iChange for changing times

Despite all the news of poor automobile sales, insolvencies, layoffs and crisis in the automobile industry, the 79th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show opened on schedule in Palexpo with carmakers bravely rolling out their newest models and concept cars.

This year, like the true sign of the times, there are relatively few new or redesigned cars from the high-end carmakers who launched fresh variations of existing cars instead, such as the BMW 5 Series GT.

However, the show has an addition to it in the form of a Green Pavilion, an area devoted to new technologies for the reduction of fuel consumption and pollution.

At the lower end of the market, there is a fleet of new small cars with price tags and fuel consumption numbers appropriate for the lean times such as the Chevrolet Spark and the redesigned Volkswagen Polo.

However, as always it is the concept cars that fascinate the crowd and get the maximum eyeballs after the luxury cars. While the Swiss concept car major Rinspeed was there as usual, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Citroën and many others also showcased their concepts.

Emirates Business spoke to Rinspeed Chief Executive Officer, Frank Rinderknecht, about their car and how lucrative the business of making concept cars is.

The latest offering from the Rinspeed stable at the motor show is the iChange, the world's first car whose body adapts to the number of passengers on board. 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.

Rinderknecht said: "The world is changing rapidly. So is individual mobility with all its aspects. Take an SUV for example. It is a great car on the weekends when you take family, the bicycles and the camping gear, but it is a great nonsense to drive it alone to work. Our new concept is a car that adapts to the need of space [aerodynamics] and energy."

For Rinderknecht the vehicle is more than just a clever concept car, it is a symbol of the fundamental changes the auto industry is undergoing worldwide, especially given today's changed economic scenario. He is also convinced that the days of gas-guzzling behemoths are coming to an end.

Thus the basic idea behind the iChange is saving energy. As the energy demand of a vehicle depends mostly on its weight, the type of engine it uses, and its aerodynamic properties, Rinspeed has built an extremely lightweight car weighing only 1,050kg.

Also, 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 are just transporting a single soul, the iChange features an adaptive body. The single driver is conveyed in a teardrop-shaped car that offers optimal aerodynamic properties and thus minimised 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.

Rinderknecht said: "We have designed and built an extremely flexible vehicle. With this car we have brought the themes of versatility and continually changing energy demands to their logical conclusions."

To power the car, Rinspeed chose an electric motor, the energy for which comes from lithium-ion batteries that are available in two different stack configurations for short- and long-distance driving. The electric motor produces 150kw, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 220kmph. The sprint from rest to 100 kmph 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.

Talking about how he got involved in the business of concept car making 15 years ago, Rinderknecht said: "Even as a boy I was very fond of tinkering around with things. I even modified a bicycle my father gave me. It all just went on from there and soon I was working on cars. The first concept car at the Geneva Motor Show was in 1995 and it was the Rinspeed Roadster."

So how does he get the funds to make these concept cars that by his own admissions cost anything between Dh5 million and Dh6 million to make?

Rinderknecht said: "We are able to partially fund the projects through our partners, but each project ends up in the red unfortunately. Also these days because of the economic crisis, it is more difficult to get companies to fund projects as many, many companies are beginning to play it safe.

"But concept cars are a passion, the will to create, to show new technologies and visions. I never sell any of my concept cars. In fact many years ago I sold two, but bought them back.

"Also, I personally think that one should act against the mainstream. If you start to play safe on innovations now, you will be punished later when the economy bounces back and your competitors who invested in bad times are miles ahead of you.

"Concept cars are not just a passion, but also a business. However, till we don't start making money on concept cars I make a living from the automotive and marine industry doing consulting and other work.

"In today's challenging economic scenario it is clear that only those companies will survive that have innovative answers for the demands of a new automotive era. The iChange is a signal for the coming global changes to individual mobility. And we need to be ready to meet these challenges with new ideas," he said.


Aston Martin Lagonda SUV

Aston Martin unveiled its Lagonda SUV concept at the Geneva Motor Show. It boasts a V12 engine and is built on a Mercedes-Benz GL platform tailored to accommodate a broad range of future powertrains, including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. The Lagonda is a four-seat tourer, that draws inspiration from the visual language of speedboat design, the spacious individualist environment of the upper-class cabin and the bespoke feel of contemporary modern furniture. The four seats are divided into two zones, front and rear. The bold character lines along the sculpted flanks ensure the concept is planted firmly on the road.


Ferrari 599X

Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, Ferrari's 599X concept draws on new technology to become an extreme track star. This Ferrari comes with a lighter engine weight as well as lighter components. The engine uses carbon fiber pieces in the intake system and a lighter crankshaft to reduce the volume of material used for manufacturing the engine. The combustion chambers and airflow systems have been redesigned to increase redline to 9,000 rpm. Power levels are quoted at 700hp. Increasing mechanical limits is a new suspension and custom tyres. And F1-style 'doughnuts' provide extra brake cooling.

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