I knew it was only a matter time. First, the iPhone could be used as a GPS, then it could be used to find your car in a parking lot, and now it can completely control your car. The concept, called the "iChange", is made by the always clever automaker, Rinspeed. Since your iPhone will replace your key you will be to lock and unlock your doors with it too. Once inside the iChange, the driver can dock the iPhone and a green "Start" button will appear on the iPhone's touch screen allowing you to start and stop the car. While on your commute to class, you will also be able to control functions such as the headlight and turn signals all from your iPhone. 

 

 

On the iChange

As the name suggests, the iChange is meant to be a representation of the changes people want when they are looking to buy heir next car. According to Rinspeed, they believe the days of "gas guzzling behemoths are coming to an end. They believe that what people want is a combination of flexibility, fuel efficiency, and styling that represents their lifestyle without making too much of a statement or many sacrifices.

 

When most people think of a car that is eco-friendly they think of a vehicle that is odd shaped, slow, and offers very little excitement, but what about the iChange. Simply put, the iChange is as sexy, sleek, and modern as the iPhone that controls it. It has no doors, nice curves, and an all enclosing greenhouse. Just like the iPhone that controls it, the iChange is powered by lithium-ion batteries offered in two different stack configurations, one for short and long driving. The iChange transfers this energy to the ground via the same six-speed pre-selector gearbox found on the Subaru WRX, which can jolt this nearly one ton machine from standstill to sixty-two piles per hour in just under 4 seconds.

Since the iChange has no doors, it features an electrically powered roof that tilts forward to let the driver in and out of the vehicle. On this same roof, Rinspeed has placed solar panels to keep that power fans to keep the interior cool on sweltering summer days. Once inside, the driver can take this one seater coupe and expand it to a vehicle that comfortably seats three in seats that were crafted from soft pure wool. Also inside, you will kind a thumping Harman/Kardon infotainment system, which features a navigation system that will show you the most fuel efficient way to reach your destination.

 

Though this will just be a concept at this year's Geneva Auto Show, I expect to see a vehicle like this on roads in a few years since it features existing parts such as, headlights from the Opel Insignia and tail lights from the Opel Astra Twin Top. No word yet on pricing but a vehicle like this eats Toyota Priora for breakfast and Chevy Volts for dessert.

 

Source: Rinspeed