Geneva 2011: Rinspeed BamBoo

Those who intend to pay a visit to the Geneva Auto Show these days will get the chance to take a closer look at the vehicle that promises to bring the fun&sun to the streets: the Rinspeed BamBoo. This is not just a four-passenger electric buggy as it may seem at first sight, but it is also the world’s first social networking car.

Yes, folks. You’ve heard that right! Thanks to the connectivity solutions from HARMAN, the Rinspeed BamBoo is a model of ‘ecotainment’, delivering greater safety, energy efficiency, and enhanced driving enjoyment.

HARMAN’s infotainment system includes an integrated WiFi connection that connects the vehicle to the people and places around it via the Internet.

One of the highlights of the BamBoo is the famous color-changing “Rizzi bird“ on the rollover bar (green = I am single; blue = I am in party mood; orange = I need a break). In addition, personal messages for the people in the vicinity of the car are displayed on the innovative “Identiface.”

The vehicle also boasts a futuristic VDO display. The far right of the glove box houses a seven-inch HTC tablet PC “Flyer” with docking station. Also, the audio system comes with Harman JBL GreenEdge speakers in an avant-garde design.

Furthermore, HARMAN’s HALOsonic ESS Electronic Sound Synthesis technology generates engine noise or a driving sound to warn pedestrians of the approaching automobile.

Power comes from an electric motor generating 54 kW of power that propels the vehicle to a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). The BamBoo sits on 17-inch AEZ three-spoke billet aluminum wheels with painted inserts and eco-friendly Goodyear “EfficientGrip” energy-saving tires. The battery’s capacity is enough for 105 km (65 miles).