Known for it’s off beat designs, Swiss automaker Rinspeed unveiled a new concept car that was shown at the 2009 Geneva auto show. The Rinspeed ‘iChange’ has a ton of unique design ideas packaged in it. Gone are such mundane things as a key. Its role is filled by an Apple iPhone, which plugs into the dashboard and controls key vehicle functions.
The Rinspeed ‘iChange,’ is the world’s first car whose body adapts to the number of passengers on board. The car can transform at the push of a button from a single-seater sports car to a vehicle that accommodates three people. The extra seats are contained under rear end of the teardrop-shaped panel which pops up, creating more room.
The car has solar panels integrated on the top and sides of the roof which provide electricity to the cooling system in the car on hot days. While parked, the panels charge the vehicle’s on-board lithium-ion batteries. The battery stacks can be configured in either a city driving or long distance driving orientation. The electric motor of the “iChange” produces 150kW, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 136 mph. [via]
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