Sports car concept morphs for more space

Sure as eggs are eggs, the build up to the Geneva show wouldn't be complete without a bizarre concept from Swiss firm Rinspeed. This year is no different as the company reveals its iChange, an aerodynamic electric car that changes its shape to accommodate additional passengers. In standard guise the iChange seats one, but at the push of a button its teardrop-shaped glasshouse raises to allow a pair of passengers to sit behind the centrally positioned driver.

Such a wild-looking concept needs a future looking drivetrain and the iChange doesn't disappoint. It's powered by a 204bhp electric motor and lithium-ion batteries, which combined with the iChange's low weight and aerodynamic shape allows pretty impressive performance. The 0-62mph sprint takes just over four seconds and it's able to reach 136mph. That's effectively free performance too, as the iChange's batteries are charged by solar panels both on the bodywork and at the owner's home. Charging should take around three hours and the iChange can travel around 55-miles on a charge.

That's all relatively conventional for a concept car these days though. Rinspeed, however usually ensures that its show cars stand out for other reasons. The iChange might not be sub-aquatic like last year's show-stopper, but there are some interesting details that make it stand out. Firstly it's started by an Apple iPhone, which also worryingly 'controls the most important vehicle functions.' The iChange also features a diamond-coated anti-slip floor, which could prove handy as you stretch over the door-less bodywork to get in...

Kyle Fortune