The new concept is called Ʃtos, and like Rinspeed’s other recent designs, it centers around the idea of autonomous transportation. Only instead of making it a living room on wheels, Rinderknecht and company have somewhat bizarrely gone for a sports car. Just what the point of having a self-driving sports car is, we’re not sure – but we’re looking forward to finding out.
The Etos – as we’ll refer to it for those who don’t read Greek – is motivated by an undisclosed hybrid powertrain. The cockpit features a steering wheel that automatically folds itself out of the way when switched to autonomous mode while two individual displays move closer to the occupants. The design, which Rinspeed calls a “twenty-second concept vehicle” (whatever that means), even has a little helipad on the back from which to deploy a remote-control drone.
So why come to CES instead of sticking with Geneva, you ask? “The major and especially the disruptive innovations in future automotive engineering will come from the digital realm,” explains Rinderknecht. “That is why all major manufacturers and suppliers are now present at the CES Consumer Electronic Show.”
Related Video:
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-698889{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-698889, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-698889{width:100%;display:block;}
You’ll never drive alone! Personal autopilot and drone on board.
Gambler and show paradise Las Vegas: For the first time ever, Frank M. Rinderknecht, boss of the Swiss powerhouse of ideas Rinspeed, celebrates a world premiere outside his native Alpine country and presents the hybrid sports car „Ʃtos” at the CES 2016 in Las Vegas. The car visionary says: “The major and especially the disruptive innovations in future automotive engineering will come from the digital realm. That is why all major manufacturers and suppliers are now present at the CES Consumer Electronic Show.”
The Swiss progressive thinker approached the mega topic of “driverless cars” largely from the point of view of drivers and passengers, and has generated a number of equally inspiring and emotional ideas. They include an intuitive, adaptive autopilot capable of learning. The resulting and much-debated question “How much man should, must or may be in a machine?” will be discussed for a long time.
The interior adapts to the particular driving situation as if by magic: In autonomous mode, the steering wheel folds up elegantly and retracts completely into the dashboard. The two curved widescreens individually move closer to the occupants to provide a better view. “It really has the power of magic!”
To provide the passengers with a unique infotainment experience, the Rinspeed „Ʃtos” uses the innovative Harman Connected Car technologies. Just like a personal assistant, the system operates in a thinking, courteous and anticipatory manner. In addition, it delivers perfect entertainment, connectivity and maximum safety.
As is its tradition, the Helvetian think tank studies existing digital possibilities – and demonstrates new ones. It has fitted its sporty hybrid with a drone that has its own landing pad on the rear end. The many benefits this offers are evident: For example, it could fetch a bouquet of flowers the driver ordered online and even deliver it directly to the lucky recipient. It could also take a video of the wild ride on the favorite fun road and stream it live to friends!
No doubt, Frank M. Rinderknecht presents himself as a visionary and magician in Las Vegas. And, because a great show also definitely requires extraordinary head-turning packaging, the Swiss national opted to use special innovative surface finishes in the „Ʃtos” that are still completely alien to car designers. Touch it, feel it – it’s magic!
The Rinspeed „Ʃtos” is already the twenty-second concept vehicle designed in-house at the Swiss “innovation lab.”
The partners and suppliers in the realization of the „Ʃtos” are:
4erC GmbH – www.4erc.ch
Barlog plastics GmbH – www.barlog.de
Borbet Vertriebs GmbH – www.borbet.de
Carl F. Bucherer – www.carl-f-bucherer.com
Corning Inc. – www.corning.com
Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG – www.eberspaecher.com
Esoro AG – www.esoro.ch
EVA Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH – www.evafahrzeugtechnik.de
Ernst & Young GmbH – www.de.ey.com/automotive
GF Automotive – www.gfau.com
Harman International, Inc. – www.harman.com
Harting KGaA – www.harting.com
Inrix Inc. – www.inrix.com
Luxoft – www.luxoft.com
NXP Semiconductors Germany GmbH – www.nxp.com
Putzier Oberflächentechnik GmbH – www.putzier.com
Rehau AG + Co – www.rehau.com
Schoeller Spinning Group – www.schoeller-wool.com
SIX Group – www.six-group.com
Stahl Holdings BV – www.stahl.com
Strähle+Hess GmbH – www.straehle-hess.de
ZF TRW – www.trw.com
Vollmond Werbeagentur – www.agentur-vollmond.de
Vites GmbH – www.vites.de
Weidplas GmbH – www.weidplas.com
