As automotive technology progresses, so does the
pace with which vehicles will need to be replaced. But not the entire vehicle
at once, says Rinspeed. Some components will wear out or become obsolete faster
than others.
Rinspeed's solution is the Snap concept. Unveiled at CES, the Rinspeed Snap envisions a passenger cell that can
attach or detach to a skateboard-like powertrain base. So much for planned
obsolescence.
That base incorporates a modest 51 kilowatts' (68
horsepower's) worth of electric powertrain, yet claims a 0-100 km/h time of five
seconds flat – or at least it would if it could reach that speed. Designed for
urban environments (not the highway), Rinspeed estimates the vehicle would top
out at around 50 mph, and travel for about 62 miles on a single charge.
Performance specs aside, each of those four 18-inch wheels can turn to help
with inner-city maneuverability, and of course the entire thing drives itself
around.
Onto that base, the ever-innovative Frank M.
Rinderknecht has installed a mobile living room with space for four – and three
displays for each, swinging into place on individual arms. The windows are
designed to display information to those within and without. It also packs
unique features like bacteria-eliminating ultraviolet lighting, a full range of
wireless connectivity and charging capabilities, and even an on-board farming
compartments for mint and strawberry shakes on the go.
Detaching the two parts of the vehicle, says
Rinspeed, would not only allow for easier upgrades of the components, but
greater flexibility as well. As with most of Rinderknecht's zany designs, we
don't expect to see this one leave the floors of the convention centers in Las
Vegas and Geneva. But it's always interesting to see what the team at Rinspeed
and their many corporate partners come up with, and in that regard, the Snap
concept is no exception.
