Rinspeed iChange Concept: Mighty Morphing Electric Changer [Geneva Motor Show]

Published Feb. 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.

The Rinspeed iChange concept, headed to the Geneva Motor Show, is being touted as the world's first car with a body adapting to the number of passengers on board thanks to a magical rear end.

Seriously, the Swiss auto tuning company claims "In seconds a streamlined one-seater sports car transforms into a comfortable car with ample room for three. The trick: At the push of a button the rear end of the teardrop-shaped car magically pops up." Wow, who knew there was such a thing as a magical rear end?

Anyway, the iCharge is powered by an electric motor mated to lithium-ion batteries available in two different stack configurations, one for short- and one for long-distance. Both choices will apparently be charged by any electric power source including solar. The motor produces 150kW, giving the car a top speed of 220 km/h (137 MPH) and a 0-to-100 km/h (0-to-62 MPH) time of slightly more than four seconds — thanks to a six-speed gearbox borrowed from the Subaru WRX.

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