Rinspeed iChange Concept Revealed

Rinspeed is attempting to transform the way cars behave, literally. Revealing an image of the 177hp (130kW) iChange concept, Rinspeed founder and CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht said: "Thinking about variability and the constantly changing energy demand, we have created an extremely flexible vehicle." And running on electricity means the car is also very clean.

What he means is that iChange literally changes from a 1 to a 2 to a 3-seater vehicle, depending on what is needed at the time. Its body structure adapts via "electronic trick-tail" as it's dubbed, to magically transform from a sporty teardrop one-seater to a more compact sports wagon after the car's rear end rises to accommodate two more passengers.

"If we want to preserve our individual mobility in the future, we have to re-think our conception of cars - above all we need to accommodate the ecological aspects," said Rinderknecht.

The iChange would be an ironic development in an auto industry trying by all means to create new niche segments all the time to satisfy different ever-growing needs of individuals. A 2009 Geneva International Motor Show debut for iChange will provide interesting viewing for all.