New Models
New Models

2011 Rinspeed Bamboo Concept preview to Geneva

The crazy team at Switzerland's Rinspeed workshop has released details and images of its actual Rinspeed Bamboo concept. We say 'actual' because the Bamboo was once a concept strictly only ever present in the virtual world rather than reality. The car will make its official debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in just two weeks.


The 'grown up golf kart' was created by Rinspeed as well as Swiss engineering companies, 4erC and Esoro. And it was created, as previously reported, using actual bamboo fibres throughout various parts of the cabin - hence the 'Bamboo' nameplate. It also features a blow-up roof that can be detached and used as a beach mattress.

Other futuristic and innovative aspects of the car include a 'bread box' like dashboard that opens up to expose various controls and ultra-modern VDO gauge displays on the driver's side, with a HTC PC tablet and docking station on the passenger side.

The body of the Rinspeed Bamboo is made of composite polymer plastic materials helping to keep the car's overall weight down to 1090kg. It is an electric vehicle too, so it's just as in-touch with the environment as the name suggests.

The electric motor is a Fräger Group unit offering 52kW of power, providing a top speed of 120km/h and a maximum range of around 105km on a single battery charge.

As for potential production, company boss, Frank M. Rinderknecht, has said the Bamboo is more than a concept. He says Rinspeed is thinking about putting it into production after some interest has already been expressed. Rinderknecht said,

"Yes, there have been constructive talks for some time with a number of potential manufacturers."

Rinderknecht also said Düsseldorf consulting firm, A.T. Kearney, currently has production plans sitting in the drawer waiting to be put into action.

The Rinspeed Bamboo is sure to attract huge interest at the Geneva Motor Show, starting March 1. We'll provide more updates during the show.

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