Rinspeed has unveiled itsiChange Concept, a lightweight electric vehicle focused on energy efficiency and high-tech features, that will make its official debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht explains "In seconds a streamlined one-seater sports car transforms into a comfortable car with ample room for three. The trick: At the push of a button the rear end of the teardrop-shaped car magically pops up."

“We have designed and built an extremely flexible vehicle. In it we have brought the themes of versatility and continually changing energy demands to their logical conclusions.” The result is a streamlined, lightweight zero-emission car with dramatically reduced energy consumption.

Built by engineering-services company Esoro the iChange Concept thas a total weight of just 1,050 kg. The idea of the pop-up rear end was conceived to account for the sizeable effect aerodynamics play in fuel consumption.

While other cars always have to ferry around their puffed-up exteriors that can accommodate up to seven passengers even if they’re just transporting a single soul, the „iChange“ features an adaptive body.

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 sole driver is conveyed in a teardrop-shaped car that offers optimal aerodynamic properties and thus minimized energy consumption.

If more than one person need to be transported the expanding rear provides room for two passengers. As a result of the increased weight and no longer optimal aerodynamics the energy consumption increases - but only for the time passengers are actually on board.

The energy for the electric motor comes from lithium-ion batteries that are available in two different stack configurations for short- and long-distance driving.

The electric motor of the „iChange“ produces 150kW, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 220 km/h.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just slightly over four seconds.

This performance is made possible with the help of a six-speed pre-selector gearbox from the Subaru WRX.

Custom-made lightweight 17” and 18” forged wheels with aerodynamic shrouds by AEZ are cobined with Pirelli P Zero tires in size 215/40-17 in front and size 245/40-18 in back.

The keys are replaced by by an Apple iPhone, which also controls the most important vehicle functions.

Interior

The pure wool used in the interior is spun and died in accordance with the highest eco standards and provides an extremely extravagant ambiance.

Unconventional techniques are used to create unusual surfaces. The seams of the seats are reversed and the removable seats cushions are adorned with the prototype’s name.

Leather strips alternate with technical textiles. The seat cushions are interchangeable, braided felt alternates with technical textiles formed into three-dimensional shapes. This transfers the adaptive concept of the „iChange“ to the interior as well.

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.

The large Sharp solar panels also provide additional eco-friendly charging of the batteries.

The Harman/Kardon infotainment system weighs much less than ordinary systems and at the same time uses only a fraction of energy. The route guidance of the navigation system calculates the most energy-saving route.

(Source: Rinspeed)