Rinspeed

[Nicola Romeo]

WELCOME

Creative Think Tank and Mobility Lab for the Automotive Industry. Where the Future is Reality - Today.

More than 39 years of innovations, visions and creations - paired with emotions.
Challenges are our incentive.

Visionary mobility concepts, innovative drives, sustainability, comprehensive network and stated competences in world wide communications are part of our core business.

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will live as one"
John Lennon / Beatles / "Imagine"

"If you can dream it, you can do it"
Walt Disney

"First they ignore you, then the laugh at you, then they fight you and then you win"
Mahatma Gandhi

"Always aim for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars"
(unknown)

Frank M. Rinderknecht
Founder and CEO of Rinspeed Inc.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1992 | RINSPEED SPEED-ART

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1992

RINSPEED NISSAN 300 ZX "SPEED-ART"

High-Tech art with 420 hp

To mark its 25th anniversary in Switzerland, Nissan Motor (Schweiz) AG and Rinspeed AG will be introducing a very special high-tech sports car at this year's Geneva Motor Show: the 420 hp Rinspeed Nissan 300 ZX "Speed-Art".

The design, fittings and power of this unique car were modified to racing standards by the renowned conversion and tuning specialists, Rinspeed AG of Zumikon. This served as a "moving" canvas for the well-known Swiss artist Rolf Knie. Fascinated by the theme, "art, automobiles and speed" he completed the fastest moving work of art in Switzerland by painting 420 horses directly onto the car bodywork.

The "Speed-Art" tradition

The tradition of decoration carriages with magnificent paintings is as old as the wheel itself, which dates back approximately 3'000 B.C. Years later, both Egyptians and Romans envied the two-horse battle chariots of the Sumerians - the fastest means of transport at that time - with their fascinating drawings. In more recent times pop-art artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg, and American sculptor Alexander Calder, created the real "art cars" of this century. The "Speed-Art", based on Nissan's successful high-tech 300 ZX twin-turbo production sports car, represents the natural progression of this tradition.

The birth of a high-tech work of art

In co-operation with Nissan Motor (Schweiz) AG, Frank M. Rinderknecht, proprietor of the classic car tuning specialists Rinspeed AG, designed and implemented the numerous modifications necessary to create "Speed-Art". He was able to draw on experience gained in the custom tuning of the exclusive Nissan top-of-the-range saloon "Maxima Rinspeed".

Engine modification

The first conversion stage involved increasing the engine output of the 300 ZX twin-turbo from 283 hp (208 kW) to 420 hp (310 kW).

To achieve this impressive rating the 3.0 liter six-cylinder engine was equipped with larger sports turbo chargers, whose boost pressure can be controlled to 1.5 bar. The "Speed-Art" was also fitted with larger intercoolers, modified injection system, a hi-flow exhaust system and a more powerful clutch.

Modified running gear, brakes and steering

In the second phase of alterations, the running gear, brakes and steering were modified to match the improved power specifications. The "Speed-Art" thus has HKS running gear set 30mm deeper, with shock absorbers adjustable to eight positions. Switchable ABS is now a feature, both front and rear brakes are more powerful, and HICAS all-around steering has been fitted, similar to that in standard models but which can be switched on or off as required.

To improve road holding, the "Speed-Art" was fitted with specially manufactured Rinspeed front and rear spoilers, two side skirts, a rear skirt and a rear spoiler. Three-piece Rinspeed 8 and 9x18" wheel rims were added in the front and rear, Pirelli P ZERO 235/40 R 18 high performance tires were fitted at the front, and 265/35 R 18 at the back.

Remodeled interior

The "Speed-Art" was also remodeled inside to match its racing model exterior. A roll bar provides extra protection. Finest quality leather-covered Recaro A8 sports seats, red 4-point seatbelts and red-Black leather upholstery all combine to create a decidedly sporty interior. Extra instruments such as boost pressure display, exhaust temperature display and the ABS and HICAS switches were incorporated in the existing dashboard. A Rinspeed sports steering wheel with integrated remote control for the built-in stereo rounds off this unique list of design features.

"Speed-Art" as a moving canvas

Design and engine tuning alone do not distinguish a vehicle as a work of art. Therefore the Swiss artist Rolf Knie, whose reputation extends far beyond his homeland, was called in to complete the project. Descended from a colorful Swiss circus family, Knie's previous work includes circus pictures on original big-top canvas and his fascinating portraits of woman, exhibited in the famous "premier étage" of the Eiffel Tower. He had been thinking about the idea of car painting for some time and was extremely enthusiastic about the project. To visually depict the sheer power of the 420 hp "Speed-Art", Knie decided to paint 420 horses directly onto the bodywork of the car. He retreated to his studio with the vehicle and labored day and night to complete his masterpiece, and the result will be unveiled for the first time on Rinspeed's stand at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

... and on the race track

"Speed-Art" demonstrated its awesome power for the first time at the beginning of February on the Hockenheim circuit. In test runs it achieved a maximum speed of more than 300 km/h.

However, there are no plans to race this unique car, worth around 250'000 Swiss francs and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The fastest high-tech work of art in Switzerland is to be preserved for public show.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1993 | RINSPEED VELENO

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1993

The "viper", translated from Latin, is a member of the adder, of the class of poisonous snakes. It is easily recognized by the erectable venom-teeth and her intensive green color. "Veleno" is derived from the Italian language and means "poison".

In the same aggressive green color this years world novelty of the Swiss car customizer RINSPEED, based in Zumikon near Zurich, is presented:

the RINSPEED DODGE VIPER "VELENO"

The base car, successor of the legendary classic of American "muscle-cars" named AC Cobra, is a Dodge Viper RT/10. This dream car of the nineties, so far built only in a very small volume of a few hundred units, was individually customized with many new components.

Already at first sight the unusual viper-green color distinguishes this car from others, especially as all originals came only in red. The strong effect underlines the aggressive lines of the body to its best. The front with its altered front skirt, the rear view mirrors on the windshield frame, the futuristically styled rear roll protection with the integrated rear lights and the modified rear end make the car even more desirable without distorting its original character.

The original one piece wheels were exchanged for three piece O.Z. wheels of the dimensions 10½x18" in front and 13½x18" in the rear. Enormous Pirelli P Zero tires (275/35-18 front and 335/30-18 rear) improve the handling and traction abilities.

New trends are set with the interior set-up. Instead of the traditional leather upholstery, the seats, door panels and the dashboard are covered with a new material called "Vinerus". "Vinerus" is a specially manufactured high-quality artificial material which is used by the well-known Maison Mollerus Inc (Zurich and Dusseldorf) for their collection of hand bags and traveling luggage. The advantage of this material is not only in its exclusive appearance but also in its weather fitness and sturdiness. It combines the elegant with the useful to a personal touch. The instrument panel and the center console are painted in the cars color to give it a high-tech look.

The revolutionary, integrated CD-changer by Alpine is controlled without distortion from driving by a touch of a button from the steering wheel.

The latest cellular phone from Nokia Mobiles phones, the model 121 with its feather weight of only 275 grams and its power of up to 6 watts (with a booster) being the lightest and most mobile unit in the world, solves all telecommunication problems.

The engine, with its ten cylinders and eight liters of volume being the biggest production unit in the world, is improved by a electronically controlled nitro-(NO2)-oxide-injection. The power output is thereby increased from 400 to 550 hp and the torque is raised to an incredible 820 Nm. The exhaust gases are routed through two catalytic converters to the side of the car.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1994 | RINSPEED CYAN

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1994

At the time, when Ettore Bugatti created his revolutionary machines, he was cooperating very closely with various coach workers in France and abroad. This for a good reason, as the specialized companies helped to create individual and customer specific looks and functions. This is why that many of the renown Bugattis share the same technical specifications, but have a different look.

This traditional of the beginning of the automotive industry are the base of the world novelty presented by the famous Swiss customizing company RINSPEED DESIGN, located in Zumikon near Zürich

the RINSPEED BUGATTI "CYAN"

Whereas in early years the coachbuilders were the tailors for automotive desires und individual wishes, today the car customizing companies have taken these tasks over.

On the base of the just introduced Bugatti EB 100 GT, RINSPEED DESIGN continues the old tradition. The striking blue color, defined as "Bugattti-blue" or "bleu-de-France", already distinguishes this sporty, but still elegant dream car.

The body has been modified and redesigned: the front skirt is more aggressive and holds a large air-intake for the radiators. The traditional, horse-shoe shaped radiator form seen on all classical Bugattis, is used as another air-intake for the air-conditioning in the front hood. The ultra modern triplet projector lights are aerodynamically recessed and covered by glass. The rear view mirrors, mounted quite prominently on the original, now follow the flow of the cockpit. The rear mounted air-scoops allow enough air to the tuned engine. The rear wing guarantees plenty of down force and optimal aerodynamic for the top speed of more than 350 km/h. Its middle section is electronically adjusted in its angle in relation to the speed. The newly created rear end of the car, functional in its design, rounds up the compact lines of the EB 110 "Cyan". For this conceptional vehicle especially, which already has found its buyer and new owner, the Swabian wheel manufacturer BBS has developed new three piece aluminum wheels. As an obvious quality, the bolts, holding the three elements together, are mounted from the rear and therefore are hidden to the eye. The outer rings are polished in a high gloss finish. The dimensions, of the in the classical Bugatti design created wheels, are impressive: 9½ x 18" in the front an 13 x 18" in the rear. The Italian tires producer Pirelli supplies the unusual sizes of the P Zero of 245/40 ZR 18 in the front and 325/30 ZR 18 in the rear.

These Pirelli tires help to put the massive power of the engine to the ground. Instead of the 540hp-GT-engine, the "Cyan" now has the 600hp engine from the "Supersport" model installed. The torque is more than imposing at 637 Nm. The exhaust system was redesigned at the rear section by the famous Remus company. The technical data is now of world class: 3.4 seconds from 0 to 100km/h and a top speed above 350km/h.

The interior has been redecorated with carefully selected leather. Now, the traditional Bugatti-blue leather covers the dashboard and central console and accentuates the flowing lines of the cockpit. All instrument and console panels are covered by brushed aluminum and show a new trend, but at the same time relate to the traditional material used in the engine compartments of the pre-war Bugattis. These aluminum panels were developed by the Austrian Burg Design company and enhance the "Cyan"'s interior with a touch of elegance and sport.

The excellent stereo equipment from Nackamichi satisfies even the most demanding HiFi- and music enthusiasts.

The mobile communication is guaranteed by the pan European hand phone from Nokia. This unit, being just slightly larger than a purse, weights only 197grs. The transmission is not limited to voice but also handles images and data. The mobile installation kit with the hand-free set and an additional hand-set completes this unit to a full size car phone. Due to an easy menu guidance and a large display of the Nokia 2110, the use of the smallest and lightest pocket-phone is very simple.

The sales price of the RINSPEED Bugatti "Cyan" has not yet been determined. However, it is expected to be above sFr. 600'000.- including the fully comprehensive three year's service package, which even includes the tires.

The RINSPEED "Cyan" was tested by the former Formula One driver and sports car world champion Jochen Mass. Fascinated by the overwhelming power and the sporty looks, he even presented this super car to the television.

Cyan: (phonetic "sjan") originates from the Greek language and the word "kuanos", meaning blue. Cyan is used today very often in the printing business indicating the base blue color in the color printing process.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1995 | RINSPEED ROADSTER R + SC-R

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1995

Despite the fact that Switzerland never has played an important role in the inter-national automotive industry, there were, since many decades, always a small number of creative body specialists offering niche products for the domestic and international market.

Since quite of few year’s however, Switzerland could not bring forth an own new make. As of January 1995, RINSPEED DESIGN, domiciled in Zumikon/Switzerland and internationally rekown for their customizing activities on sports- and luxury-cars, debuts as a new swiss make.

A NEW MAKE IS BORN: RINSPEED ROADSTER ’SC-R’ AND ’R’

This roadster, built in a small series, represents today’s spirit of the times and the design trends of the nineties. The body reflects a mixture of classic shapes of the sixties, paired with ultra-modern elements and a futuristic look. The congenial bold and dynamic appearance is orientated to a buyer potential which enjoys life and fresh air. Although rather concepted as a leisure vehicle, it can be used any day in any weather.

The body is made from aircraft quality aluminum and is joined with a tubular stainless steel chassis. Four small projector headlights, fastened on small wings, and the free-standing front fenders round up the clean design.

The front suspension consists of unequal length double wishbones and the rear live-axle is linked to the chassis four times. The shock absorbers are especially made by Koni. All mechanical components (engine, transmission, brakes and rear axle) are taken from the existing Ford Mustang. The powerful V8-engine with a displacement of almost 5 liters is coupled to a manual five speed gearbox.

The RINSPEED ROADSTER is offered with two engine options. The "R"-version uses the stock Ford engine offering 218 HP, whereas the "SC-R"-version comes with a supercharger with a boost of 0.3 bar. The result is not only impressive by the increased output of 305 HP, but also by the breathtaking torque of more than 570 Nm produced at 3’400 rpm.

The tires are well filling the wheel wells: Pirelli P Zero’s of the dimension 225/40-18 are mounted in the front, the rear even uses 295/35-18. The three-piece chromed aluminum wheels (front 8½x18" and rear 10x18") are made to order by the well known specialist BBS.

The interior is upholstered in exclusive leather and offers sporty bucket seats, an almost invisibly installed stereo system with a CD-changer from Pioneer and a Momo steering wheel. The mobile communication is ensured by the latest Nokia product of the type C232 - small, light weight and easy to use.

The luggage has been also made to order by the young Swiss De’Shama design company. It is elegantly styled, but with its use of hand-sewn plastic and leather material is still very practical to use. The creative Austrian manufacturer Burg Design was ordered to produce the exclusive labels and decors for the body and the interior.

The RINSPEED Harley-Davidson "Rock’n’Roll" derives from the same philosophy of enjoying fresh air rides. Made to fit the image of "his-and-hers", identical elements of design, colors and materials reflect the Roadster concept and create a unique synopsis between a car and a motorcycle.

The small and coherent projector headlights demonstrate a new and innovative element for motorcycles. The new headlight bucket sits efficient, but almost invisible, on the front. The customizing was completed by a large number of chrome parts, individually milled from billet aluminum. These parts were taken from the most reputable shelves of America’s customizing professionals as "Arlen-Ness", "Pro-One" and "KüryAkyn" and installed in endless hours. The original wheels are chromed and fitted with Pirelli tires

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1996 | RINSPEED YELLO TALBO

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1996

An utmost attractive world novelty is presented at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show by the well known swiss automotive design company RINSPEED DESIGN:

the RINSPEED YELLO TALBO

Concepted as a symbiosis between nostalgic and futuristic elements, the unusual appearance, based on the traditional design of a Talbot-Lago 150 SS by „Figoni & Falaschi" of 1938, shows off in a pastel yellow color. This in a play of words and colors about the partner „Yello" - one of the world’s most renown music groups.

The interior is decorated with precious fabrics of „En Soie". The fiber-optics controlled „ODR"-stereo system of „Pioneer" is unsurpassed in its quality. A „Crash" watch - made from recycled aluminum material - can be easily switched from the wrist of the driver to the horn button by a simple twist - and, of course, vice versa.

The supercharged V8-engine - coupled to an automatic gearbox - with a 5.0 liter displacement and an output of 320 HP enables the RINSPEED YELLO TALBO to breathtaking acceleration figures (5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h). The suspension was concepted by „Eibach" and the ultra-wide Dunlop tires (265/35 ZR 20 - SP 8000) are mounted on chromed BBS RS-II wheels (9x20") and guarantee an optimal handling.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1997 | RINSPEED MONO EGO

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1997

To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Rinspeed Design AG company, Frank M. Rinderknecht (41) has come up with something very special: the Swiss automobile tuner has created a vehicle that blends traditional beauty and forward-looking technology in a most impressive way – the Rinspeed Mono Ego. Developed in only a year, it is his company's anniversary contribution to the Geneva Salon de l'auto, an eye-catcher that could well generate active discussion among the visitors. Cooperation with leading international personalities and companies has put the "Rinspeed Mono Ego" in a position to make automobile history.

The French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (who numbers champagne producer Pommery among his clients) has transformed the Mono Ego into a mobile work of art. In the words of Frank M. Rinderknecht: "We granted him every possible freedom. The result is a multicultural work of art, created jointly by the Swiss Rinspeed company and by Castelbajac."

The tires come from the Dunlop company, which developed a high-tech tire with a novel tread pattern specially for the wheels supplied by Antera. This new tire generation was scheduled to reach the market by the Spring of 1997. Running-gear technology comes from the Eibach company, which not only works for the leading international motor-sport teams but also for the McLaren Formula 1 racing team. For the Rinspeed Mono Ego, Eibach is exhibiting in Geneva competition shock absorbers with four-position adjustment which it has itself developed. The Remus company has produced an optimized-flow exhaust system for the Rinspeed Mono Ego. The Swiss company Rieter Automotive Systems supplied the finest of all carpets for the interior. To ensure that Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's artistry reaches its full flower on the car's body, which was built by TLC Carossiers Inc. in Florida and transported by the air-freight specialist Lufthansa to Europe, the Burg Design company digitized all the plans and drawings by a special high-tech process. Audio entertainment and flawless route planning are taken care of by a hi-fi radio and CD system and the first-class navigation equipment from Philips Car Systems. Headlights, rear lights and mirrors come from the Hyundai Tiburon Coupé, and the exclusive golf bag was made by the Swiss travel goods company De'Shama.

Frank M. Rinderknecht utilized the very latest techniques in his development work. The vehicle was drafted out by computerized (CAD/CAM) methods, which permit every detail of a 1:10 scale model to be processed with such precision that changes are scarcely ever needed when the full-scale model is made. As Rinderknecht explains: Using CAD/CAM, we obtain unsurpassed processing quality and also an unbeatable development speed."

Under the body, which recalls racing cars of an earlier era, the supercharged aluminum-block V8 engine has a rated output of 410 horsepower. This compact power-pack accelerates the single-seater to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds (and on to a top speed of 258 km/h). The Rinspeed Mono Ego's aluminum body gives it outstanding strength and rigidity, but at the same time keeps its weight down to 960 kilograms – yielding a power-to-weight ratio that will delight and impress even those who favor the most exclusive Italian sports cars. The 16-inch wheels are shod with 245/65 and 275/70 tires and protected by almost invisible fenders – the visual effect simulated by the tire treads creating a convincing optical illusion.

The Rinspeed Mono Ego, Frank M. Rinderknecht's latest automobile creation, is equally notable for the fact that it is a fully road-going car that complies with valid European Union legislation. "We wanted to build an exclusive car, but one that could be taken out on the roads as well as acting as a pilot project at exhibitions." With these words, Rinderknecht emphasizes the ambitious objectives he put into effect when designing and building the Rinspeed Mono Ego. The cost of Rinspeed's objet d'art, which combines legality and artistry so effectively, has yet to be finalized.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1998 | RINSPEED E-GO ROCKET

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1998

As many times before the Rinspeed Design company, led by Frank M. Rinderknecht (42), has come up with something very special: the small Swiss automobile specialist has created a vehicle that blends traditional beauty and forward-looking technology in a most impressive way - the Rinspeed E-Go Rocket. Inspired by one of the world famous record setting cars on the salt flats and developed in only six months time, his company's contribution to the Geneva "Salon de l'Auto", is an eye-catcher that could well generate active discussion among the visitors.

The high-performance tires come from Continental, which are mounted on specially developed wheels supplied by Antera. Running-gear technology comes from the Eibach company, which not only works for the leading international motor-sport teams but also for the McLaren Formula 1 Racing Team. For the Rinspeed E-Go Rocket, Eibach is exhibiting in Geneva competition shock absorbers with four-position adjustment which it has itself developed. The Remus company has produced an optimized-flow exhaust system for the Rinspeed E-Go Rocket. The Swiss company Rieter Automotive Systems supplied the finest of all carpets for the interior, the acoustic foams and the heat-shields. The vehicle was built by TLC Carossiers Inc. in Florida and transported by the air-freight specialist Lufthansa Cargo to Europe. Burg Design created stunning interior and exterior elements by the use of a special high-tech process. Audio entertainment and flawless route planning are taken care of by a hi-fi radio and CD system and the first-class navigation equipment from Philips Car Systems. The custom luggage bag was made by the Swiss travel goods company De'Shama.

Frank M. Rinderknecht utilized the very latest techniques in his development work. The vehicle was drafted out by computerized (CAD/CAM) methods. Changes are scarcely ever needed when the full-scale model is made. As Rinderknecht explains: "Using CAD/CAM, we obtain unsurpassed processing quality and also an unbeatable development speed."

Under the wide engine cover, the supercharged aluminum-block V8 engine has a rated output of 410 horsepower. This compact and centrally located power-pack accelerates the single-seater to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds (and on to a top speed of 260 km/h). The Rinspeed E-Go Rocket’s composite body gives it outstanding strength and rigidity, but at the same time keeps its weight down to 1’050 kilograms. The inclination of the windshield is adjustable to the speed driven. The interior presents itself also in a new way: The seat is covered in washed blue denim. The 18-inch wheels are shod with 235/50 and 255/45 tires.

The Rinspeed E-Go Rocket, Frank M. Rinderknecht's latest automobile creation as its precessor the Rinspeed Mono Ego, is equally notable for the fact that it is a fully road-going car that complies with valid European Union legislation. "We wanted to build an exclusive car, but one that could be taken out on the roads as well as acting as a pilot project at exhibitions." With these words, Rinderknecht emphasizes the ambitious objectives he put into effect when designing and building the Rinspeed E-Go Rocket. The price of Rinspeed's latest avant-garde creation, to be built only on order, has not yet been determined.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

1999 | RINSPEED X-TREM M.U.V.

World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 1999

As many times before RINSPEED DESIGN has come up with something very special: the small Swiss automobile specialist has created - in cooperation with its partners - a "business card" of competence in concept, design and application of technologies of the future in for the industry and the public. Following this, a new and revolutionary perception and definition of the pick-up has been created: the Multi Utility Vehicle (M.U.V.) Concept.

The idea

In the words of Frank M. Rinderknecht founder and owner of Rinspeed Inc.: "Pick-up vehicles are - especially in the U.S. - very popular. However, many times I remarked that these kind of cars were pulling a trailer loaded with objects for sporting activities or for the job. Yet, the pick-up bed stayed empty for most of the times. The actual vehicle was not being used for what it was designed for". In the analysis of this fact it became quickly obvious that the obstacles of the height of the bed and the tail-gate were not easy to overcome. How - for example - does one load a motorcycle quickly and safely on the bed?

In order to accommodate all aspects of life - from the sport to leisure activities to the job and public services - a universal lifting device had to be developed: the

"X-Tra-Lift" (+patent pending)

Equipped with this unique loading device, any new or used pick-up truck can take all kinds of goods or platforms. These goods are swiftly loaded by an electrically or hydraulically powered swivel crane - which at the same time can be designed as a anti-roll-bar - from the ground to the bed and of course unloaded the same way. The obstacles of the weight, loading height and tail-gate are easily overcome.

The universal conception of this lifting system allows an extensive and comprehensive use as a multiplex system. The car transforms itself easily from a sport to a leisure as well as to commercial vehicle and back.

Frank M. Rinderknecht: "Due to our invention, the use of the pick-up truck is considerably enhanced and enlarged. The vehicle now can be loaded swiftly, easily and without effort and therefore can be used in every aspect of life".

As innovative the "X-Tra-Lift" presents itself, as futuristic and avant-garde the latest creation of Rinspeed Design, the X-Trem, is concepted. One of the most remarkable features is surely the fact that the Rinspeed X-Trem complies with valid European Union legislation and is a fully-fledged road-going design. "We wanted to build an exclusive car, but one that could be taken out on the roads as well as acting as a pilot project at exhibitions." This ambitious target has certainly been achieved.

One of the world’s smallest, yet functional hovercraft is loaded as a special "presentation cargo" on the Rinspeed X-Trem. This air propeller driven and hovering fun vehicle can be piloted easily over all kinds of surfaces: water, land, sand and snow.

The technical features

Under the wide engine cover which electrically tilts forward, power is supplied in plenty by a 5.5-litre-aluminum-block V8 engine from Mercedes-Benz, it develops no less than 347 bhp. This engine, coupled to an automatic transmission, whisks the four-wheel-drive two seater - the base consists of an extended chassis from the Mercedes-Benz M-class - from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h attainable when conditions permit. The torque is herculean: at 3'500 rpm already the maximum of 520 Nm is developed.

The technical base of the M-class by Mercedes-Benz inspired the typical "four-eyes-face" of the DaimlerChrysler Group - known from the model E- and CLK. The pronounced engine hood links unmistakably to the typical design lines of the American offshoot Chrysler.

The composite body gives the X-Trem an exceptionally rigid structure and a gross weight of only 1’860 kilograms, with the result that its power-to-weight ratio would be the envy of many a driver of exclusive Italian sports cars.

The two windshields are electrically adjustable and move in and out of the powered engine hood in order to protect the passengers from unpleasant wind drafts.

All wheels are hung independently and the 18-inch wheels and tires of sizes (285/50 at the front and rear) guarantee a perfect handling.

The interior

The interior presents itself also in a new way. At the first glance the centrally located LCD-screen with touch-screen functions is attracting attention. All functions of the car, the navigation-system, the radio, the access to email and the internet via a GSM- or satellite-connection are controlled at a finger-tip. All menus are easily and discretionary called up.

The materials used for the interior connect to the leisure time use of the Rinspeed X-Trem: deep black Neoprene, steel colored and checkered Carbon-tissue. As an unusual element the seat cushions are easily reversible. By this feature not only the look of the interior can be swiftly changed, but the tissues are adapted to the use of the vehicle.

The drivers are not neglected: An exclusive stainless steel humidor with a integrated humidifier invites to a cigar break.

The development work

For the realization of this project Frank M. Rinderknecht worked with the most modern technologies and the best specialists of the Swiss car industry. Despite that Switzerland does not have an international reputation in the automotive industry, every year an astonishing numbers of concept cars and prototypes are made in this country.

For the first time, Rinspeed called upon the services of the Swiss engineering company Esoro as a general contractor for the design, the engineering and the construction of the X-Trem. Esoro materialized this demanding task in cooperation with Richard Gresens - a the former designer of VW and partner in William M. Schmidt Associates - and the prototype and suspension specialist Schwaller Movement Engineering who also manufactures components for Sauber Formula One. In just six and a half months the X-Trem with its new lifting system and a hovercraft body have been fabricated by the competent and efficient engineering team.

Since ten years Esoro is active and renown for its efficiency and innovative solutions as a custom developer in automotive technologies and light-weight constructions. Its possibilities have been demonstrated on various prototypes especially in the field of light-weight constructions, composite materials and hybrid vehicles.

The partner-companies

The Continental company contributed the tires: as one of the world's largest manufacturers of tires for high-volume motor vehicles and also of high-performance tires, it possesses an immense amount of experience. The ContiSportContact in its new dimensions stands out by its excellent cornering stability, its precise steering capabilities, its superior wet handling capabilities and its big safety reserves.

Antera took up the challenge of producing special wheels to carry these Continental tires. An Italian company, it is famous for its avant-garde wheel designs and for the unusual technical principles which it adopts. For example, the tire valve is hidden behind the hub cover made of titanium so that the wheel's overall appearance is not affected by the valve protruding from the rim.

In the running-gear area, Rinspeed was able to call upon the services of the Eibach company, the leading international manufacturer of suspension components. Eibach Suspension Technology, which as its name implies specializes in such matters and supplies the world's top motor sport entrants and more than half of all Formula One teams, undertook to develop the suspension struts and stabilizers for the Rinspeed X-Trem. Eibach certainly justified its reputation: for the Rinspeed E-Go Rocket it designed competition shock absorbers with four adjustment settings. These hi-tech components were developed and manufactured at Eibach's R & D center in England, and utilized the company's experience as a global supplier, which extends back many years and entitles it to claim an equally significant position as a specialist running-gear developer on the markets of the future.

Austrian specialist company Remus developed an free-flow exhaust system for the Rinspeed X-Trem. Here too, the Remus name is closely associated with both high quality and ingenious technical solutions to clients' problems. Throughout the motor sport scene, from touring-car racing and rallying to Formula 1 (Damon Hill), this exhaust systems manufacturer feeds its immense know-how back into its successful range of products.

The largest Swiss automotive supplier company Rieter Automotive Systems provided the custom made acoustic foams and the heat-shield components. Although this activity of the textile machine manufacturer Rieter has a low profile amongst the general public, integrated noise and heat insulation materials and interior trims for motor vehicles are purchased by just about every leading automobile manufacturer throughout the world.

In order to optimize the interior and exterior design to a harmonic entity, the Austrian company Burg Design with its designers and modern technologies has proved its competence once more. Burg Design concentrates on decor requirements for special-series vehicles and on high-tech interior designs and applications in wood, aluminum and carbon fiber. Following the latest trend Burg Design already offers chrome components in their program. Among the processes Burg Design has developed two products named EVOTEC, INOTEC, INOFORM and VACUFORM which offer a large variety of applications for OEM- and After Sales-use of the automotive industry.

The brain of the Rinspeed X-Trem consists of a sturdy Compaq Deskpro computer with an 333 MHz Celeron processor. This power machine of the leading manufacturer and the second largest computer company of the world controls all functions as the GPS navigation, radio, email, internet access or the "X-Tra-Lift". The operation is easily controlled by a touch-screen while driving.

The development and adaption of the screen for this "communication cenrter" has been realized by the industry specialist Fabrimex. Fabrimex is an engineering, production and trading company in the field of industrial computers, picture processing and power supplies. Fabrimex provides the solution where others give up.

Other cargo can be swiftly taken by the X-Trem than a hovercraft: For example a futuristic scooter from Malaguti: the FireFox F15. The Italian manufacturer created a European top-seller in the 50-ccm class with the F15 FireFox. A part from the striking design this scooter convinces with its technical innovation, comfort and detailed care for avant-garde solutions. Most remarkably is the space provided to transport any goods.

A well kept cigar is provided by the modern humidor of the young Swiss enterprise relaX design. relaX design hand makes these humidor containers - in its modern and unique design - from stainless steel and the finest cedar wood entirely in Switzerland. The relaX design humidors are fitted with a proven self regulating dehumidifier system to take care of the ideal humidity.

The Japanese manufacturer Sorex developed one of the world’s smallest hovercrafts and the first one ever being used on a car.

The air-freight specialist Lufthansa Cargo carried out the safe, reliable and timely transport of the components of the X-Trem to make a flawless and on-time debut in front of the world press in Geneva.

Spies Hecker created a new color mix and combination in a bright and dark yellow with pearl-effect in order to present the Rinspeed X-Trem in its best light.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

2000 | RINSPEED TATOOO.COM

World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2000

RINSPEED DESIGN – It’s a tradition: Each year the "Imagineers" from the Swiss town of Zumikon come up with a unique new creation for the Geneva Motor Show. This time around the innovative company is focusing on future trends in keeping with the start of the new millennium. And so, the first automobile ever with an Internet address for a name is born:

RINSPEED TATOOO.COM

Tatooo.com - the play on words combines the emotional, erotic appeal of human body art with the three zeros that have come to symbolize the new millennium. The Internet address is a website for the vehicle, as well as its name.

The original concept of the "Multi Utility Vehicle (M.U.V.)" was first demonstrated in last year’s creation for the Geneva Motor Show, the Rinspeed X-Trem. TATOOO.COM takes that concept to a new dimension.

The Design

The RINSPEED TATOOO.COM can't hide the fact that its roots lie in the traditional American hot rod. Its lines are reminiscent of the classic pick-up trucks of the Fifties. The dominating hood with its large air intakes lends a sporty and dynamic appearance to the showstopper.

The front and rear fenders with their generous sweeping lines just barely cover the extra-wide tires. The windshield and side windows are very low compared to contemporary production cars. These observation slits harken back to the hot rod era. The doors are completely free of attached parts, with the exception of the rearview mirrors required by law. Door handles have been replaced by a remote-controlled electromagnetic opening mechanism. The truck bed is also free of attached parts. Wide side skirts and modern light units provide the only visual clues that the vehicle is in fact a synthesis of old and new. The tailgate is a real novelty. It is essentially a frame with a transparent and indestructible Lexan plate in the center. The tailgate lends a much lighter appearance to the vehicle's rear and gives stylists unprecedented design freedom.

The Technology

Under the enormous front-hinged hood a powerful 5.7-liter V8 aluminum power plant delivers feisty acceleration. Precision tuning delivers a power output of 409 hp (301 kW) at 5’800 rpm. Maximum torque is 555 Nm at 4’350 rpm. The dual exhaust system with striking Remus tailpipes produces a robust sound. Ultra wide and ultra low Continental SportContact tires in sizes 245/35 ZR 20 and 295/40 ZR 20 provide the necessary grip for the enormous available torque. For mounting the tires, An Italian wheel manufacturer created custom 20-inch rims. Getting to 100 km/h from a standstill takes just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is 245 km/h.

The RINSPEED TATOOO.COM features a pneumatic suspension to keep the vehicle leveled perfectly at all times. An infinite number of suspension settings are available at the push of a button. This offers a couple of advantages. In addition to continuously adjustable ride firmness, the suspension permits adjustments in ride height, depending on terrain, speed or road conditions.

Like all its predecessors, e.g. "X-Trem", "E-Go Rocket" and "Mono Ego", the TATOOO.COM is fully street-legal and conforms to all current EU regulations.

The X-Tra-Lift

The lifting mechanism "X-Tra-Lift" (+ patents pending), introduced last year, has undergone intensive further development. Through the use of a dual-arm cantilever, engineers have achieved linear lift without a center of gravity. A mechanical drive, located below the truck bed, swivels both arms to and fro in tandem, thus lifting or lowering the load platform in less than a minute. The electric motor is powered by the vehicle battery and activated by remote control. The system also incorporates all possible safety features, including an inclination angle limiter.

The "X-Tra-Lift" was specifically integrated into the vehicle design. The tubular frame offers protection against rollover accidents and visually integrates the system into the vehicle body.

The loading system is ready for production and enjoys high demand, especially in the USA.

Toys as Cargo

"B.O.B." isn’t a nickname for an American man in this case. Loaded onto the back of TATOOO.COM it stands for "Breathing Observation Bubble." "B.O.B." – produced in sunny Florida – is a totally new diving apparatus. The underwater motor scooter looks like something straight out of a science-fiction movie. Even beginners can easily dive up to 30 feet deep. The diver's head moves freely in an air pocket under a helmet reminiscent of Darth Vader. There is no mouthpiece, no regulator. A battery-powered propeller provides propulsion. Steering is done with a kind of bicycle handle that operates a rudder. Diving depth is controlled by a sack of air that inflates and deflates and is adjusted easily at the push of a button. The compressed-air bottle holds enough air for one-hour excursions under water.

Street toys, of course, also need to be transported. So a customized Ducati Monster 900 S with chrome styling is also available as cargo for easy transport.

The Interior

The interior of the RINSPEED TATOOO.COM is creative and futuristic in design and choice of materials. Imitation African mamba snake leather, woven beige leather from Italy and terracotta-colored plastic floor covering lend an exclusive yet natural touch. The Austrian company Burg Design did the styling of these and other décor elements. The clever combination of these unusual elements, colors, and patterns creates just the perfect setting for the high-tech Sony stereo system. Many parts of the interior and exterior are plated with a chrome-like finish called SLC ("Surface Like Chrome") using a new technology developed by Durovib. FoliaTec contributed many useful design elements inside and out.

The vehicle also contains the latest in mobile entertainment. A fast and easily installed Sony PlayStation makes travel times seem shorter for the passenger. A 7-inch LCD monitor offers super-sharp picture quality.

The Tatooo’ists:

Rinspeed Design has developed lasting partnerships in the design and technology sectors.

BURG-DESIGN : Once again the Burg-Design Team has demonstrated its creativity and styling expertise. As in years past the Austrian company Burg Design is responsible for interior design, badging, typeface, side moldings, grille, and color and material selection. Its high-quality products INOFORM, EVOTEC, INOTEC and plastic films and new high-tech product V-Form (available in 52 designs) offer the customer enormous creative freedom in styling.

CONTINENTAL : The ContiSportContact is the tire for sporty and tuned vehicles. Apart from the OEM approval by leading manufacturers as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, these exceptional tires are recommended and used by the leading tuners in Germany and around the world. The best possible grip – especially in critical situations -, a high protection against aquaplaning, excellent silent running capabilities and the comfort are the major advantages of this product. The ContiSportContact is currently available in 63 dimensions and speed indexes for the OEM and aftermarket applications.

The DUCATI MONSTER 900 i.e. Special boasts the following specs: two-cylinder L-engine, 2 valves per cylinder, desmodromic valve gear, air-cooled. Electronic fuel injection Marelli. Torque 7.4 Kgm / 73 Nm at 6’750 rpm. Steel tubular space frame. Hydraulic multi-disc clutch, six speeds. Two disc brakes in the front, 320 mm, four-piston brake calipers, one disc brake in the rear, 245 mm, two-piston brake caliper from Brembo, available in red or black.

DUROVIB : DUROVIB Oberflächentechnik GmbH was founded in mid 1997. DUROVIB offers the Surface Like Chrome plating process, used to manufacture rims with chrome-like reflectivity. In April 1999 DUROVIB opened its second plant, where it began large-scale application of the patented SLC process to add brilliance to objects, replacing galvanic chrome plating. In the SLC process a metallic alloy coat is sandwiched between two coats of powdered paint using a plasma-based vacuum plating process.

FOLIATEC, the Carstyling Factory from Fürth, offers individual and high-quality car accessories: glass films, interior and exterior styling elements, wheel accessories, engine design, and trendwear. Their do-it-yourself products keep up with the latest international trends. Since its inception in 1982, retail customers, dealers and franchise partners alike have profited from the high-quality products, future-oriented product development and intensive care for the FOLIATEC brand. The company’s 100-page Millennium Catalog and creative and comprehensive website (www.foliatec.de) are especially popular with young men and women ages 17 - 25. The Carstyling Factory is a member of the Association of German Automobile Tuners and is represented by business partners on all continents. In just a few years Michael Böhm, managing director of FOLIATEC (Neumeyerstraße 70, 90411 Nürnberg, phone 0911/97544-0, fax 97544-334, e-mail: info@foliatec.de), has turned the factory into one of the leading DIY tuners through his innovative ideas.

LUFTHANSA CARGO, the world’s leading provider of transport and logistic services, has flown once more the show highlight of Rinspeed Inc. from Los Angels to Zürich. As for many other products, but also special freight services as for heavy objects, valuables, microelectronic parts, dangerous goods or live animals, LUFTHANSA CARGO is also considered as the specialist for the safe transport of automobiles. Not only the modern fleet of airplanes, but also the thorough know how of the staff and the especially developed equipment – as in this case the Car Rack – allow a perfect service to the full expectation of the customers.

MASTER STREET RODS (www.masterstreetrods.com) from the USA was commissioned to build the vehicle’s body.

REMUS – a success story: In September 1990, the company is founded in Bärnbach, Austria, specializing in designing and producing sport exhaust systems and catalysts. In spring 1991 production starts up in the new plant. Several expansion stages follow. "REMUS goes global"- more than 90 % of turnover comes from export markets - within ten years the number of employees grows to 500. In 1994 REMUS becomes the first manufacturer of sport exhaust systems in Europe to receive the coveted ISO 9001 EN 29001 certification. Other honors such as the "Quality Seal" and the Austrian Environmental Award follow. REMUS RACING demonstrates a worldwide commitment to motorsports. Numerous drivers and teams on two and four wheels around the globe race under the sign of the wolf's head. A recent reader survey by Motorsport aktuell magazine showed Remus in third place in the sponsor recognition category, trailing only BBS and Sonax.

SONY : The open road – Sony Mobile makes it a great place to enjoy music. When you’re not surfing the Web, you’re cruising the streets. And then you want sound. Pristine sound. The kind you only get with innovative technology from Sony. Like the new MiniDisc Tuner with recording and editing function or the digital sound engineer HX-DSP (Hyper expression DSP) that gives the sound your personal touch. Design?! Check out the extravagant design of the Active Black Panel headunits. A black beauty with two charming faces - but please keep watching the traffic.

SONY PLAYSTATION : With more than 70 million units sold worldwide, approximately 400,000 in Switzerland alone, the Sony PlayStation is the most successful video game console in history. More than 1,000 available games mean that players of all ages can find something to their liking. All this makes PlayStation the ultimate entertainment product that has earned its rightful place in every living room alongside the TV, VCR and stereo system.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

2001 | RINSPEED RONE

World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2001

Innovation backed by tradition - RINSPEED DESIGN of Zumikon, Switzerland continues to demonstrate its expertise in the design, development and implementation of new technologies. At the first Geneva Motor Show of the new millennium, the creative vehicle builder is presenting the Rinspeed Rone

The challenge : guilt-free pleasure

For RINSPEED developers the goal was clear: create a strikingly designed, down-to-earth sports car that offers tons of unique driving fun with exemplary environmental friendliness. The Rone with its height of only 97cm (38”) is the lowest automobile and the first sports car in the world that runs on biofuel made from kitchen and garden waste.

The design : straight from pit lane

The roots of the Rone are unmistakable even at first glance: Pure motor racing. The well-balanced combination of Formula 1 and LeMans racecars results in an unusual, highly aerodynamically efficient design with the driver at its center. The car's body lines are reinforced by longitudinal air inlets in the shape of shark gills. The rear view mirrors have been replaced by three color cameras whose images are transmitted to LCD monitors in the cockpit.

Lean : the dynamic cockpit

The most striking characteristic in the cockpit of the Rone is the central and extremely low seating position of the driver. As in earlier Rinspeed concept cars (Mono Ego and E-Go Rocket) the driver sits in the middle and - at least while driving - remains alone.

The almost reclining position of the driver allows for an extremely low body profile. The overall vehicle height is just 97cm - low enough that a stunt driver could pilot it underneath a flatbed trailer.

To improve visibility in city driving and facilitate parking, Rinspeed specialists developed the

“Dynamic Cockpit Control Concept (DCCC)”.

This new and unique system allows dynamic positioning of the cockpit. Height and inclination of the cockpit - and with it the driver - are adjusted electronically according to vehicle speed: Up to 40 km/h the cockpit is automatically in the highest position. Beyond 75 km/h the cockpit is lowered by about 30 cm into its lowest position.

The cockpit also leans into turns in motorcycle fashion, governed by the centrifugal forces created by turning speed and radius. The result is a completely new turning sensation. Says Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht, 45: "This unique combination of automobile, motorcycle and racecar cries out for the endless hairpin curves of Mediterranean coastal roads - a truly special thrill and treat.“

Clean : forward-looking biofuel

The Rone with its bivalent drive concept (gasoline/biofuel) is the cleanest sports car in the world. Even fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG) the environmental advantages are impressive: Exhaust emissions are 60 to 95 percent below today's stringent emission limits for gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Even more environmental friendly is the operation with resource-conserving Kompogas. It is produced by fermenting organic waste - mostly kitchen and garden waste - and is therefore CO2 neutral. With the energy extracted from 100 kilograms organic waste the Rone will cover 100 kilometers without contributing to the so-called greenhouse effect.

This new technology is a development of the Swiss Kompogas AG in Glattbrugg. It is already in use in numerous plants around the world. Among the licensees and interested parties are companies from Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Japan, USA, Brazil and Australia.

A Kompogas plant with a yearly capacity of 20 000 metric tons produces the energy equivalent of 1.4 million liters (370,000 US gallons) of gasoline. If all organic waste were recycled in Kompogas plants a considerable part of individual transportation could be accomplished using CO2 neutral fuel.

: Audi Individual

Contrary to many concept cars by other tuners the Rone is not just a mere showpiece. It is a cradle for new ideas and technologies and a first glimpse of the new exclusive tuning program Audi Individual of Rinspeed GmbH, which also debuts at the Geneva Motor Show 2001. On the Rone Rinspeed GmbH for the first time presents its original split-rim 8.5 x 19-inch wheels with their unmistakable styling. The Remus tailpipes in design also make their debut on the Rone.

The technology : lightness of being

The rear-mounted bivalent 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (16V) produces 120 hp at 5,500 rpm and delivers its maximum torque of 165 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear axle via a five-speed manual gearbox.

The body of the Rone is made from rarely used Pre-Preg composite and lends the Rinspeed Rone extraordinary stability at extremely low weight. Thanks to this exemplary lightweight design the Swiss "shark" weighs in at a mere 750 kg. The resulting power-to-weight ratio is enough to set hearts racing _ even among pilots of exclusive Italian sportscars. Performance is correspondingly impressive: The Rone accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in less than six seconds and has a top speed of 205 km/h.

The two-piece 19-inch wheels are independently suspended using custom-developed Eibach springs. The ample tire dimensions of the brand-new SportContact 2 by Continental (235/35 in front and 255/40 in rear) guarantee safe grip at all times. Together with the extremely low center of gravity of the vehicle, the tires allow extraordinary high cornering speeds. High-gloss chrome plated tailpipes by Remus further emphasize the sporty nature of the Rone. The cross drilled brakes disks from Derendinger guarantee safe stopping.

The interior : envy of formula pilots

The sporty interior is a captivating blend of technical functionality and creature comforts. An innovative hi-fi system by Sony delivers musical pleasure. Engine and vehicle data is displayed by two large round gauges as well as by two futuristic head-up displays from in.pro. Despite the relative confines of the interior an exclusive carpet from Rieter Automotive Systems and choice upholstery material from X-Mobil create a comfortable atmosphere. Foliatec contributed many sharp styling elements for the interior and the exterior. The conspicuous paint job by Standox in the 'Exclusive Line' hues Standox "Imola Ice“ and "Catalunya Splash“ changes color from blue and silver to red depending on the light angle.

The development : 100-percent Swiss

Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of automotive specialists for his project. Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland to speak of, there is a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

The Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired as general contractor for the entire project, including for project management, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Rone. Esoro completed the challenging task on schedule with the help of three of its best Swiss-based suppliers. Protoscar oversaw the design and animation on a sophisticated 3D CAD system. Logos manufactured the moulds and composite parts and Schwaller Movement Engineering – a supplier of the Sauber Formula 1 team – did the metal work. The team translated initial sketches into a fully functional prototype in just four and a half months.

Esoro is an independent engineering company that delivers solutions for the automotive industry. The company is well known for its innovations in the areas of composite materials, production technologies, lightweight construction and fuel cell vehicles. Esoro's prototypes are renowned for their originality, quality, design and fuel efficiency.

A word from our most important supporters : our partners

CONTINENTAL : Most motorists say they enjoy being at the wheel of their car and they especially like sporty driving. At the same time the number of more powerful cars is also rising. Continental's new tyre, the ContiSportContact 2, is specifically designed to meet the demands of drivers of fast cars such as Porsches, the Mercedes SLK or BMW Z 3. And Germany's leading tyre and suspension specialist expects the market for performance tyres able to handle speeds of up to and over 240 km/h (150 mph) to grow by approximately 40% in the course of the next five years.

EIBACH : With regard to suspension technology, the company Eibach, one of the leading suspension components manufacturer supported Rinspeed with the „Advantage R one“. The company Eibach which is specialised in suspension technology and works for the most important motorsports teams worldwide - among others also for the most part of the Formula 1 field - developed the springs and the stabilizer bars for the „Rinspeed Advantage R one“. Its suspension developments gave Eibach a first-class name worldwide. Several decades of experience in the world market have enabled Eibach to offer, today, complete suspension systems, that consider the interrelating of the most important suspension components – spring, damper, stabilizer bar- as an interactive function, a very important aspect. The „Rinspeed Advantage R one“ is the ideal platform to demonstrate Eibach’s capabilities.

FOLIA TEC - Innovative partner : As innovative, dynamic and successful company FOLIA TEC®, the Carstyling Factory of Nuremberg/Germany, is for the second time together with Rinspeed AG of Zumikon/Switzerland, designing a trend-setting concept car: the " Rone", which is due to be unveiled during 2001. With its more than 50 employees FOLIA TEC is designing top-selling and highly-profitable branded products which have become trend-setting in the global carstyling industry. In almost 50 countries around the globe FOLIA TEC® representatives are marketing the range of high-quality and sophisticated do-it-yourself products, which includes AutoGlasFilms, Exterior and Interior Design products, Wheel Accessories, Special Effects products and Trendwear. FOLIA TEC's® biggest customer group are young drivers who set store by an individual outfit for their car. With annual growth rates around 20% and a conclusive brand philosophy the company has established itself among the best in this market.

IN.PRO “Everything that makes cars fun …” : The north German automobile accessory specialist in.pro. is delighted to be providing support to Rinspeed AG for the appointments of the new Concept Car. in.pro has stood for high-quality, innovative automobile accessories in the sectors design, interior, comfort, safety, and fun for more than 20 years. Technology freaks and aesthetes are equally enthusiastic about the more than 4000 in.pro. products, for in.pro.’s highest priority is the joy the customer has with his or her car. To make sure things stay that way, 40 committed employees work at in.pro., continually monitoring and checking products from the first flash of an idea to final production.

KOMPOGAS : The Rone is the cleanest sports car in the world, running on the gas energy derived from green waste. With exhaust gas emissions 60 to 95 % less than those for petrol and diesel vehicles, the environmental benefit of using compressed gas (CNG) as a fuel is impressive. A further environmental gain is the contribution to sustainability through the use of Kompogas. This fuel is obtained in Kompogas plants by the fermentation of biomass – mainly garden and kitchen waste – and is CO2-neutral. This means that the Kompogas-powered Rone releases no additional CO2 and so does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Using the energy from 100 kg of organic waste, the Rone is able to cover a distance of 100 km. The Kompogas system – a development of Kompogas AG, based near Zurich in Switzerland – is in use today in many plants throughout the world, with licensees and potential partner companies in Germany, France, Austria, Japan, USA, Brazil and Australia. A Kompogas plant with an annual capacity of 20,000 tonnes can supply the energy equivalent of 1,400,000 litres of petrol. If all organic waste was recycled in Kompogas plants, a large proportion of car traffic could be powered by CO2-neutral fuel.

PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDING AG – managed by the Vontobel Group : Private Equity Holding AG offers institutional and private investors the opportunity to participate in a broadly composed and professionally managed private equity portfolio in a way that is simple in legal terms and optimal in terms of taxation. Besides participating in funds, the company also finances companies directly. This takes place either in conjunction with partner funds or within the context of financing in the run-up to a stock market flotation. Shares of Private Equity Holding AG are quoted in the investment companies’ sector on SWX Swiss Exchange.

REMUS : Stainless steel, laser precision, optimal performance and the typical REMUS sound, these are the four characteristics that distinguish REMUS sportexhausts. Through their involvement in motorsports and their close cooperation with world champions like Jacques Villeneuve or Damon Hill, European champions and other champs, REMUS gains important knowledge for the development and production of high quality silencers. High quality comes first for REMUS and it is attained by using stainless steel in combination with other high grade raw materials. Tests have shown that this combination guarantees best results under thermal and mechanical stress. The success of the sponsoring activities of REMUS is impressively documented by the readers survey 2000 of the magazine Motorsport Aktuell where REMUS was placed second amongst the sponsoring component manufacturers known by the readers of the magazine.

RIETER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS - Comfort in vehicles : Rieter Automotive Systems is one of the world's leading suppliers of noise control and thermal insulation systems in motor vehicles. The division of the Rieter Group is a global systems integrator for the passenger compartment (carpets and floor modules), the trunk, the underbody and the engine compartment on the basis of its core competences of acoustic and thermal management. Rieter Automotive is supplying all major car manufacturers worldwide with its network of some 40 production plants in Europe, North and Latin America and South Africa. The company has 7’300 employees and annual sales of 1.7 billion Swiss Francs ($ 1.1 billion).

SONY : Under the theme 'be mobile, drive Sony.', Sony will present several new Car Audio products at the Geneva Car Show: The new X-Plod series for every age as well as the second generation Active Black Panels. While visitors will vainly look for buttons on the world innovation 'VAP - Virtual Access Panel', they will focus their attention on the newest digital photo- and video cameras and marvel at the concept of the brand new 'Mobile Entertainment Phone'.

LUFTHANSA CARGO, the world’s leading provider of transport and logistic services, has flown once more the components of the show highlight of Rinspeed Inc. from Los Angels to Zürich. As for many other products, but also special freight services as for heavy objects, valuables, microelectronic parts dangerous goods or live animals, LUFTHANSA CARGO is also considered as the specialist for the safe transport of automobiles. Not only the modern fleet of airplanes, but also the thorough know how of the staff and the especially developed equipment – as in this case the Car Rack – allow a perfect service to the full expectation of the customers.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

2002 | RINSPEED PRESTO

World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2002

RINSPEED DESIGN, the Swiss creative source for innovative automotive concepts and fantasies, presents a very special attraction on the occasion of its 25th anniversary: Rinspeed Presto.

The Rinspeed Presto transforms itself in a few seconds from an under-3-meter long two-seater roadster - presto! - into a 3.7-meter long four-seater with plenty of room for the rear-seat passengers. The additional space can also be used as a pick-up bed for cargo when the rear-seat backrests are folded down.

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[Nicola Romeo]

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The magical trick

This almost magical transformation is made possible by a centrally located electric motor, which stretches the vehicle with the help of two mechanical screw-and-nut gears by exactly 746 millimeters to its full extended length of 3.74 meters. The longitudinal members run on low-friction precision rollers and disappear like a drawer in the rear of the floor pan. Despite its variable length the engineers succeeded in designing the adjustable Presto floor pan with the torsional rigidity necessary for a roadster. To ensure absolute operational safety the extension mechanism also features self-locking safety latches.

The environment friendly propulsion

A four-cylinder, 1.7-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine in dual-fuel configuration, based on a Mercedes-Benz engine, provides future-oriented and highly environmentally friendly propulsion. The engine runs on a mixture of natural gas and Diesel fuel at a 40 to 60 ratio. Natural gas is a very clean-burning fuel, which consists almost entirely of methane with sulfur content near zero. However, since a Diesel engine has no spark plug to act as an ignition source, operation on natural gas alone is technically impossible.

The operating principle of the dual-fuel engine is simple: Natural gas is injected into the intake air of the engine. Just like in the production engine the Diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber where it ignites a mixture of natural gas and air rather than just plain air.

To configure the turbocharged in-line engine for dual-fuel operation, a number of modifications are required, including installation of a tank for the natural gas and a gas-injection system. At the heart of the modifications is a reprogrammed engine management system. Should the system malfunction it reverts to the standard Diesel mapped ignition, thus offering the same level of reliability as the production car.

This technology has enormous potential for reducing exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. Emissions of nitrous oxides and carbon dioxide can be lowered by as much as 10 percent compared to the already extraordinary low level of the production engine. Particulate matter emissions can be lowered by up to 40 percent. With emissions this low the dual-fuel engine easily meets all existing and currently planned emission limits. Fuel consumption can be improved by up to 10 percent compared to a production engine.

The dual-fuel engine is compelling proof that environmental protection and driving fun can go hand-in-hand: The four-valve engine develops maximum power output of 120 hp / 88 kW at 4’200 rpm, and produces maximum torque of 224 Nm at just 1’600 rpm. Performance is boosted accordingly: The 865-kg quick-change artist accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 10.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of approximately 180 km/h.

Give me a smile

From the first glance the smiling face of the Presto is universally appealing. The contoured drooping hood sports a mouth-shaped front grill whose upturned corners definitely appear to signal ‘Hi – I am in a good mood.’ The body of the Presto itself tapers off into a front spoiler, a bumper in the traditional sense of the term is non-existent. The headlights of the Presto come from the Mercedes C-Class sports coupe.

In its role as a quick, highly maneuverable city speedster the Presto appears stocky yet sporty, thanks to extremely short front and rear overhangs. With a wheelbase of 1’750 millimeters and an overall length of 2.99 meters it can fit even in the smallest parking spaces.

As a four-seater with a wheelbase of 2’496 millimeters the roadster appears much sleeker, poised to strike. The Remus side pipes are more than just a sporty styling element. They also allowed the engineers to avoid a variable and complicated exhaust routing. During the transformation process the body glides past the side pipes with interference. Since the Presto does not have any doors, the upper side pipes are designed to swing out and make entering and exiting the vehicle easier for the little ones.

The entire body of the Presto consists of Pre-Preg-Composite, a modern plastic material rarely used in vehicle design for cost reasons. It offers extraordinary stability at comparatively low weight.

Show me the way

The creators of the Presto came up with a very special solution for the vehicle rear and front: Instead of conventional light signals the Rinspeed Presto informs other drivers in writing about the intent of its driver. The innovative lighting technology with powerfully bright LED lights is contributed by in.pro. During braking the international word ‘Stop’ appears on the brake lights, and during turns ‘Turn’ appears on the appropriate signal. With lights turned on, the taillights proclaim the vehicle’s name, ‘Presto’, to those who follow. A color camera integrated into the taillights reveals any potential obstacles to the driver in the rearview mirror.

The Presto shows its noble heritage in the interior, too. The dashboard comes from the A-Class and the seats are from the smart. The fiery-orange interior is as versatile as the body. The comfortable two-seater turns into a spacious pick-up or four-seater roadster at the push of a button. The rear-seat passengers can enjoy more leg room than in an A-Class with long wheelbase. In addition, the rear seats can be folded down individually and make almost any interior configuration possible.

Interior reflections

Exclusive reflective upholstery materials from Xmobil create an eye-catching yet comfortable atmosphere. Entertainment in hi-fi quality is provided by a Sony stereo system whose sound is transmitted via wireless headphones. Foliatec contributed many clever styling elements for the interior as well as the exterior.

A Meta-Sat anti-theft system gives thieves no chance. With GSM and satellite wireless communications the Rinspeed Presto can be traced, located and immobilized by remote control. The Meta-Sat system is combined with a keyless-entry system from in.pro., which deactivates the security system from a distance of 10 feet.

Tires and more

The Rinspeed Presto runs on one-piece Antera wheels (7.5x17 with a offset of 17 mm in front, 8.5x17 with 52 mm offset in the rear), on the front axle individually suspended on custom-developed Eibach springs. In the rear a semi-independent suspension also feature custom Eibach springs. To complement the low-emission nature of the Presto, Rinspeed designers chose SportContact 2 tires by Continental (205/50 front and 235/45 rear), which underscore their fuel-saving bionic design with green tire treads.

Swiss made

Rinspeed-C.E.O. Frank M. Rinderknecht (46) used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of automotive and natural-gas specialists (Gasverbund Mittelland AG and SVGW) for his project. Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland to speak of, there is a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland. The competent team translated initial sketches into a fully functional prototype in just four months.

Esoro

Swiss based ESORO is an innovative and independent engineering company that delivers solutions for the automotive industry. The company is well known for its innovations in the areas of composite materials, production technologies, lightweight construction and fuel cell vehicles. ESORO's prototypes are renowned for their originality, quality, design and fuel efficiency. Looking back at a number of impressive prototypes - the last one being a Swiss developed Fuel-Cell-Vehicle called “HyCar”-, ESORO has proven their engineering competence. At this time, ESORO develops a new and very efficient technology for thermoplastic composite materials for the automotive and aeronautical industries.

ESORO was hired already the third time as general contractor for the entire project, including for project management, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Presto. ESORO completed the challenging task on schedule with the help of three of its best Swiss-based suppliers.

Schwaller Movement Engineering

Schwaller Movement Engineering - a supplier of prototype parts and experimental vehicles to the Sauber Formula 1 team and German motor sports and vehicle manufacturers - was commissioned for the complex structural chassis modifications and metal fabrications.

Protoscar

Protoscar SA - based in Southern Switzerland - oversaw the design and animation on a sophisticated 3D CAD system for the Presto. Protoscar is specialized in 3D design, animation and conceptional work in the automotive sector and for other industrial fields.

Logos

Logos Advanced Composites manufactured the moulds and composite parts of the Presto. Logos is specialized in the manufacturing of high quality composite parts in the Prepreg-process.

GVM - the largest regional Natural gas company of Switzerland - partners with Rinspeed

GVM which stands for „Gasverbund Mittelland“, the biggest regional gas transport company in Switzerland, teamed up with Rinspeed.

The natural gas vehicle (NGV) version shown by GVM and Rinspeed includes the concept car Presto, a Mercedes-Benz 170 CDI A-class and the GVM monovalent SMART. The Presto is driven by a natural gas engine uses the dual fuel natural gas diesel combustion process. The same converted engine provides power to the A-class Mercedes-Benz in a clean and environmentally friendly way. The GVM NGV SMART, runs on natural gas only (monovalent mode) and has a range of about 300 km.

Natural gas as an alternative fuel is becoming more and more popular in Switzerland too.

Natural gas is a clean burning, environmentally friendly fuel and offers a sustainable alternative for vehicles. In times where the intensity of travel increases and goes more and more towards individual motorization the emissions of this sector are causing levels of pollution which can no longer be tolerated (c.f. Italy in January). For the time being only natural gas offers a valuable and practical alternative with an infrastructure in place. Natural gas is a fuel for the future, present today. Because of its simple chemical structure and its combustion properties natural gas is an inherently clean fuel. There is a big potential to massively reduce the emission of internal combustion engines i.e. soot, particles, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons responsible for smog and ozone formation as well as global warming. Heavy duty natural gas engines produce less noise than their diesel analogs. As an additional benefit the use of natural gas diminishes the oil dependency of the fuel supply. Today natural gas is used predominantly in stationary applications like space heating. But you can drive on natural gas as convenient as with diesel or petrol.

The future of mobility belongs to natural gas.

The engines, power trains, vehicles are serial products offered by many automobile manufacturers. Refuelling is easy and possible at more than 40 refuelling sites all over Switzerland. The refuelling infrastructure will be continuously expanded so we will see fifty public stations at the end of 2003. Range is no problem. Most natural gas cars are bivalent they can run on natural gas or petrol anyway.

A word from our most important supporters: our partners

Antera

Antera took up the challenge of producing special wheels with high-gloss rims to carry these Continental tires. An Italian company, it is famous for its avant-garde wheel designs and for the unusual technical principles which it adopts. For example, the tire valve is hidden behind the hub cover made of titanium so that the wheel's overall appearance is not affected by the valve protruding from the rim.

Continental

Designer Tires from Continental Just Right for Rinspeed Presto. A custom-designed ContiSportContact 2 guarantees the right ground contact for the new Rinspeed Presto. By interspersing a bit of green among the individual tread segments, the high-performance tire from Continental effectively underscores the concept behind the innovative subcompact car that converts into a pick-up for larger loads. The Presto's other impressive features are its mileage performance and its unique drive concept. As the sole bionic sports tire, the strikingly designed ContiSportContact 2 is also admirably suited to optically highlighting the Rinspeed concept, i.e. that of a space-saving vehicle that nonetheless lends itself to sporty driving.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of tires, brake systems, chassis components and technical elastomer. The company realized sales of €10.1 billion in 2000 with approx. 64,000 employees worldwide.

Eibach

With regard to suspension technology, the company Eibach, one of the leading suspension components manufacturer supported Rinspeed with the Presto. The company Eibach which is specialized in suspension technology and works for the most important motor sports teams worldwide - among others also for the most part of the Formula 1 field - developed the springs and the stabilizer bars for the Rinspeed Presto. Its suspension developments gave Eibach a first-class name worldwide. Several decades of experience in the world market have enabled Eibach to offer, today, complete suspension systems that consider the interrelating of the most important suspension components - spring, damper, stabilizer bar - as an interactive function, a very important aspect. The Presto is the ideal platform to demonstrate Eibach’s capabilities.

Folia Tec - innovative partner

Presto - the snappy city car which by the push of a button can be extended by 75 cm and transformed into a four-seater roadster/ pickup - is full of surprises. Numerous FOLIA TEC® products from the latest range of the German Carstyling Factory contribute to the success of this innovative creation by the Swiss concept car studio Rinspeed: with PEDAL-Set Colorline, silver BRAKE-CaliperLacquer, SHORT-SHIFT Fiberstyle, ALU-RaceGrid, DOOR-Pins, STEP DoorSillCovers, ALU LicencePlateScrews, INTERIOR Colorspray, INSTYLE-InteriorMirror and NEON-Lights in all variations, the concept car features a comprehensive selection of cool FOLIA TEC® ideas for individual carstyling. So the Mercedes A-class is „presto, presto“ transformed into a personality which is certain to cause a sensation at the Geneva Motor Show.

FOLIA TEC®, the Carstyling Factory from Nuremberg, was founded more than 20 years ago as a supplier of individual carstyling accessories: AutoglassFilms, Exterior and Interior Styling Accessories, Wheel Accessories, Engine Design, Neon and Special Effects. The do-it-yourself products are always an innovative step ahead of current trends. International success is ensured by business partners around the globe.

In.pro. - “Everything that makes cars fun …”

Following a successful involvement in the last Rinspeed concept vehicle, the Advantige Rone, the north German automobile accessory specialist in.pro. is delighted to be providing support to Rinspeed for the appointments of the new concept car - the Presto - as well. in.pro has stood for high-quality, innovative automobile accessories in the sectors design, interior, comfort, safety, and fun for more than 20 years. Technology freaks and aesthetes are equally enthusiastic about the more than 4’000 in.pro. products, for in.pro.’s highest priority is the joy the customer has with his or her car. For a very reasonable price, everybody can enhance their vehicle in an optical (e.g. with design products as clear glass taillights), more comfortable (e.g. aftermarket remote controls) or safer (e.g. alarms or parking systems) manner. The new ideas are created by a team of development engineers and trend scouts. For the efficient realization of the first idea to ready-made products for the customer, in.pro. employs more than 45 people in their headquarters at Henstedt-Ulzburg and maintains a world wide dealer network of more than 300 partners. “It was an important factor for our cooperation that the new ideas and products initiated and realized on the Presto-project remain not only conceptional studies, but soon find their way to the new in.pro. catalogue for our customers to order for their very own car” says in.pro.’s C.E.O. Jörg Knoblich.

Remus

Stainless steel, laser precision, optimal performance and the typical REMUS sound, these are the four characteristics that distinguish REMUS sport exhausts. Through their involvement in motor sports and their close cooperation with world champions like Jacques Villeneuve or Damon Hill, European champions and other champs, REMUS gains important knowledge for the development and production of high quality silencers. High quality comes first for REMUS and it is attained by using stainless steel in combination with other high grade raw materials. Tests have shown that this combination guarantees best results under thermal and mechanical stress. The wage: REMUS will take a leading position in the favor of the public. The success of the sponsoring activities of REMUS is impressively documented by the readers’ survey of numerous specialist publications.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

2003 | RINSPEED BEDOUIN

World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2003

Rinspeed Design, the Swiss powerhouse for automotive concepts and emotions, once again presents a unique attraction this year, the

Rinspeed Bedouin.

At the push of a button the Rinspeed Bedouin can be transformed from a roomy two-seater pick-up into a sporty yet spacious four-seater wagon sporting the trendy ‘allroad’ look – in less than ten seconds. With its high roofline the Bedouin also offers lots of room and seating comfort for rear-seat passengers. Even more, the increase of interior space can be used as an enclosed cargo bed by folding down the backrest of the rear seats.

“With the Rinspeed Bedouin we wanted to show that there’s lots of untapped creative potential regarding multi-purpose vehicles,” says Frank M. Rinderknecht (47), C.E.O. of Rinspeed AG. “From our point of view MPVs can contribute to the preservation of the world’s resources since they’re capable of taking on many of the specialized uses of second or third cars. And they can adapt to the specific transportation needs at hand within seconds."

The transformation trick

The almost magical transformation sequence is started by two electric motors that drive jackscrews to lift the entire roof of the vehicle. The front part of the roof then folds and in effect becomes the tailgate window while the rear part of the roof turns into the cargo bed. The tailgate is also electrically powered and can be lowered to extend the bed by another 45 centimeters to an overall length of 185 centimeters. The bed can be used to transport bulky cargo and serves as a modern tent replacement and romantic bunk for leisurely rests.

To comply with highest safety standards the entire mechanism is fitted with redundant self-locking safeties and for maximum effect is operated with a remote control.

The fastest natural gas vehicle in the world

The Rinspeed Bedouin is powered by a future-oriented environment-friendly twin-turbo engine running on natural gas. Natural gas is an extremely clean-burning fuel that consists almost entirely of methane and contains almost no sulfur.

Protecting the environment does not preclude driving fun: The four-valve engine is from Porsche and produces 420 hp / 309 kW at 6,000 rpm. It delivers its impressive maximum torque of 560 Nm at just 2,700 rpm. Performance is accordingly proud: The 1,640-kg Bedouin accelerates in roughly 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h and reaches an electronically and mechanically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Sporty thoughts …

The sporty lines of the Bedouin attract attention even at first glance. It is a little reminiscent of the Porsche 911, type 996 Carrera, from which it takes the 4x4 platform. In keeping with the English tradition of the ‘shooting break,’ the sporty wagon of the affluent hunter, the roofline exhibits a dynamic swing that gradually flattens out toward the rear. The wide rear fenders and their striking air inlets exude raw power. The large air inlets in the front provide ample cooling air and also contribute to the powerful appearance of the Bedouin.

A sporty stainless-steel exhaust from Remus with milled all-aluminum tailpipes provides the adequate sound and gives the rear a unique and dynamic look.

The elaborate roof design made from aluminum profiles is witness to the engineering prowess of Rinspeed. The entire mechanism for operating the roof is hidden from view behind the sidewalls. Green-tinted Folia Tec glass in the roof louvers creates a bright and cozy ambiance even when the roof is closed.

Thanks to a sporty yet comfortable custom Eibach suspension, the body of the Bedouin sits about 15 centimeters higher than that of the Porsche equivalent. The suspension, which features adjustable ride height and firmness, offers a perfect synthesis of ride comfort and sporty handling.

The rearview mirrors as well as the front and rear bumpers are painted with sparkling crystal paint from Swarovski, which also contributed the fully crystal hood emblem and the rear badge featuring SDS technology.

In the Bedouin even the taillights look forward – into the future. In.pro. custom-developed chrome-plated LED taillights for the Bedouin, which not only initiate a new design trend but also offer increased traffic safety due to their exceptionally fast reaction time.

The entire body of the Bedouin is made up of Pre-Preg composite, a state-of-the-art plastic rarely used in automotive production. It combines a low specific weight with extraordinarily high strength.

Crystal worlds of leather

The Bedouin shows its proud heritage in the interior, too. Most of the interior of the Bedouin was retained from the Porsche 996 Carrera and was custom-upholstered with exquisite “Poltrona-Frau leather“ from X-Mobil. The brown hue of the color “Cotto“ harmonizes perfectly with the exterior color, which changes from slightly green to copper.

The Rinspeed designers also broke new ground in the selection of materials. In a partnership with the world-leading manufacturer of crystal glass Swarovski they created ultra-modern and visionary new interior elements. The hand-covered door panels shine in soft hues of brown and white. The gearshift-lever grip is made from solid crystal with a shift pattern embedded using endographics. Lasers were used to imprint the leather seats with Rinspeed logos, which were then in turn covered with crystals.

A seven-inch color LCD monitor folds down from a recessed position in the roofliner. It can display the signal from the rearview camera for the driver or entertain the passenger with the program of an integrated DVD player. The system was developed Blaupunkt and also allows connecting an external programming source such as a Sony Playstation.

Well shod

The Rinspeed Bedouin runs on voluminous fully off-road capable 18-inch Continental SportContact 4x4-tires in sizes 255/55 in front and 285/50 in the rear. The Continental tires combine environment-friendly design, exceptional off-road capabilities and excellent grip on road surfaces. The tires are mounted on two-piece Rinspeed aluminum wheels (8.5x18“ Rim Offset 40 mm front, 10x18“ Rim Offset 52 mm rear) custom-made by ATP.

The installed progressive-rate Wandfluh steering contributes greatly to the cat-like agility of the Bedouin. A mere half a turn of the steering wheel separates the full left from the full right position. This steering system makes fast steering-angle changes child play without compromising directional stability.

Swiss made

Esoro

Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of top automotive specialists for his project. Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland to speak of, there is a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

For the fourth time the Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired to serve as general contractor for the entire vehicle project. Esoro was responsible for project management, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Rinspeed Bedouin. Esoro masterfully met the challenge with the help of its highly competent suppliers Protoscar and Schwaller. It took the highly skilled development team just three and a half months after the design freeze to transform the Rinspeed Bedouin from clay model to a drivable and fully functioning prototype.

Esoro has been a contract developer in the areas of automotive production, lightweight design and plastics technology for 12 years. During this time it has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellent efficiency and innovative solutions not just in these but also in other fields, including fuel-cell vehicles and prototype construction. Esoro has impressively demonstrated its expertise with numerous extraordinary prototypes. But even more: Just a few weeks ago Esoro presented the new E-LFT production technology, which makes it possible to manufacture high-strength plastic parts that weigh 30-50 percent less than comparable steel at a large scale and at economically feasible costs.

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[Nicola Romeo]

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GVM - a strong partner

Gasverbund Mittelland (GVM) AG - the largest regional natural-gas company in Switzerland is another one of Rinspeed’s competent partners. Natural gas is a sensible and extremely environment friendly fuel alternative that can contribute notably to the reduction of emissions, especially in urban centers. Natural gas currently represents the only economically feasible solution among the multitude of theoretically possible alternative fuels.

All vehicles exhibited jointly between GVM und Rinspeed are operated using environment-friendly natural gas. Among them are the Bedouin concept car, an Audi Allroad 2.7 Bi-Turbo as well as an Opel Zafira CNG.

Natural gas - the real alternative

Natural gas is tomorrow’s fuel today. The enormous potential of natural gas for protecting the environment is not limited to stationary use. It can also help reduce the amounts of nitrous oxides, particulate matter, CO2 and hydrocarbons. Engines running on natural gas are also quieter than their conventional counterparts.

Using natural gas as fuel also represents another step away from the world’s economic dependency on crude oil.

Natural gas - no longer just for heating

Currently natural gas is used predominantly for generating heat. But it can also be used for driving – as easy and as convenient as with regular cars. The same is true for fueling. The technology is mature and proven. The number of gas stations offering natural gas grows from year to year. By the end of this there’ll be approximately 50 filling stations selling natural gas in Switzerland alone. In Europe today there is in effect no longer an operating range limit for gas-powered vehicles.

The Involvement of SwissEnergy

Natural gas and so-called biogas have numerous advantages compared to ordinary fuels:

- Approximately 25 percent less carbon compared to the energy equivalent of conventional fuels. For optimized gas-burning engines this translates into the equivalent reduction potential for carbon dioxide, which currently is considered the main threat to our climate.

- Biogas is a regenerative fuel and thus CO2 neutral.

- Natural gas and biogas burn much cleaner (particles PM10, PM2,5 and NOx) than nowadays mostly used liquid fossil fuels. In addition engines operated with natural gas or biogas are quieter than their conventional counterparts.

- Natural gas and biogas reduce the one-sided dependency on crude oil as a source for fuel.

The Swiss Federal Energy Office supports natural gas vehicles and the efforts of the gas industry within the range of its action program “SwissEnergy”. The Rinspeed Bedouin concept car helps to reduce prejudices against gas-powered vehicles and projects emotions onto the gas-powered vehicles on the market today.


A word from our technical partners

Continental

The Conti4x4SportContact - Ideal for the Rinspeed Bedouin

With its powerful 420 HP engine, the all-wheel-drive Bedouin requires tyres up to mastering challenges far greater than those facing normal passenger cars. The loads occurring when accelerating, braking and cornering approach what is standard on thoroughbred sports cars. When this concept vehicle is transformed from a sports car into a pick-up, moreover, it also has payload mashing it down against the ground. And its height-adjustable chassis with off-road characteristics puts it in need of cornering stability every bit as reliable as on heavy AWD vans.

No tyre is better suited than the Conti4x4SportContact to accommodate gruelling application conditions like these. Its unique cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art tread compound not only provide better grip when starting off and braking. They can also be counted on for consistently high performance in terms of cornering and adhesion on rain-slicked underground.

Which explains why Frank M. Rinderknecht has opted for Conti4x4SportContact as the perfect all-round tyre for his latest project. Up front a size 255/55 ZR 18 duo ensures safe cornering and solid grip, while in the rear size 285/50 ZR 18 delivers the necessary thrust. The sporty 4x4 performers have no problem coping with maximum speeds of 250 km/h. And when 420 HP and 560 Nm bear down on the crankshaft to spurt the vehicle from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, the tyres are obviously very much in their element. Should it come as any surprise then that the designer of the Rinspeed Bedouin is firmly convinced that these Hannover products offer the very best solution for his concept vehicle?

Eibach and Rinspeed co-operate with singular Porsche study

For years the Swiss Frank M. Rinderknecht with his company Rinspeed presents exclusive, innovative studies at the autosalon in Geneva. Always TÜV examined and ready to drive. With the autosalon of this year 2003 he surprises the professional world with a completely special study object: the Bedouin, a "multipurpose vehicle" of the extra class. Basis of Swiss novelty is the Porsche 996 Carrera turbo. A fully off-road multi-talent with an height adjustable suspension system of Eibach. Characteristic of this suspension system: The car lies more highly, not more deeply.

The noble study of the two partners made high demands at both research and development departments. Because the Bedouin is 250 km/h fast, convertible as a pickup within ten seconds and also thought to be a off-road vehicle. For this reason a suspension system had to be developed, which was adjusted to high speeds and off road. Rinspeed selected for this order the renowned suspension system manufacturer Eibach.

They offer different suspension system components for the Stuttgart noble brand for years. Also renowned porsche-Tuner such as Gemballa, 9ff and Sportec, as well as racing teams with their Porsche models use Eibach products. The experience of many years was a further reason for the decision to work together with Eibach on this project.

Basis for the beduin suspension system was the height-adjustable Eibach suspension system Pro-street, which was completly new designed. The in and suspension rebound movements were adapted to the requirements of the vehicle and so a high putting was reached from 25 to 40 millimeters. To manage this, Eibach engineers used a special suspension system with main and auxiliary springs. In addition aluminum support bearings with university ball were attached to both axles.

Further characteristic: The dampers of the singular Eibach suspension system for the Bedouin are completely manufactured from high-strength aluminum. Apart from the increased durability, so also substantial weight savings could be achieved.

With the study and development of a completely new suspension system for the Rinspeed Bedouin, Eibach proved again his innovation strength and experience of many years, particularly in the motorsport and as partner of the industry.

Folia Tec - the Bedouin’s turban

For the world debut at the Geneva Motor Show the Rinspeed „Bedouin“ has put on his best turban: the Color AutoglassFilm Greenlight from Folia Tec®, the Carstyling Factory of Nuremberg/Germany. The sunroof of this revolutionary „Multi Utility Vehicle“ with the exotic name „Bedouin“, is completely covered with this StylingFilm. Like the turban it has a dual function, as a protection against intensive solar radiation and as a styling accessory. However the advanced film technology has long since surpassed the effectiveness of the Bedouin turban: on top of protection against harmful UV radiation (all Folia Tec® films provide 99 per cent UV protection), quality films such as those produced by Folia Tec® also provide glare and privacy protection. Additional benefit: by binding the splinters of broken windows, the films reduce the injury risk for occupants in an accident.

The cooperation of Rinspeed AG of Zumikon/Switzerland with Folia Tec Böhm GmbH & Co Vertriebs KG of Nuremberg/Germany, has a „dynamic“ tradition. The Carstylers of Nuremberg, who in the meantime have also ventured into Bikestyling, are marketing their products - which are available from good car accessories shops - all over the world. In Germany six performance centers are already stocking the complete range of Folia Tec® products. Centers in Zurich, Moskow and Vienna are in preparation. Whilst designed for do-it-yourself installation, the films may also be fitted by professionals. Folia Tec® is offering this service through over 200 Stylingteam® partners in Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria.

In.pro. - everything to make cars fun

After a longstanding and successful commitment to Rinspeed concept cars over the last few years (Advantige Rone and Rinspeed Presto), this year once again, the globally active car-accessory specialist from northern Germany also presents various new innovations. For 25 years, in.pro. has stood for qualitative, high-grade and innovative car-accessories in the areas of design, interior, comfort and fun. The range of more than 4’000 in.pro products just as equally impresses technology freaks and DIY up-grader, as it does the entirely normal “standard” car drivers. Offering top value for money, practically anyone can optically upgrade their vehicle (for instance; with designer products such as clear-glass headlamps), and make them more comfortable (for instance; with retrofitted radio remote controls) or safer (for example; with alarm installations or parking aids). Our own development team, and a network of trend-scouts close to the target groups, are responsible for the new ideas. Over 45 employees based at the in.pro. central offices in Henstedt-Ulzburg, and over 300 trading bases around the world, ensure conversion of the initial idea, right through until shipment is made to the customer.

Decisive for participation in the Bedouin-Project, was the ability to feasibly convert the products utilised in the series: in.pro. boss, Jörg Knoblich, divulged “The Bedouin is the perfect combination of dynamic sporting design and technical functionality, and a possibility for us to create and test technically complex, individual solutions, which will subsequently flow into large-scale production. Many in.pro. products from the Bedouin series can once again be found in the current catalogue, or will soon be available to in.pro.-customers.“

Flexible LED Side-marking-lights

For the first time in a Rinspeed concept study, in.pro. LED Side marking lights were fitted with the most modern flexible conductors by Presto. Due to the best possible flexibility, the lights can also be attached to arched bodywork surfaces and corner radii. To be included in the in.pro standard accessory parts program within a few weeks.

LED Rear-lights

Lights in LED designs are not only longer lasting with equable light output; they also offer the possibility for individual arrangement of the light source. Already last year, the LED Rear-lights impressed in Presto with the various illuminated letter elements. This year, experience gained from the development of Presto Rear-lights flowed into the new in.pro. Corsa LED Rear lights, among other things, which have already been available commercially for some weeks. The Bedouin products developed by in.pro. will continue to consistently lead the trends, and this year once again, be the basis for a high-grade and innovative range of accessories.

Day Driving-light

Day Driving-lights from in.pro. offer a big plus in safety – and are also available for Bedouin. Because whoever drives with lights during the day, can be seen much easier by other traffic users. It is not without reason that Day Driving-lights are already a legal requirement in some countries. Contrary to dipped headlights when switched on, in.pro. Day Driving-lights consume noticeably less power, and by reducing the load to the alternator, less fuel is also consumed.

Remus

Stainless steel, laser precision, optimal performance and the typical Remus sound, these are the four characteristics that distinguish Remus sport exhausts. Through their involvement in motorsports and their close cooperation with world champions like Jacques Villeneuve or Damon Hill, European champions and other champs, Remus gains important knowledge for the development and production of high quality silencers. High quality comes first for Remus and it is attained by using stainless steel in combination with other high grade raw materials. Tests have shown that this combination guarantees best results under thermal and mechanical stress. The wage: Remus will take a leading position in the favour of the public. The success of the sponsoring activities of Remus is impressively documented by the readers survey of numerous specialist publications.

Swarovski presents crystal innovations for the automobile future

Futuristic designs for the interior and exterior of Rinspeed’s revolutionary “Bedouin”

Swarovski presents fascinating crystal innovations for the future of the automobile as Rinspeed AG’s partner at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. One very impressive exhibit is the revolutionary Rinspeed Bedouin, a 420 horsepower symbiosis of sporty station wagon and pickup truck - which is on display at the stand of the renowned Swiss vehicle builder and “creative home of automobile concepts and emotions”.

With its futuristic ideas for tomorrow’s vehicle interiors, the world’s leading manufacturer of cut crystal gives us a completely new sense of its creative potential. The highlight is an intriguingly sparkling crystal lacquer – a visionary development from Swarovski Crystal Architecture - which creates trendy accents on the mirror casings and in the interior of the sophisticated pickup. The extraordinary gear knob of multifaceted crystal and the fabulously beautiful interior door facings of the finest alcantara, to which Swarovski transfers have been applied, are testament to the spirit of vision, willingness to innovate and the power of fantasy.

Further attractive details are the elegantly cut triangular radiator emblem, through the facets of which the Rinspeed logo shimmers in gold, and the Rinspeed logo on the rear of the supercar, which is set with the tiniest crystals.

Genuine highlights in creative vehicle design are also set by the scaling in the central dashboard instruments, such as the speedometer, rev counter and oil pressure gauges: these appear particularly stylish with the crystal chatons, only 0,8mm to 1mm in size, which have been precision set into the gauges by hand.

Not forgetting the two Rinspeed logos in the backrests of the cockpit seats, consisting of trendy crystal jewelry stones, which have been applied to the beautiful leather of Poltrona-Frau using a completely new processing technique. This extraordinary combination of the finest leather with sparkling crystal gives the seats an irresistibly exclusive edge and is at the same time a great example of how ideally suited Swarovski crystals are for enhancing car interiors.

These components have been inspiring the crème de la crème of the international fashion elite for some time. For example Vivienne Westwood, inspired to create her fascinating Pour Point jacket, which she designed for the debut of Swarovski’s “Crystal Fabric”, a completely new, extremely light fabric creation for the fashion industry with tiny cut and round crystals. Or the Italian designer Francesco Binfare, who created one of the most talked about symbols of modern furniture design with his “Diamond Sofa” for Edra with over 500'000 Swarovski crystals.

With its crystal innovations which harmonize perfectly with the conceptual achievements in the form of the Bedouin, Swarovski has once again turned its own lifestyle and fashion products into sparkling signs of the times. Amongst the most well known are their “Crystal Tattoos” in various colors and shapes, which set the fashion worldwide as a new generation of body jewelry.

Professional Idea Management

Bedouin’s sparkling eye catchers such as its crystal lacquer, gear knob and radiator emblem are the result of constant research into new production techniques and design possibilities as well as professional idea management. In Swarovski’s “Idea Workshop”, its i-lab, innovation and development skills from different areas of the concern are brought together, international trends and themes are researched and the findings of renowned fashion forecasting agencies, research institutes, designers and artists are analyzed. As Creative Advisor it supports the realization of innovative product ideas and goes hand in hand with fruitful cooperation with external visionaries such as Rinspeed AG.

For more than a hundred years Swarovski, the Austrian family company based in Wattens in the Tyrol, has been the world’s leading manufacturer of cut crystal. Crystal jewelry stones and crystalline semi-finished goods for the fashion, jewelry and lighting industries are as much a part of the company’s product range as gift articles and collectibles fashioned from faceted crystal. Swarovski’s artistic and design abilities are evident in Daniel Swarovski Paris and Swarovski Jewelry, the company’s accessory and jewelry ranges. Since 1995 visitors have been able to enjoy the ultimate crystal experience at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. The Swarovski group also includes Tyrolit, which produces grinding tools and abrasives, Swarovski Optik, the company’s optics division, with its precision optics for hunting and nature observation, and Signity, which processes natural and synthetic precious stones.

In 2001 Swarovski achieved group sales of CHF 2.55 billion with a total of 13'400 employees.

Wandfluh

Wandfluh Automotive AG developed a progressive steering system which offers more driving pleasure through sporty cornering, more safety trough steering without swapping hands and more comfort in city traffic. Progressive in this sense means that the steering angle of the wheels will increase over proportionally compared to the angel of the steering wheel. In the straight ahead position the steering system reacts like a conventional one but in winding roads or in parking situations it becomes increasingly direct. The Wandfluh steering system is based on well proven technology and is already in use within the Go-Kart-Sport. In the near future this technology will be a must for every sportive car driver!

 

[Nicola Romeo]

2004 | RINSPEED SPLASH

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2004

An utmost attractive world novelty is presented at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show by the well known swiss automotive design company RINSPEED DESIGN:

Rinspeed "Splash”.

In what has become a fond tradition Rinspeed Design, the Swiss creative powerhouse for automotive concepts and emotions, presents yet another surprising and astounding attraction at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. To celebrate their 10th concept vehicle the Rinspeed crew has created the

Rinspeed "Splash”.

Under the ultra-light carbon-composite skin lies much more than just an agile and lively sports car. The Rinspeed “Splash” is the true incarnation of a really cool and fun sports toy. At the push of a button a cleverly thought-out hydraulic mechanism transforms the sports car into an amphibious vehicle. But that alone wasn’t enough for Frank M. Rinderknecht (48), founder and boss of Rinspeed. A highly complex integrated hydrofoil system enables the “Splash” to ‘fly’ at an altitude of about 60 cm above the water.

On land, on water, and in the air

The almost magical transformation from a street vehicle into a floating and ‘flying’ all-rounder is made possible by an electronically controlled hydraulic system with an array of sophisticated sensors.

The transformation starts with the nondescript rear panel, which flips up to reveal a Z-drive in horizontal rest position, borrowed from a watercraft. The Z-drive is fitted with a conventional 3-bladed propeller and can be lowered to its fully ‘standing’ position from the cockpit. The position of the drive is infinitely variable, which guarantees immediate propulsion upon entering the water. A custom-designed transfer case sends power to the rear wheels, the propeller or both, depending on the input from the pilot. Starting at a water depth of about 1.1 meters the Z-drive can be lowered all the way to its fully ‘standing’ position. Steering commands are entered via the steering wheel and transferred to the Z-drive.

At a minimum water depth of about 1.3 meters the pilot can deploy a highly complex system of hydrofoils integrated into the sleek body of the “Splash.” The Formula-1 type rear spoiler rotates 180 degrees down and comes to rest below the “Splash.” To the left and right of the high side walls of the cockpit two hydrofoils integrated into the outside skin rotate 90 degrees to point straight down before unfolding into their lifting V shape.

The angle of attack of each hydrofoil can be adjusted individually by the pilot to account for the various operating states. Already at low speeds the vehicle begins to lift itself out of the water. The fully suspended position can be reached at speeds as low as 30 km/h. The unusual vehicle then travels as a true hydrofoil at an altitude of about 60 cm above the water. Even the wheels are free of water contact. On smooth water the “Splash” is capable of reaching a top speed of about 80 km/h (approx. 45 knots).

Naturally the “Splash” can also be operated as a ‘conventional’ amphibious vehicle. With retracted hydrofoils the “Splash” reaches a top speed of almost 50 km/h (approx. 28 knots). That is fast enough for water skiing or knee boarding.

The body of the “Splash” is designed to be watertight. Additional buoyancy chambers provide extra lift. Also borrowed from shipbuilding are a bulkhead design with independent chambers and bilge pumps – in case some water does find its way into the cockpit or the engine bay. Fourteen rubber bellows guarantee freedom of movement of drive train, suspension and steering.

Compact natural-gas power from just 750 cm3

The “Splash” is powered by an environmentally friendly bivalent turbocharged natural-gas engine. Natural gas is an extremely clean-burning fuel that consists almost entirely of methane with near-zero sulfur content. The “Splash” is the world’s first amphibious vehicle to be equipped with this future-oriented engine technology.

Preserving the environment does not mean sacrificing driving fun - and neither does the low overall weight: The turbocharged two-cylinder four-valve engine from Weber Motor powers the watercrafts and snow mobiles from Polaris, albeit as a gasoline-powered engine. In its bivalent turbocharged natural-gas configuration the engine delivers a maximum power output of 140 hp/103 kW at 7'000 rpm. The peak torque of 150 Nm is available at a low 3'500 rpm. Street performance is nothing to be ashamed of: The 825 kg quick-change artist accelerates in about 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h.

No bounds

The sleek lines of the “Splash” draw attention at first glance. However, one of the basic ideas behind the “Splash” concept was to design an automobile whose multi-functional capabilities are not immediately apparent. Hardly anyone will realize that the ‘soft-edge design’ “Splash” can fulfill the age-old child’s dream of almost boundless mobility at the push of a button.

The entire body of the “Splash“ consists of multi-layered carbon composite, a state-of-the-art plastic mainly used in Formula One racing. It offers exceptional stability at a low specific weight. The striking bodylines of the “Splash” are the expression of the fine art of engineering. The low windshield protects against drafts and its tinted Folia Tec glass contributes to the futuristic chrome look.

The sporty stainless-steel exhaust system from Remus provides the adequate powerful engine sound. The chrome-plated dual exhaust tips give the “Splash” a unique and highly dynamic rear appearance.

The lightweight body sits on a suspension custom-developed by KW automotive. It features inboard shock absorbers, adjustable ride firmness and height. The suspension engineers succeeded in creating a suspension that represents a perfect synthesis of ride comfort and sporty handling characteristics.

In.pro. custom-developed chrome-plated bi-xenon headlamps for the “Splash” as well as LED taillights. The latter not only represent the beginning of a new design trend, their ability to come on almost instantly also contributes to the prevention of accidents.

Aye aye, Captain

The interior of the “Splash” clearly pays tribute to its maritime qualities. Lightweight and waterproof plastics cover the tubular frame and the ergonomically shaped plastic seats. The small sport steering wheel is perfect for the agile handling characteristics of the lively and highly maneuverable “Splash.” A number of chrome-plated shift knobs, which govern the amphibious functions and the angle of attack of the hydrofoils, exude an atmosphere reminiscent of an airplane cockpit.

Hydroplaning - on water only

The Rinspeed “Splash“ runs on Continental SportContact tires with 17-inch diameter in front (215/35-17) and 18 inches in the back (225/35-18). The Continental tires combine environmentally friendly design, very good handling characteristics and excellent grip. They are mounted on chrome-plated aluminum rims (7x17“ front, 7.5x18“ rear) custom-made by Barracuda.

Swiss made

Esoro

Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of top automotive specialists for his project. Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland to speak of, there is a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland^.

engineered by Esoro - What you dream is what you get

For the fifth time the Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired to serve as general contractor for the entire vehicle project. Esoro was responsible for project management, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Rinspeed Splash.

Esoro masterfully met the challenge with the help of its highly competent suppliers Naval (marine), Swissauto (drive train adaptation) and Protoscar (styling). Starting with initial concepts, it took the highly skilled development team just seven months to realize the entire project including tests on the road, on the water and in the “third dimension” by flying at high speed over a lake.

Esoro has been a contract developer in the areas of automotive production, lightweight design and plastics technology for 13 years. During this time it has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellent efficiency and innovative solutions not just in these but also in other fields, including fuel-cell vehicles and prototype design. Esoro has impressively demonstrated its expertise with numerous extraordinary prototypes.

And even more: Esoro developed the new E-LFT production technology, which makes large scale production of high-strength and lightweight composite parts affordable. E-LFT composite parts weigh 30-50 percent less than comparable steel parts. Furthermore another production process for similar parts, but small scale niche markets is near completion.

gasmobil - A Strong Partner

The spread of natural gas as a fuel of choice is supported by the shareholders of gasmobil AG and local natural gas suppliers. Natural gas is a meaningful and environmentally friendly alternative fuel, which can make a significant contribution to the reduction of harmful pollutants, especially in congested urban areas. When combined with CO2-neutral biogas, the pollution emission levels are improved significantly. The most important arguments for natural gas and biogas as fuels: Lower pollution levels compared to gasoline or diesel; better mileage in hybrid versions and therefore also more economical, lighter and cleaner refueling; subsidies for the purchase of any new vehicle in some cantons; manufacturers’ guarantees; and vehicle safety similar to all other passenger cars.

Natural gas and biogas as the fuel of choice - the future is now

gasmobil, SwissEnergy and Rinspeed - three strong partners, who develop vehicles for everyday operation and future visions for mobility. The vehicles jointly displayed are fueled by environmentally friendly natural gas or biogas: the VW New Beetle Cabriolet uses standard drive train technology. The VW Golf Variant has a novel exhaust treatment concept, which was developed for gasmobil AG together with ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Department of Energy (BFE and SwissEnergy), the Paul Scherrer Institut Villigen (PSI), Automobil- und Motoren AG (AMAG), the den Industriellen Werken Basel (IWB), as well as the Gasverbund Mittelland AG as part of a Novatlantis Project entitled “An Innovative Vehicle Fleet For Basel”. The splash demonstrates that even unusual drive train concepts can be used both on the road and in the water every day.

Fuel supply - no problem in Europe

Employing natural gas and biogas means taking another step on the way to less crude oil dependence for the world's economy. The tremendous environmental potential of natural gas cannot only be exploited in static use, but also by road vehicles to reduce harmful pollution levels from soot, nitrogen oxide, CO2, and hydrocarbons. Furthermore, natural gas motors reduce noise pollution levels compared to conventional units. These drive technologies are mature and market-tested. It is hard to find a manufacturer which does not have one or more models in its program. In addition to this, the gas station network in Switzerland and the rest of Europe is being developed rapidly. Round-the-clock supply is guaranteed.

SwissEnergy’s Ongoing Commitment

Through its SwissEnergy program, the Federal Office for Energy has been promoting the use of natural gas and biogas for over 10 years. Initially it mainly supported research work. Between 1996 and 2000 SwissEnergy supported a pilot and demonstration project with “Kompogas” vehicles in the region around Zurich. Over 100 vehicles were put on the road as part of the project and the responses by users were very positive.

Meanwhile, the Swiss gas industry has been establishing a network of natural gas refueling stations and the car industry has been expanding its range of natural gas and biogas vehicles. For three years now, Gasverbund Mittelland AG, Rinspeed AG and SwissEnergy have been working closely to promote natural gas and biogas as a motor fuel. The concept cars designed by Rinspeed AG enable the public to visualize the possibilities offered by natural gas as a motor fuel and serve^to dispel the prejudices against this young and clean form of fuel that unfortunately continue to prevail. The use of natural gas and biogas as motor fuels helps to spare valuable resources and generates lower emissions than traditional motor fuels. Natural gas produces around 20% lower emissions per energy equivalent of the greenhouse gas CO2, and renewable biogas fuel is even CO2-neutral.

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[Nicola Romeo]

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A word from our technical partners

Barracuda / Aerotechnik

Barracuda Racing Wheels - Outstanding Designs

Barracuda’s alloy wheel program presents itself in new and unmistakable designs with fresh and trendy colors. Many individual finishes as chrome, dark, light and shiny silver and outer ring bolt colors are offered.

The basic idea behind every Barracuda product is the uncompromising sportiness, expressed in the very modern stylistic idiom.

The ingenious Japanese American designer Ichiyanagi Satoshi is responsible for many of the creations. He sets lasting trends in the world of alloy wheels in the recent past.

The Voltec T3 wheel shows the uncompromising sportiness of the classic Cup wheel paired with the cool elegance of sparkling chrome. The open building method makes the wheel light weight and shows of the technology of the brakes.

Continental

Rinspeed Splash: On the Road and in the Water with Continental Tires.

The Rinspeed Splash makes it possible to travel on the road, in the water and in the air: The ultra-light concept vehicle can reach speeds up to 200 km/h as a sports car, 50 km/h when operating normally in the water and 80 km/h when functioning as a hydrofoil. When selecting a tire for the two-seated sports car, Rinspeed decided on the ContiSportContact 2 to ensure maximum grip for starting up, braking and cornering.

To guarantee that the 750 cc small but 107 kW (140 HP) powerful aggregate has just the right grip on asphalt, Rinspeed equips its Splash with ContiSportContact 2 tires of the size 215/35 R 17 on the front and 225/35 R 18 on the rear axle. The two-seater is thus ideally equipped for acceleration, braking and cornering to ensure a safe and sporty trip on the way the water.

Traditionally, Rinspeed reveals a new concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show, unifying new dimensions of sportiness, flexibility and environmental compatibility. With the Splash, the "Swiss dream factory" has tackled the dream of mobility on land, in the water and in the air. The result is the Splash: Powered by an extremely effective but just 750 cc natural gas engine with 107 kW (140 HP), the vehicle, weighing in at a mere 850 kg, can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h on the road. When traveling on water with its pop-up propeller, it can go up to 50 km/h (27 knots). And when its wings - which usually function as spoiler - are lowered, the Splash cruises across lakes and rivers even faster: The propeller shaft stays in the water, the Splash lifts up above the surface and accelerates to 80 km/h (43 knots). And the dream of one vehicle providing sporty and environmentally friendly travel on land, water and air becomes a reality.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of tires, braking systems, chassis components and technical elastomers. In 2002 the company realized sales of EUR11.4 billion with a worldwide workforce of around 64,500.

The tire division is an official partner of the FIFA WM Germany 2006TM. Further information in this regard is available under www.conti-online.com and under www.contifanworld.com.

Foila Tec® - A Companion In All Elements

The Nuremberg-based Carstyling Factory Folia Tec® has always supported unconventional, radical and forward-looking ideas. The best example for this practice is the long-standing partnership with the Swiss design and engineering company Rinspeed. This year too - in time for the 2004 Geneva Auto Show - dreams come true: the sensational Splash drives, swims and takes off with a total of ten uplifting Folia Tec® products on board. Short Shift Gear Lever plus Brake Shift Handbrake Lever ensure optimal Stop and Go performance. The Kill Switch On/Off provides the emergency functions. Lumax Sky Neon-Kits show the Splash in the most favorable light, while the Strobe Lamps - water- and shockproof - are insensitive even to water. For controlling the element air in the tyres the car engineers are using Air Caps Valve Caps. Folia Tec® Shoulder Pads prevent seatbelts from pinching by distributing their pressure more evenly over the body, so allowing the pilots to experience all three elements with maximum convenience.

Folia Tec® - Company Profile

Folia Tec®‘s styling activities comprise three fields: Car-, Bike- and Boatstyling. Founded 22 years ago by managing partner Michael Böhm, the Nuremberg-based Folia Tec® Böhm GmbH + Co Vertriebs KG initially focused on marketing Autoglass Films from America. Adopting a systematic brand development strategy – in the meantime Folia Tec® is an international registered trademark – the company then began to supply the specialized car accessories trade. Today in Germany 11 major and 8 regional centers are supplying the specialized car accessories trade and the StylingTeam-Partners. The complete range of Folia Tec® products is also available from the Folia Tec® Performance Centers in Backnang, Bergen/Rügen, Großröhrsdorf/Dresden, Kulmbach, Cologne, Heilbronn, Waiblingen, Munich and Nuremberg, as well as in Goldach/Switzerland, Golbey and Ozoir/France, Moscow/Russia, Vienna/Austria, Areceife/Lanzerote, Seoul/Korea and Shanghai/China.

With a staff of 50 the company is designing and producing a wide variety of do-it-yourself products, including AutoglassFilms, interior and exterior carstyling accessories, Cardecor, wheel and engine accessories, LED/Neon lighting products and Special Effects.

Folia Tec‘s® second „pillar of success“ are the StylingTeams. The franchisees are provided with the required know-how for the professional film fitment. Today over 200 StylingTeam-Stations exist in Germany and 12 other European countries. In-depth training is provided in Folia Tec‘s® StylingTeam College.

Today Folia Tec® is one of the leading suppliers of products for individual Car-, Bike- and Boatstyling. This leading position has been achieved by the consistent development of the Folia Tec® brand for more than 20 years, making Folia Tec® a household name in the specialized trade today. In foreign markets the Car-, Bike- and Boatstyling ideas from Nuremberg are also very popular both among the trade and among the young clientele, with high-circulation consumer catalogues produced in several languages reaching a wide audience. An all-year advertising campaign in national and international specialist journals plus a comprehensive media information service are designed to support the activities of the trade and of the StylingTeam-Partners. On the web Folia Tec® can be found on www.foliatec.de or www.foliatec.com. In the virtual community its online catalogue has already earned Folia Tec® the reputation for being a trendsetter. Folia Tec‘s® pre-formed Autoglass Films are featured on www.pro-shape.de, while www.cardecor.de presents the ultimate ideas for unconventional Race-, Tattoo- and Tribal-Decors.

in.pro. - Everything That Makes Car Driving Fun

Following up the many years of successful involvement in the Rinspeed Concept cars over the last few years (Advantige Rone, Rinspeed Presto, Bedouin), the globally operating car accessories specialist based in Northern Germany is once again taking an active part in various new developments. in.pro. represents 25 years of high quality and innovative car accessories in the areas of design, interior, comfort and fun. The more than 4,000 in.pro. products excite just as much the hobby engineers and do-it-yourself fans as the drivers of normal “standard” production models. Virtually everybody can benefit from great value for money and improve the appearance of their car (e.g. by fitting design products such as clear glass headlamps), or the comfort (for instance, with retrofitable remote controls), or the safety (e.g. by installing alarm systems or parking aids). Our own dedicated development team and a network of scouts aware of what the target group trends are the source of our new ideas. Implementation – from the initial idea to dispatch to the customer – is the responsibility of over 45 staff pro- centre in Henstedt-Ulzburg and 300 dealerships worldwide.

Decisive for the participation in the Splash Project was the ability to implement the employed products in series: “The splash is the perfect realization of visions – in engineering, function and design”, revealed in.pro. boss Jörg Knoblich, “and for us the possibility of creating and testing technically complex customized solutions that later find their way into production series. Many Splash in.pro. products can be viewed in the current catalogue or will soon be made available to in.pro. customers.”

LED tail lights and indicators

LED lights not only last longer and provide the same uniform light output, but also enable drivers to customize the illuminant. The designer LED tail lights in the Bedouin were already reason for excitement last year. These were slightly modified in.pro tail lights for the Opel Corsa that became available in the shops just a few weeks after the launch of the Bedouin. The Splash will also see LED indicators developed for the Alfa 147. Other LED light units such as, for instance, tail lights and side indicators will form the basis of the high quality and innovative series accessories available in the future.

Bi-Xenon lights

The Splash headlights are not only a very special head turner, but also a technical delight. The in.pro. development team milled the headlight units from a solid block of aluminum and integrated the finest Bi-Xenon technology. The result is a cool headlight look precisely matched to the Splash contours and the best possible light efficiency for illuminant minimum size.

KW automotive

KW automotive GmbH is one of the leading world wide suppliers of height adjustable suspension kits since many years. The KW engineers were especially challenged with the 2004 Rinspeed project car to reach the highly set goals and to support the leadership in technology in the suspension segment of KW automotive. A KW coil over suspension in stainless steel had been developed for the Splash featuring separately adjustable twin tube hydraulic shocks for both pressure and rebound.

A part of the optimal performance, the best possible protection against corrosion was asked for the use in the Rinspeed Splash. As KW automotive is the only supplier offering coil over suspensions in stainless steel, the choice for the company in Fichtenberg/Germany was therefore further facilitated.

Remus

Stainless steel, laser precision, optimal performance and the typical Remus sound, these are the four characteristics that distinguish Remus sport exhausts. Through their involvement in motorsports and their close cooperation with world champions like Jacques Villeneuve or Damon Hill, European champions and other champs, Remus gains important knowledge for the development and production of high quality silencers. High quality comes first for Remus and it is attained by using stainless steel in combination with other high grade raw materials. This combination used by Remus technician’s guarantees best results under thermal and mechanical stress. Therefore Remus takes a leading position in the favor of the public. The success of the sponsoring activities of Remus is impressively documented by the reader’s survey of numerous specialist publications since many years.

Weber Motor

Introduction the Weber Motor AG

As an independent manufacturer of internal combustion engines, the Weber Motor AG was established on December 17, 2001 as an additional member of the Albert Weber Group, a successful automotive supplier located in the city of Markdorf near the Lake of Constance. For over 30 years the Albert Weber Group has focused on its quality leadership, specializing in the high-tech machining of engine and gearbox components. With the Weber Motor AG, the Group has taken the step to becoming a system supplier. The objective is to position the Weber Motor AG as a specialist for highly efficient internal combustion engines for automotive, industrial and recreational applications.

The MPE 750 Multi-Purpose Engine originated already in 1996, when the Albert Weber GmbH was on the look-out for an engine fitting an exceptional vehicle concept. Back then, none of the available engine concepts on the market could fulfill such requirements as reducing the engine weight as well as the available engine compartment by half for a Golf-class vehicle, and still making it into the category of the 3-liter automobile.

With the insight having to come up with something new, the Albert Weber GmbH began to search for a competent development partner, who was finally found with the Swissauto Wenko AG, an engine development team situated in Switzerland. The Swissauto Wenko AG appeared to be predestined for this job, as they had visualized the future potential of the “light and compact” concept and at this point could already resort to initial experience in the development of such drive units.

The Swissauto Wenko AG proved their competence not only through the development and technical support of racing engines for the eight-time sidecar motorcycle world champion, but also through the successful development of an opposed cylinder engine concept with which Greenpeace was able to prove the realization of the 3-liter car to the automotive world in 1995. Another highlight, of course, was the engine development for the Swatch-Mobil that in conclusion led to the exceptional idea of Daimler Chryslers’ “Smart”.

In 1998, the development partners were proud to present the first running prototype of the MPE 750 on the test bench. Afterwards, the convincing characteristics of the MPE 750 laid the foundation stone for the signature of the supply contract between Matra Automobile and the Albert Weber GmbH in early 2001. It was also this contract that led to the formation and structure of a new organization for the development, production and delivery of the Weber Motor® MPE 750 engine.

An additional challenge to the series development of the Weber Motor® MPE 750 engine was posed for the young enterprise with the development of a complete engine operating system, which was completed with the kick-off of the series.

In order to realize production at the Markdorf location, the Weber Motor AG focused on a high degree of automation in conjunction with the use of flexible production systems. For the first time, complete tracking of the components throughout the complete production cycle of an engine was realized in an industrial dimension. Making these starting points happen also formed the main focus of the activities in 2002/2003. Within the framework of its growth, the Weber Motor AG has created more than 100 highly-qualified jobs at the Markdorf location.

In December 2003, the successful start of series production for the two Weber Motor® MPE 750 engine varieties with 110 and 135 hp were celebrated. The objective is to continuously increase the annual volume from 12.000 units in the beginning to 50.000 units, and thus establish ourselves as a manufacturer of solutions for high-end niche products.

Downsizing Pure - The MPE 750 Multi-Purpose-Engine

The Weber Motor AG, which was formed in late 2001, has developed a completely new, extremely compact and powerful 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 750 ccm named the MPE 750 Multi-Purpose Engine. As the first representative of an engine family from 1 to 4 cylinders, this engine stands for an engine concept that is modular and allows for completely versatile applications.

The design versatility of this engine concept includes not only aspirating engine varieties, but also turbocharged or compressor-charged varieties with a mean pressure exceeding 22 bar. These values describe a new generation of series production engines, especially when contemplating 2-cylinder engines.

Upon development of the MPE 750, the prime target was to meet the extreme requirements of a downsizing concept. Among other things, this led to a new design of the crank drive concerning dimensions and material selection. This development was supplemented by pursuing the parallel-twin configuration, utilization of an aluminum housing with tension rods as well as designing the cooling circuit with the least possible volume.

Additional characteristics, such as the possibility of power take-off on either engine side, the cylinder head that can be assembled reversed, the possible rpm range up to 9000 rpm and the wide power range from 15 kW to 100 kW of rated power allows for the MPE 750 to be used for the most varying applications.

With the focus on integrating as many components of the Weber Motor® MPE 750 engine as possible, the effort of extending the engine family by a 4-cylinder unit, with the goal to cover additional niches in the recreation and particularly in the automotive market, is currently in progress.

 

[Nicola Romeo]

2005 | RINSPEED SENSO

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2005

"The driver and not the technology should be the focal point of a car," observes the head of Rinspeed, Frank M. Rinderknecht (49), summing up the fundamental idea behind his latest concept car offering: the "Senso". Due to be presented jointly by the famous Swiss automotive design and solutions specialist, Rinspeed, and Bayer MaterialScience, one of the world's largest plastics producers, at the Geneva Motor Show from March 3-13, 2005, the innovative "Senso" was developed in cooperation with the experienced engineering specialist, Esoro. Johannes Seesing (51), who specializes in automotive applications at Bayer, says: "Together with our partners in the automotive industry, we are already carrying out research on the car of tomorrow. The "Senso" is an outstanding example of unconventional ideas and applied lateral thinking."

The "Senso", which runs on environmentally friendly natural gas, has, not without reason, been labeled the most sensuous car in the world. The "Senso" actually "senses" the driver by measuring his (or her) biometric data, and then exerts a positive effect on him with the help of patterns, colors, music and fragrances. A person who is relaxed and wide-awake simply drives better and more safely.

The whole project is based on an elaborate sensory system that forms the heart of the vehicle. It consists of a number of sensors that have the job of gathering data about the driver's condition. Firstly, there is a biometric Polar watch to measure the driver's pulse. A "Mobile Eye" camera records his driving behavior, in other words how well and how often he changes lane, and how close and at what speed he approaches the cars in front. Then - this, at any rate, is the vision - a HP board computer evaluates the data and establishes, with the aid of special algorithms, the driver's current state of mind.

The developers of the concept car speak, not surprisingly, of "Zen-sorial" – with reference to Far Eastern meditation. On the basis of the measured data, the driver now receives various impulses to his senses that put him in a state of relaxed attentiveness. The idea of 'communicating surfaces' stems from Andreas Fischer, a designer who developed the "zenMotion concept" at the Institute for Computer Sciences at the University of Zurich in close cooperation with the Institute for Psychology at the University of Innsbruck. The inspiration for the development came from studies by scientists dealing with the emotional effect of moving patterns on people. In the "Senso" – depending on the condition of the driver - four small Sharp LCD monitors emit stimulating (orange/yellow), relaxing (blue/violet) or neutral (green) color patterns into the driver's line of vision. They are integrated into the futuristically designed interior paneling, which lights up over the entire area and bathes the cockpit in dazzle-free ambient light.

It is all made possible by an innovative electroluminescent film technology developed by Bayer MaterialScience and the Swiss electronics specialist, Lumitec. This "smart surface technology" is celebrating its world premiere in the automotive industry. Johannes Seesing: "In the "Senso", we are showing what breathtaking possibilities this new technology can open up for car designers. The glowing material can be made into any shape and does not need electric bulbs or LEDs." The high-tech surface is computer-controlled and, depending on the applied voltage, shines green, blue or orange.

The optical stimuli are reinforced by especially composed sounds stored digitally on a computer. In addition to the eyes and ears, the nose is stimulated, too – by scents developed by the fragrances specialist, Voitino CWS, which flow into the car through the ventilators. Vanilla-mandarin has a calming effect, while citrus-grapefruit is more stimulating. Even the tactile senses are included: should the central computer establish any symptoms of tiredness in the driver, electric motors integrated in the seat will shake him awake by vibrating.

Rinspeed "Senso" - Polarizing opinions

But the "Senso" not only has inner values. It would, after all, not be a Rinspeed if it did not have a radical - perhaps even controversial – design, too. In particular, the clear-cut, no-nonsense design of the interior puts the driver very much in the spotlight. The driver sits alone in the middle of the front row, flanked behind by two Recaro passenger seats covered with Italian designer fabrics from Xmobil. On the subject of design, the use of carbon parts in both the interior and the exterior gives the overall car a cool, technical look. The carbon components were custom-made by hand at MP Design.

The exterior shape of the vehicle borrows from the world of architecture, structures man has created over the centuries. As such, it creates a tension-filled dynamic between moving and non-moving objects. The two-part structure of the rear end is reminiscent of bold roof constructions and deep chasms between ranks of skyscrapers. The interplay between smooth curves and sharp edges evokes attractive industrial architecture.

To produce these contours, the makers have used a number of high-tech materials such as the fully recyclable composite for the bodywork. The striking Speedster windscreen is made of high-grade Makrolon® polycarbonate - like the rear end, which is reminiscent of the modern facade of a high-rise building. The window has a scratchproof coating and weighs little more than half as much as a conventional car windscreen. It is also considerably more break-resistant, and opens up entirely new possibilities for car designers.

A breathtaking body such as this naturally needs to be clad in extravagant accessories that are not simply available off the peg: The eggshell matt special effect finish on the "Senso", which was produced using coating raw materials developed in Bayer's laboratories, is truly custom-made and only available this once for the Rinspeed "Senso". A soft-feel clear coat of the same shade in the interior additionally provides a pleasant, soft-feel surface.

Clean performance - the power plant

The 1'385 kg lightweight "Senso" is powered by a 3.2-liter boxer engine from the Porsche Boxster S, modified for its service in the "Senso" to run on gasoline and natural gas. As a result, emissions of harmful CO2 are reduced by as much as 30 percent. This is because natural gas is an extremely clean burning fuel, consisting almost entirely of methane with virtually no sulfur. The engine produces 250 bhp/184 kW at 6'200 rpm and has a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 4'600 rpm. A manual six-speed transmission transfers the power to the rear axle. The "Senso" accelerates from 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kph.

Optimum traction is provided by Continental SportContact 2 tires: 235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 255/35 ZR 19 at the rear. They are mounted on 8.5x19" Barracuda rims at the front and 9.5x19" at the rear.

The futuristic body sits on a chassis specially developed by KW automotive. It can be adjusted in terms of both height and hardness. The chassis engineers have succeeded in performing the rare feat of attaining a perfect symbiosis between drive comfort and sporty handling.

The innovative lighting technology in the "Senso" was developed by the lighting specialist in.pro. The eight light units awaken associations with scenes from "Star Wars" - Captain Kirk would certainly have enjoyed it, too. The intelligent in.pro.Sat system sends automatically an emergency call via the GSM network in case of an accident, robbery or theft.

An optional FBI Bio Drive by Genesis Technology with integrated finger print recognition stores all personal data of the driver and allows an individual adjustment when starting the vehicle.

Swiss made

Esoro

Concept vehicles by Esoro - we consider the extraordinary ordinary. Esoro designs, develops and implements high-quality concept vehicles from the initial idea through to the "ready-to-show" vehicles. Prototypes are fully operable and homologated so that the concept can also be experienced and driven.

An innovative and experienced team is able to handle complex projects very efficiently and in a very short time by the appointed deadline. When doing this, Esoro can fall back on state-of-the-art development tools, an excellent prototype workshop, experience from over twenty vehicle projects and a choice network of component suppliers. In its capacity as prime contractor, Esoro is the direct contact for customers and assumes responsibility for the overall project.

For the sixth time the Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired to serve as general contractor for the entire vehicle project. Esoro was responsible for project management, engineering, design, implementation of new technologies and manufacturing of the Rinspeed Senso. Esoro realised the Senso with its highly competent suppliers Schwaller (Metalworks) and Protoscar (Design).

Lateral thinking, looking at things from a new angle, thinking out of the box and feeding the senses - sight, touch, feel, smell and hearing – these are major elements of the development work that has gone into the "Rinspeed Senso". Its name reflects what it actually does. The "Senso" "senses" the driver and adjusts to him/her. This is especially important as the risk of an accident is significantly reduced, if the person behind the wheel is relaxed and wide awake.

This project also involves a sophisticated system of sensors developed by the Universities of Zurich and Innsbruck. Smart Surface Technology, a new 3D-formable electroluminescent film from Bayer MaterialScience and Lumitec, uses biometric data and other information to create an appropriate level of light for the driver, thereby having a positive effect on him/her.

gasmobil - A Strong Partner

The spread of natural gas as a fuel of choice is supported by the shareholders of gasmobil AG and local natural gas suppliers. Natural gas is a meaningful and environmentally friendly alternative fuel, which can make a significant contribution to the reduction of harmful pollutants, especially in congested urban areas. When combined with CO2-neutral biogas, the pollution emission levels are improved significantly. The most important arguments for natural gas and biogas as fuels: Lower pollution levels compared to gasoline or diesel; better mileage in hybrid versions and therefore also more economical, lighter and cleaner refueling; subsidies for the purchase of any new vehicle in some cantons; manufacturers’ guarantees; and vehicle safety similar to all other passenger cars.

Natural gas and biogas as the fuel of choice - the future is now

gasmobil, SwissEnergy and Rinspeed - three strong partners, who develop vehicles for everyday operation and future visions for mobility. The vehicles jointly displayed are fueled by environmentally friendly natural gas or biogas.

Fuel supply - no problem in Europe

Employing natural gas and biogas means taking another step on the way to less crude oil dependence for the world's economy. The tremendous environmental potential of natural gas cannot only be exploited in static use, but also by road vehicles to reduce harmful pollution levels from soot, nitrogen oxide, CO2, and hydrocarbons. Furthermore, natural gas motors reduce noise pollution levels compared to conventional units. These drive technologies are mature and market-tested. It is hard to find a manufacturer which does not have one or more models in its program. In addition to this, the gas station network in Switzerland and the rest of Europe is being developed rapidly. Round-the-clock supply is guaranteed.

SwissEnergy’s Ongoing Commitment

Through its SwissEnergy program, the Federal Office for Energy has been promoting the use of natural gas and biogas for over 10 years. Initially it mainly supported research work. Between 1996 and 2000 SwissEnergy supported a pilot and demonstration project with “Kompogas” vehicles in the region around Zurich. Over 100 vehicles were put on the road as part of the project and the responses by users were very positive.

Meanwhile, the Swiss gas industry has been establishing a network of natural gas refueling stations and the car industry has been expanding its range of natural gas and biogas vehicles. For three years now, Gasverbund Mittelland AG, Rinspeed AG and SwissEnergy have been working closely to promote natural gas and biogas as a motor fuel. The concept cars designed by Rinspeed AG enable the public to visualize the possibilities offered by natural gas as a motor fuel and serve to dispel the prejudices against this young and clean form of fuel that unfortunately continue to prevail.

The use of natural gas and biogas as motor fuels helps to spare valuable resources and generates lower emissions than traditional motor fuels. Natural gas produces around 20% lower emissions per energy equivalent of the greenhouse gas CO2, and renewable biogas fuel is even CO2-neutral.

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[Nicola Romeo]

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A word from our technical partners

Barracuda / Aerotechnik

Barracuda Racing Wheels - Outstanding Designs

Barracuda’s alloy wheel program presents itself in new and unmistakable designs with fresh and trendy colors. Many individual finishes as chrome, dark, light and shiny silver and outer ring bolt colors are offered.

The basic idea behind every Barracuda product is the uncompromising sportiness, expressed in the very modern stylistic idiom.

The ingenious Japanese American designer Ichiyanagi Satoshi is responsible for many of the creations. He sets lasting trends in the world of alloy wheels in the recent past.

The Voltec T5 wheel shows the uncompromising sportiness of the classic Cup wheel paired with the cool elegance of sparkling chrome. The open building method makes the wheel light weight and shows of the technology of the brakes.

Bayer MaterialScience

Bayer MaterialScience: One of the world’s leading polymer companies

With 2003 sales of around 7.5 billion euros and approximately 18,000 employees worldwide, Bayer MaterialScience AG is one of the mainstays of the Bayer Group. Since the beginning of 2004, the company has been operating as an independent, globally operating company within the Bayer Group. Bayer MaterialScience AG’s activities are focussed on sustained, profitable growth. The company is therefore committed to improving efficiency and, in particular, to innovation and creative system solutions.

The international production network of Bayer MaterialScience, comprising 40 sites worldwide, produces more than 4 million tons of raw materials annually. Proximity to customers ensures short delivery times and flexible service. The main consumers of the company’s products are the automotive and construction industries, the electrical/
electronics sector and manufacturers of sports and leisure articles, packaging and medical equipment.

Among the best-sellers in the Bayer MaterialScience portfolio are the Makrolon®, Makrofol® and Apec® brands of high-quality polycarbonates. These products are indispensable for the manufacture of automotive components, optical storage media such as CDs and DVDs, medical equipment and many products integral to everyday life. For instance, polycarbonate sheeting is used to roof grandstands and train stations, and as transparent outer walls for gazebos and carports.

Polyurethanes have long been indispensable in many areas of everyday life. Polyurethane raw materials are used in applications ranging from mattresses, car seats and insulation for refrigerators to car bumpers and shoe soles. More than a quarter of the total amount of polyurethane raw materials produced globally comes from Bayer. Desmodur® and Desmophen® are important brands. Services provided to customers in this area include the development of customized formulations, technical support for processing technologies and an optimized sales organization operating via systems houses.

Coating systems based on polyurethane raw materials from Bayer MaterialScience have excelled in use on a variety of substrates. They reliably protect surfaces from weathering, they are resistant to chemicals and display first-class mechanical properties. Bayer has long been a pioneer in the development of environmentally compatible coating and adhesives systems, and is committed to extending its technological leadership. The Bayhydrol® and Bayhydur® brands of coating raw materials, for example, have a good track record in waterborne polyurethane coating systems.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes combine the high quality properties of polyurethane elastomers with the efficient processability of thermoplastics. Products from the Desmopan® range are used for films, hoses, cable sheathing, ski boots, athletic shoes and automobile interiors.

The backbone of Bayer MaterialScience’s production is the Inorganic Basic Chemicals Business Unit, which chiefly produces chlorine, but also caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen.

In H.C. Starck, Wolff Walsrode, Bayer Sheet Europe and Hennecke, Bayer MaterialScience has four well-positioned specialist companies that are continually developing as independent companies and comprise a valuable adjunct to the portfolio. H. C. Starck can boast expertise in extracting and purifying refractory metals that is unique on the global market, and is also making an important contribution to the mobile energy production of the future in the field of ceramic fuel cells.

Wolff Walsrode is a leading specialist in cellulose chemistry. The company’s products are used in foodstuffs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, coatings, printing inks and construction materials.

Hennecke GmbH, a manufacturer of polyurethane processing machinery, can draw on many years of experience and offers an extremely broad range of equipment for practically all areas of application.

Bayer Sheet Europe is a provider of high-quality plastic sheeting made, among other things, using Makrolon® polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience.

Continental

Rinspeed Senso fitted with ContiSportContact 2

The Rinspeed Senso is a concept car which adapts to its driver, thereby ensuring safety and a feeling of ease in traffic. Accordingly, the world’s most sensuous car is fitted with ContiSportContact 2 high-tech tyres - after all, the driving performance should match the vehicle concept. The ContiSportContact 2 is extremely well-equipped for this role - considering it is a sports tyre, it nevertheless offers particularly balanced driving characteristics, ensuring high safety reserves and a comfortable ride.

The ContiSportContact 2 was specifically designed for fast performance cars and provides outstanding steering precision and high cornering stability, even when driving at the limit. Despite its sporty characteristics, this tyre offers a very comfortable ride, so driving long distances is not tiring. This makes it an exceptionally suitable tyre for the Rinspeed Senso. It also boasts best braking characteristics on both wet and dry roads. Thanks to its wide dispersion channels, aquaplaning protection on this tyre is very high.

This sports tyre from Continental is now available for virtually all sports cars and prestige saloons as Original Equipment and from car customizer’s. The impressive size range includes over 100 variations and dimensions, making it one of the most extensive ranges of sports tyres of one brand on the market. The ContiSportContact 2 is also manufactured as a Continental SSR-version. These tyres with runflat capabilities are suitable mainly for Porsche’s, Mercedes’ and BMW’s.

The Continental Group is a leading supplier of tyres, braking systems, suspension components, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers. In 2003 the company achieved a turnover of 11.5 billion euros and currently employs some 73,000 staff worldwide.

The tyre business unit is an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.

in.pro. - alles was Autos Spass macht

Pure Emotions

in.pro. contributes to the »Rinspeed Senso« concept car, the most sensory car in the world.

Rinspeed, the renowned Swiss design and concept think tank and Bayer MaterialScience, one of the world's largest plastics manufacturer present their ideas and visions for the next car generation in the form of the new concept car »Senso«: a car which reacts to the driver and his emotional situation. in.pro., the globally operating car accessories specialist from North Germany participates in this extraordinary project as a partner and contributes both the lighting and the compact safety system in.pro.SAT.

»Senso«, the name of the Swiss concept car says it all. The vehicle »senses« the driver and adapts itself to him. After all, the accident risk is reduced considerably if the person behind the wheel is relaxed and wide awake. This is made possible by a sophisticated sensory idea which has been developed by the Universities of Zurich and Innsbruck. Smart Surface Technology, a new ductile 3D electro-luminescent foil from Bayer MaterialScience and the Swiss electronics specialist Lumitec, ensures a lighting in the driver's surroundings, among others which have a positive effect on him thanks to biometric read outs.

The »Rinspeed Senso«, which is fuelled with low-pollution and CO2-reducing natural gas places the human being in the focus of attention and addresses emotions with its unusual design. For example, it has a shell enamelling which breaks new ground. As far as the appearance is concerned, the specialists at in.pro. developed a complete lighting for the »Senso«. The development team at in.pro. head office in Henstedt-Ulzburg specially designed headlamps and indicators for this unique project. In addition to the technically demanding solution, the designers and engineers also proved that they had a large amount of sensitivity as far as the optical implementation was concerned. For example, the »Senso« has a distinctive and above all, attractive face which awakens emotions. A special feature of the innovative in.pro. lighting components is the extremely high quality of the series level.

In keeping with the security aspect of the project, the accessory specialists are also responsible for the compact security system in.pro.SAT. The satellite-supported system not only serves as an alarm and security system, it also has comprehensive functions which provide assistance in an emergency. The GPS satellite tracking system in in.pro.SAT enables the vehicle to be tracked around the globe. Although this feature mainly serves as a protection against theft, it is also used by in.pro for the provision of fast and uncomplicated assistance in an emergency. in.pro.SAT is able to receive and transmit messages in addition to it taking and making calls. If the system is manually activated by the driver or by automatic means, an alarm message is transmitted to the in.pro control room. This then institutes corresponding assistance measures.

The in.pro.SAT security management system is even activated if the driver is no longer in a position to make an emergency call to the in.pro. control room. In case of accident, a crash sensor is triggered and makes a call or sends a text message via a GSM module, this message containing the exact position data of the vehicle which has been involved in an accident to the in.pro. control room which then institutes all of the required assistance measures.

The emergency button which is integrated in the in.pro.SAT. system works using the same principle. The driver can push this button in case of an emergency, such as an acute illness or a hold-up. A connection is made to the in.pro. control room and assistance is provided.

Obviously, the telephone number of a person of trust can be stored as an alternative to the add-on to the in.pro. control room, whereby an emergency call can be transmitted to this number. The in.pro.SAT system has its own independent power supply, thereby ensuring a reliable and trouble-free function of the security system.

The commitment of in.pro. in the new »Rinspeed Senso« concept car is a consequent continuation of the long-term successful partnership entered into between the two companies. It is especially the case that the innovative in.pro.SAT system and the elegant in.pro. lighting are in every respect an excellent match for the emotional security concept of the »Senso«.

KW automotive

KW supplies coilover suspension for Rinspeed's Senso concept car

- Rinspeed Senso reacts to the mood of the driver
- Senso with KW coilover suspension Variant 3
- Variable setting options with KW coilover suspension

The Swiss company Rinspeed is well known for its spectacular concept cars, and is showing yet another highlight at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show - the Rinspeed Senso.

KW automotive GmbH, for years one of the world's leading providers of height-adjustable coilover suspensions, has equipped the Rinspeed Senso with a KW coilover suspension, Variant 3, in inox-line stainless steel.

The Variant 3 KW coilover suspensions allow various setting options, by means of which the handling characteristics can be precisely adjusted to the individual needs of the driver. Everything is possible, from extremely comfortable to extremely sporty. Variant 3 is infinitely height adjustable on the front and rear axles, and has a separately adjustable compression and rebound damping system. The variable ride height adjustment makes it possible to influence the vehicle's pitching and rolling behaviour and thus the handling and driving comfort. As a result, it is possible to tune the vehicle to the precise needs of the driver by changing the driving feel from comfortable to sporty. The rebound damping system of the Variant 3 influences the handling of the vehicle even more decisively. Increasing the damping force supports the vehicle even during the spring deflection stage and as such prevents any pitching and rolling, which noticeably improves cornering behaviour.

MP Design

Mr Kourosh Mansory founded the company MP Design & Technik GmbH located in Munich in 1989. Production moved into the current plant in Brand in Oberpfalz in 1997. The relocation of all other departments to Brand took place in July 2000. Initially, the company's main line of business was exclusive interior fittings for high-quality automobiles. The increasing demand for specially coated parts led to the construction of the company's own production facilities. Leather workmanship was added in 1993 and wood processing and refining in 1995. This, in turn, made it possible to meet customer demand for high-quality polyester surfaces. Today our product range includes gear lever knobs made of wood or veneered synthetic material, veneered original pieces and steering wheels with wooden inlays or leather coating.

The fulfillment of our customer's demands and wishes is the first priority of our highly qualified flexible staff and specialists. We work solely with carefully selected suppliers guaranteeing the quality expected of us.

Our customers include reputable wholesalers, tuners and original equipment manufacturers at home and abroad, who require our products for refitting or for special editions with specific requirements. Our long standing, regular client base appreciates our reliability and quality, as well as the quick and flexible completion of orders, MP is working under the international automotive oversight ISO certification ISO/TS 16949:2002.

Sharp

„We do not seek merely to expand our business volume. Rather, we are dedicated to the use of our unique, innovative technology to contribute to the culture, benefits, and welfare of people throughout the world.

The entire history of almost one century has the character of visions and technical innovations. In 1916 the founder invented the mechanical pencil, named the “ever sharp pencil”. This first product marks the true genesis of name of the Sharp Corporation.

Today Sharp Corporation has over 55’000 employees and is engaged in various fields in the electronic industry. The worldwide leadership in LCT-TV and Photovoltaic attracts attention to the public.

Technical innovation, feeding the senses and the environmentally friendly concept correspond to the values of Sharp in a high degree. The multimedia-partnership Sharp and Rinspeed shows this to the public.

At events and exhibition Sharp Aquos LCD-TV will help the audience to understand and experience the Senso.

Recaro - from body shell builder to seat manufacturer

Recaro has made a name for itself as a manufacturer of sporting, ergonomic branded seats and seat units of premium quality. The name of Recaro stands for mature technical know-how resulting from almost 100 years of company history, and long-standing experience and competence in motor sport. Recaro seats reveal a clear lead in terms of ergonomics, comfort, safety and design. For vehicle manufacturers, Recaro has long advanced from a supplier of high quality seats to a first class partner of the automobile industry.

Recaro builds car seats that adapt optimally to driver’s needs. The long-term experience gained in professional motor sport has benefited the development of sports seats for the road. Recaro has always been ‘the trendsetter’ satisfying customers’ individual requirements, including design, firm contours, optimum streamlining, individual styling and exclusive looks: Get the Feeling - with a Recaro sports seat!

Yet, whether the desire is for sporting flair, freshness, dynamism, pure driving pleasure or prestige, luxury and safety, Recaro creates excellent solutions for convincing vehicle manufacturers and end consumers. Because: Winner sit in Recaro!

History: Master saddler Wilhelm Reutter established his car factory in Stuttgart in 1906. The company made a name for itself as a manufacturer of high-quality assemblies - for customers including Adler, Ansaldo, BMW, Bugatti, Maybach and others. From 1948 until 1963 the company produced the complete line of Porsche car bodies. In 1963 the production of car bodies was bought by Porsche, the resulting company known as Recaro (an acronym of REutter and CAROsserien – German for auto bodies) began producing the full line of Porsche seats. At the same time, the company introduced the after-market Recaro sport seats followed by the legendary Recaro “Ideal Seat”. Today, the company still focuses on its combined objective of bulding series-production and after-market seats. In 1983 the 100 % take over by Keiper from Remscheid, Germany, took place. Today, Recaro is based in Kirchheim / Teck, where in 1990 the attractive Recaro Center was opened. A division of Keiper Recaro, Recaro seats have made an indelible mark in the automotive domain as one of the world’s best-known and most successful brands in the after-market industry. Recaro is more than a seat, it’s a philosophy.

Recaro forms part of the Keiper Recaro Group operating on 16 sites worldwide, with 6,000 employees and a sales of € 830 million in 2003.

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[Nicola Romeo]

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Universitity of Zurich

Rinspeed Senso / zenMotion - intelligent surfaces

Since its invention, the automobile has been improved mostly with respect to motor technology (horsepower, speed) and comfort/safety for the driver (mirrors, airbags). The "driver-car interface", however, has remained largely unchanged: Steering wheel, pedals, levers, and buttons are used to "interact" with the car. Only recently new concepts have been devised, such as navigation systems with speech synthesis. These developments path the way towards a safer driver-car interaction.

As both speed and number of cars increase steadily, mobility becomes its own pitfall: the more cars there are on the street, the more stress is induced in the drivers – which might even add to a potentially aggressive mood caused by private or work-related problems. Nowadays, cars are used primarily by individuals, so there is no-one there to soothe the drivers in case of aggression, or keep the drivers awake during a long, monotonous journey. This results in an increasing number of accidents caused by stress or drowsiness.

One solution to this predicament would be a car that reacts to the mood of its driver.

The Rinspeed Senso with zenMotion shows what the future in automotive man-machine interaction could look like: As soon as the driver approaches the car, the zenMotion displays wake up. Based on sensory data from the last trip (gasoline usage, speed, driving behavior etc.), a central computer generates animated patterns on the displays, which at this moment only serve as ornament. However, if certain parameters (such as oil level) are out of their normal range, the patterns change in order to give a visual hint of the anomaly.

During the trip, sensors constantly measure speed, accelerate-brake-frequency, the driver's pulse, and other aspects that are part of the "driving behavior". Depending on the situation, the patterns change to soothe the driver or keep him/her awake, the music volume is adjusted accordingly, and the cabin temperature rises or falls. Of course, this happens in very subtle and unobtrusive ways, so the driver will still fully concentrate on the traffic.

When the car is halted, the displays show some of the generated patterns for a while, then they switch to stand-by mode, ready to wake up for the next ride.

At the core of the Rinspeed Senso, a computer calculates the cognitively effective patterns based on data obtained by a wide range of sensors: Lane tracking, acceleration-brake cycles, temperature, eye-tracking, pulse, etc. all contribute to the "driving behavior", which in turn is influenced by the displayed patterns.

Of course, the above scenario is still only a vision. The current incarnation does not yet feature all of the described sensors, but already gives a good idea of what the future will look like.

Conceived by Andreas Fischer, an industrial designer from the renowned Bauhaus university in Weimar, the zenMotion system is developed at the universities of Zurich and Innsbruck with designers, psychologists, mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers. It is aimed at putting to use scientific findings from neurophysiology and psychology of perception by building intelligent surfaces which interact with the users, while at the same time increasing our understanding of how patterns influence on emotional and cognitive levels.

With a prototype of the zenMotion system, custom-tailored to fit the Rinspeed Senso's futuristic design, the project team hopes on the one hand to win further insight into the exciting field of cognitive and emotional effects of animated patterns used as an interface, and on the other hand to attract potential sponsors in order to realize its vision of intelligent surfaces.

Voitino CWS

More driving safety employing fine odors - Automobile Industry puts stakes into fine odors for car interior from Voitino CWS

Our nose is wonder of nature, which can differentiate between thousands of odors. Storeowners and coffee shop proprietors long know that fine odors can generate a sense of well being in customers. Automobile manufacturers now discover the possibility of massively improving driving safety employing fine odors. At the Automobile Show this year, the Swiss automobile pioneer Rinspeed will be on the spot with this theme, and present their new Concept Car to the public. CWS, a service company located at Glattbrugg - Switzerland (a Swiss market leader in the areas of wash room hygiene, foot mats, and pest.control), supports Rinspeed with its know how and the field-tested product Voitino CWS.

A Great Potential in the Future for the Automobile Industry

Numerous domestic and foreign universities have clearly assessed the impact of odors on humans in their research reports. If an odor flows through our nose, impulses directly impact an old part of the brain, which has an evolutionary history, the so-called limbic system (also designated as the reptile brain), and releases emotions from it. Automobile manufacturers now discover the issue, and exploit the benefits. The automobile pioneer Rinspeed, located in Zumikon - Switzerland -, presents how fine odors increase concentration capabilities, and how driving safety can be massively improved on their prototype vehicle “Rinspeed Senso” presented at their booth at the Automobile Show this year. The idea is still in the testing phase. Yet, automobile experts are convinced that this contains a great potential for the future.

Voitino CWS’s Customers put Stakes into Fine Odors

What the automobile industry now discovers is long known by Voitino CWS customers: People like to stay at places that smell good. Good fine odors give us a sense of well being and impact us in a positive fashion, for example, a taste of Spring in Winter, ocean odors in a travel agency, or fresh aromas in a meeting room. Aromas, such as Air Fresh, Cool Water, and Lime, cause increased concentration capabilities. If one wants to relax, he will choose Magic Odor, Green Tea, and Lavender. Fine odor offers are gigantic on the market. The Swiss market leader for fine room odoring, Voitino CWS, now offers a wide range of aromas. Sales personnel of Voitino CWS compose individual fine odor mixtures for their customers. Shop owners, hair studios, garagists, gastronomes, and hotel proprietors may thus decide which specific emotions they want to awake in their customers.

Gentle Warm Evaporation System

Different manufacturers now offer different fine odor systems. In conventional cold evaporation processes, odor molecules react with chemical or alcoholic odor agents, and rise up. Voitino CWS units employ a warm evaporation process. Pure natural oils are gently heated to 63° C in an odor tube, which allows for clean evaporation. CWS products are controlled in a stepless fashion, and may perform odoring onto 50-300 m2 contingent to unit.

Xmobil Design+Marketing GmbH

As a long-term partner of Rinspeed, Xmobil Design + Marketing GmbH is meeting the challenge of contributing with highly innovative capability to the interior design of concept cars year by year. Besides technical material of neoprene-type or reflecting surfaces, also noble leather types (woven versions et al.) and innovative floor coverings were used, all of these are materials and material combinations, which had not been used in the automotive sector before.

For the Senso a special large-area, lattice-type construction of varnished artificial leather stripes was designed offering a view onto the below lying gleaming foil. The middle part of the Senso’s seats is manufactured by a technical fabric, which is appealing optically and haptically due to its color composition and 3-D construction. The black, elastic bordering fabric is also constructed three-dimensionally being extremely abrasion-resistant (a derivative from the motorbike clothing industry).

An additional idea of Xmobil were the rubber floor mats of the Senso, there appliqués “transfer” the colors of the middle parts of the seats further down to the bottom.

Finally, the Senso is covered by a perfectly tailored presentation cover made of a material especially designed for that purpose. This way the Senso is stimulating the senses long before its unveiling.

Xmobil Design + Marketing GmbH was founded in 1997 by Mr. Christian Grübl. Since then it has extended and supplemented its development program and product palette continuously.

In joint cooperation with flexible and highly effective suppliers new ideas specifically for the automotive sector are developed by Xmobil, then realized as parts of products and thus delivered into the industry. Xmobil is therefore cooperating with well-known, international manufacturers.

The following products provide the base for the development and sales activities of Xmobil: leather, leather fittings, artificial leather, technical an fashion fabrics, seat covers, seat systems (sport seats), floor mats (textile and/or rubber), floor coverings, car covers (indoor, outdoor, transport, products), accessories (bags, knapsacks et al.) and furniture.

Xmobil operates two offices equipped with showrooms in Germany. Its headquarter is located at the lake of Tegernsee south of Munich, another subsidiary can be found in Lorsch between Mannheim and Frankfurt.