Rinspeed iChange concept

There’s been plenty of Geneva news and unveils so far, with two weeks to go before the show begins. But so far we’ve not seen any of the crazy concepts that tend to grace the Swiss show.

All that changes with this, the Rinspeed iChange. One look at it is enough to tell you it’s something a tad different, but there’s more to it than gold paint and a Thunderbirds-esque entry procedure.

Propulsion-wise it’s an electric vehicle, with a 150kW (equivalent to 201bhp) motor combining with a low 1050kg weight and aerodynamic teardrop-shaped body to provide sports car performance – 0-62mph in a just over 4sec apparently, while top speed is 137mph. That’s a rather quick maximum for a lithium-ion powered car.

The batteries themselves can be stacked in two different configurations for short- or long-range driving while the alloys are forged and are bespoke lightweight items to reduce unsprung weight. They measure 17in front and 18in rear and come wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber to further enhance the performance car pretensions.

Perhaps the most unique thing about the iChange, though, is the relevance of its name. That pop up roof (which is front hinged to further smooth the aerodynamics at the front) opens to reveal a trick interior that can vary between one and three seats at the touch of a button. It means that the weight distribution only deteriorates when it has to – the optimal situation of the centrally positioned driver is enhanced by the lack of seats over the rear of the car when there are no passengers, but the car can be transformed to accommodate others when necessary.

And if you’re wondering about the name and whether it infringes the copyrights of any well-known MP3 players, fear not – the car’s key functions are all controlled via an Apple iPhone.

The Rinspeed iChange will get its world unveil to the public at the Geneva motor show, and evo will be there on March 3 reporting from the show. In the meantime you can read previews of the cars that will be there right here.