Shape-shifting concept

[botsapper]

Rinspeed iChange Concept Revealed with Video - worldcarfans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpTGZRfzjk4

Adaptive aerodynamics has been put to great use for Rinspeed iChange (rather not linked name to said electronic marketing name, could easily stand on its own). The design language for new hybrid/electric/alt vehicle designs does not have to be preset and look like the iconic Prius (see disappointingly & unimaginative Honda Insight). I hope the Aptera does not suffer EV-1-itis and fade as a faddish phenomenon with it's all or nothing proposition. Unfortunately, mainstream aero-design has to pay its dues to the buying public. The Rinspeed concept has its requisite wheel bulges & well-proportioned (Coke-bottle) swimsuit model shape. It might be a bit exaggerated compared to its classic tear-drop clear roof. A great view is from the rear 3/4 view. My opinion, best boat tail-like iteration. The front face a tad fussy (license plate holder?) but devoid of any cooling/venting requirements. The expected clear wheel covers still exposes the engineered five spoke forged wheels. The rear wheel cover is designed to properly follow body character lines. Strangely bulky rear mirrors though. But the adaptive passenger cell is its calling card. It's tri-seating config is reminiscent of Mclaren FI but it becomes more aero efficient for solo driving (hope it doesn't become outlawed in the future). I'm still right-brained and hope for beautiful things (unlike repetitive anal designs) to come.

[FastPlastic]

I find it kind of odd that they decided to make it a 3 seater with two of the seats in the skinny back end.

Otherwise cool concept

[botsapper]

I think it is primarily solo-driver centric. Its' most efficient form is with a single driver. Tandem seating will create strange proportions & make it longer (see pretty VW?). Tri-seating is a compromise for adaptive use. Today's standard lane widths (may be divided in future time frame) is taken to its most stable (therefore wider) stance.

[MetroMPG]

Adaptive greenhouse for flexible interior volume or better aero...

Everything old is new again

[lunarhighway]

kind of reminded me of this.

[MetroMPG]

Except with your example, the aerodynamics are only improved from one mode to the other if the passenger is wearing a large boat as a hat.

[botsapper]

Just put a little carbon fiber on it.

[donee]

Hi All,

Is it adaptive for additional room, or for high speed aero-safety? Like those pop-up spoilers on Beetles? The shape looks like it might have lift at high speeds to me.

[MetroMPG]

The ABG piece I read about it says the rear of the greenhouse lifts to make room for the rear seat passengers.

[lunarhighway]

it's not a performance mod, but rather a study aimed at making a practical single seat commuter vehicle that's adaptable for carrying more passengers when needed, with a slight compromise to low drag
the idea comes from the observation that a lot of vehicles are driven by a single person most of the time but that the ability to carry more people or cargo is wanted too. i think the occasional ability to carry big things is one of the things that shouldn't be forgotten in car design... a lot of people expect this from a car and since i've recently moved to a new house i certainly gained a huge respect for the fastback-hatch design of my car... the ability to transform it into a wagon in seconds is a huge plus...tall stuff sits in the front the the lower height in the back is not much of an issue. so for this reason i don't really believe cars will ever transform in these enclosed motorbike single seaters....

the modular concept is imho a very good studdie... especially if you thing about all these metal roofed convertibles we've seen lately... this is not as impossible as it may seem at first