Short notice given only substantially as follows: Making its world debut at the 79th Geneva Motor Show was Rinspeed's iChange - a car whose body adapts to the number of passengers on board. The iChange is a symbol for the fundamental changes the auto industry undergoes worldwide. And it is clear that only those companies will survive that have innovative answers for the demands of a new automotive era. In seconds a streamlined one-seater sports car transforms into a comfortable car with ample room for three. The thinking behind the design is that the energy demand of a vehicle depends mostly on its weight, the type of engine it uses, and its aerodynamic properties. The adaptive body concept maximizes aerodynamic efficiency depending on the number of passengers in the vehicle. iChange is propelled by an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries that are available in two different stack configurations for short- and long-distance driving. For the interior, Rinspeed has chosen a high-tech wool from the Schoeller Spinning Group. This natural fibre offers a considerably greater functionality than classical synthetics and, in terms of manufacturing and disposal, its environmental characteristics are immensely superior even to those of cotton. Used in seat covering, door lining, and roof liners it provides an extremely extravagant ambiance in the iChange, looks stunning and is delicate to the touch. Strähle + Hess transformed this natural product into a striking interior. The material also has functional performance to match the iChange ethos. Spun and dyed in accordance with the highest eco-standards it is also treated with Schoeller's special coldblack finish. This high-tech finish provides a heat and UV absorbing function in the roof liner to ensure a pleasant interior climate. Unconventional techniques were used to create unusual surfaces for the concept. The seams of the seats are reversed and the seat cushions interchangeable, braided felt alternates with technical textiles formed into three-dimensional shapes. Various techniques such as braiding and gathering and a combination of both are used.
Adaptive-aero 'iChange' makes debut. Radical concept features hi-tech wool interior
Future Materials - fm ; Apr ; 13
2009
1 Seite, 2 Bilder
Article (Journal)
English
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