Rinspeed Etos : A Very Special BMW i8 For The CES
Like we told you in a recent article, the Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) is currently gaining traction as one of the automotive market's biggest auto shows; since today's car includes more and more technologies, it only makes sense that some of the biggest players in the industry are now lining up for a spot at this show.
Swiss tuner Rinspeed has a reputation of not doing things like everyone else. In the last few years, they impressed us with an electric Lotus Elise that doubled as a submarine, an autonomous Tesla as well as a single-seater that could rotate its cockpit in the curves like a motorcycle.
The most recent invention from Rinspeed started its life as a BMW i8. However, Rinspeed modified most of it, changing every single body panel in the process, giving it a unique look. The front end is entirely redone, and the i8 now features a tinted glass roof. Under said roof sits no less than 12,000 LED lights used to illuminate a landing spot for a drone; a little quadrocopter can take off and land after returning from a delivery or shooting video.
The Etos is also fully autonomous, thanks to eight cameras and a sophisticated computer; the car can drive itself while you are otherwise occupied (by playing with your drone, for example).
While those technologies won't find their way into a car anytime soon, the Rinspeed Etos is a nice example of what the future may hold.
- More information about the BMW i8