Rinspeed develops two-section Snap autonomous concept car

Swiss company's innovative machine can separate passenger pod from running gear to boost versatility. And it has strawberries growing in it...

Autocar Pro News Desk By Autocar Pro News Desk calendar 07 Dec 2017 Views icon5573 Views Share - Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Whatsapp

Rinspeed has developed a new autonomous concept car that can divide into two sections in order to boost its lifespan and be more environmentally friendly.

The Snap, which will be unveiled by the Swiss tuner and concept car developer at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, US, is comprised of two sections: a high-wearing ‘skateboard’ chassis, featuring the car’s running gear and hardware, and a passenger ‘pod’ with the safety cell.

2rinspeedsnap

The two sections are designed to quickly separate from each other. This, Rinspeed says, allows the pod to be used for a variety of purposes when stationary, such as for camping or becoming a shop.

The idea is that the skateboard section, containing the hard-wearing mechanical components, can be replaced as their end of their design life, with the less-stressed pod section able to be used for longer.

This also means that the car’s IT systems – which include Level 5 autonomous driving capability – can be replaced with the skateboard, ensuring that software and mapping systems remain up-to-date.

IT consultancy firm MHP, which is part-owned by Porsche, would operate a marketplace for service providers to supply the pods and skateboards for multiple functions.

The Snap features a powertrain supplied by ZF and two steering axles for tight city driving. It runs on 225/35-18 tyres to minimise fuel consumption. As well as a fully autonomous driving system using lidar sensors, the Snap’s software includes a ‘personal assistant’ that remembers personal settings, helps with errands and makes restaurant suggestions, among other tasks. Each passenger has three display screens at their disposal.

1rinspeedsnap

The pod section features dimmable glass elements, similar to the windows of the Boeing Dreamliner passenger jet, and six external-facing projectors that can be used to display messages to passengers or other road users.

Other unusual interior features of the Snap pod include portable storage features, such as cupholders, and ‘urban farming’ containers with strawberries and mint growing in them for passengers to infuse into tea.

4rinspeedsnap

The Snap is the 24th show concept car developed by Rinspeed, best known in the automotive sphere as a vehicle tuner. It will also display the Snap at the 2018 Geneva motor show.

Read More

Photo gallery: the wacky world of Rinspeed

Rinspeed Oasis future concept show at Detoit motor show

Rinspeed Etos autonomous car developed for CES 2015

 

RELATED ARTICLES
Hyundai Motor to join forces with Japan in building hydrogen network

auther Autocar India calendar11 Mar 2025

The Korean automaker, which is participating in the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Federation's visit to Japan, is part o...

Valeo and Finland’s TactoTek collaborate for innovative lighting solutions

auther Autocar India calendar10 Mar 2025

Valeo will leverage TactoTek’ CES 2025 award-winning In-Mould Structural Electronics technology to offer unique interior...

Stellantis SAE Level 3 hands-free and eyes-off autonomous tech ready for deployment  

auther Autocar India calendar10 Mar 2025

STLA AutoDrive has hands-free and eyes-off (SAE Level 3) functionality available up to 60kph, even at night and in chall...