Rinspeed’s cute microSNAP concept will celebrate its
European premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and, no matter how
outlandish it might look, it could actually make it into production.
The microSNAP concept was first unveiled late last
year as a smaller version of the previous SNAP concept. Rinspeed says the microSNAP
concept has roughly the same dimensions as a Renault Twizy. While the microSNAP
may look like a nice, but out-there concept, the company claims to be in talks
with a startup and investors to bring it to the road.
Underpinning the concept is a skateboard-style
chassis. While this kind of platform isn’t new, what makes the microSNAP unique
is that the vehicle’s body can be easily separated from the chassis, allowing
the company to easily alter the function of the vehicle. For example, it could
be turned from a passenger vehicle into a small delivery pod or a food station.
Additionally, having the ability to swap out the body will ensure that interior
functions remain up-to-date even as the chassis is still the same.
During the Geneva Motor Show, Rinspeed will
demonstrate the automated robot station that joins and separates the chassis
and bodies.
Rinspeed partnered with ankerpunkOsram and Swiss
company 4erC to equip the microSNAP with modern lighting technologies,
including micro-pixel LED headlights and a digital license plate. Lights have
been installed throughout; they can adapt to the driver’s mood or work
alongside health-tracking functions.
Powering the microSNAP concept is a 48-volt electric
motor from Mahle. The vehicle also features tires from Hanook and includes
support for 5G connectivity thanks to the Harman Ignite Cloud platform. It also
supports over-the-air updates, multi-stage authentication with an iris scanner
and instantly adjusts the interior to the personal preferences of its
occupants. A 49-inch LED screen that spans the entire width of the vehicle has
also been fitted, and the vehicle has also been equipped with the sensors
required for full autonomy.
