over four seconds. This impressive performance is made possible with the help of a six-speed pre-selector gearbox from the Subaru WRX car.An initial walk-around reveals that the concept car has no doors. The entire electrically powered roof section of the car measuring just 1.03 meters in height tilts forward to allow passengers to board. The system calculates the most energy-saving route and displays the directions in realistic 3D view. Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof provide electricity to the fan to keep temperatures in the 'iChange' comfortably low on hot summer days.