Meet the Rinspeed Etos, an autonomous drive concept that adds drones to the driving experience.
Swiss tuner and concept car specialist Rinspeed will be bringing a brand-new concept to the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Frank M. Rinderknecht, boss of the Swiss powerhouse of ideas Rinspeed 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 machineΣ” will be discussed for a long time.
The interior adapts to the particular driving situation as if by magic: In autonomous drive 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.
To provide the passengers with a unique infotainment experience, the Rinspeed Etos 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 an 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 where the drone could fetch a bouquet of flowers the driver ordered online and even deliver it directly. It could also take a video of the wild ride 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 Etos that are still completely alien to car designers.
The Rinspeed Etos is the twenty-second concept vehicle designed in-house at the Swiss “innovation lab.”
