The Rinspeed iChange: Controlled by your iPhone
All Photos via the Rinspeed Website
What does a great innovator do after having completed the design of one of the most innovative underwater capable vehicles in the world… the Rinspeed sQuba. Well, they follow the rest of the iCrowd and create a vehicle which is partially controlled by your iPhone, and call it what other than a Rinspeed iChange.
It is obvious that one day we are all going to have to purchase one of these iThinger-ma-jigs whether we want to or not. You can’t really download and listen to music on some software without one, you can’t use various cell phone convenience features (such as the GoodGuide shopping buddy), and now you can’t even start up your own freaking James Bond car without it!
Rinspeed iPhone Features
But hey, that’s cool, the iChange is actually a whole lot more than just a vehicle run by an iPhone. Yes, it clips to the side of the dash, where your key might go, and starts the car. Well, not actually starts a motor or anything, as the iChange is an electric vehicle.
Once the vehicle is in ready mode, the iPhone can also be used to switch the headlights on or off, plus it can control a few other standard accessories. But this is where the iPhone ends, and the James bond innovation begins.
Rinspeed iChange Shape Altering Feature
One of the coolest features of the iChange, is it is actually designed for the one-man-band so to speak. It is a one-seater initially, which allows this electric vehicle to maintain a rather quick 0-60 of just 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of well over 100 mph. While this may sound like a dream come true to some henpecked husbands, you’re not quite off the hook yet.
With a push of the button, the rear section of the iChange pops back, revealing two more seats… just perfect for a two backseat drivers, including your mother-in-law. But that’s okay, as the iChange comes with a load of other cool features to keep the driver happy no matter who may be complaining in the backseat.
Other iChange Go Fast Hardware
Besides the 150 kW electric engine, the iChange is pumped up with a six-speed gearbox from the infamous Subaru WRX, 17 or 18-inch alloys wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero’s (245/40), and a next-generation Harman/Kardon infotainment system. The chassis is kept rather light and stiff using an intelligent blend of aluminum and steel, followed by a composite outer body shell.
They’ve got to have this baby in the next Bond flick!
Source: MacWorld
