Geneva Preview: Rinspeed E2 features fuel-saving switch
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Feb 25th 2009 at 8:36PM 
Wouldn't it be great if modern cars had a button that magically adds 100 horsepower for those instances when a little extra oomph is required? That's exactly what Rinspeed has added to the little Fiat 500 Abarth for its new E2 concept, though it actually works the other way around. The new car is bound for the Geneva Motor Show and features a switch that allows the engine to enter a "Commuting" mode that lowers horsepower to 60 and saves a bunch of fuel. When more power is needed, hit the button to switch to "Highway" mode, which unleashes the full stable of 160 horses. "We need an intelligent use of our fossil resources, especially of our energy," says Rinspeed boss Frank Rinderknecht. In the power-saving mode, the Rinspeed E2 is able to achieve 58 miles per U.S. gallon; in full-power mode it manages just 33 mpg. See the full press release after the break.
Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed E2
[Source: Rinspeed]
PRESS RELEASE:
E2: 60 or 160 hp at the Push of a Button from Swiss Automotive Powerhouse Rinspeed
Zumikon, Switzerland - What is this? It is round, small and cuddly, has eyes to fall in love with, a sexy behind - and on demand 60 or 160 hp as necessary. It is Rinspeed's answer to the fast changing requirements of the market and sociopolitical perception about the tuning industry.' Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht hits the nail on the head: "Just like the auto industry has to adjust to the demands of a new era, tuners have to look for new ways to do business as well." The Swiss automobile visionary Rinderknecht, who has his roots in the tuning business, observes a change in people's attitude, at least in the western world: "We need an intelligent use of our fossil resources, especially of our energy".
Rinspeed's creation is based on the Abarth version of the Fiat 500. Its name 'E2' signals the fact that the nimble little Italian car is equipped with two different power levels: The 60-hp 'Commuting' level is more than sufficient to move along with city traffic while saving energy. In this mode the 'E2' consumes just some four liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Outside the city, the 'Highway' mode provides driving fun and added power for fast and safe passing. In 'Highway' mode the engine produces 160 lively horsepower and transforms the Italian flea into a venerable hornet. Fuel consumption in 'Highway' mode is in the neighborhood of seven liters per 100 kilometers. The energy management system of the 'E2' is controlled by a small button in the cockpit that affects the engine electronics.
Rinderknecht believes he is on the right path with his new interpretation of automobile customizing. With the 'E2' and his concept car 'iChange,' which is much further removed from production, he wants to nudge the automotive as well as the tuning industries in a new direction, to leave well trodden paths and creatively look for new ones: "I don't believe too much in eco tuning. Many drivers are not willing to miss out on driving fun and don't want to drive a something that announces to the world that they do without. But the number of people who want to use our energy supply responsibly not in the least because they want to protect our environment will grow quickly."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
why not the LS2LS7? 9:21PM (2/25/2009)
This has to be nonsense. If this could be done, FIAT would have done it. The automakers do know a thing or two about making cars and programming their own engine control units.
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Mike!!ekiM 9:33PM (2/25/2009)
Well, LS2LS7, I agree with you. But, hopefully, it's a matter of money, and Rinspeed has just put more money into the engine tech. But, more details would be nice.
GoodCheer 9:33AM (2/26/2009)
Could it be cylinder deactivation? If you take two of four cylinders offline for city mode that would certainly provide the power difference and the fuel savings... you'd just have to figure out how to keep the engine smooth enough to that it doesn't shake you dentures out. I suppose in 2-cylinder mode you could keep the rpm up?
Of course a huge amount can also be done with cam profile and ignition timing, but 60hp - 160hp seems like a bit of a stretch.
Brn 9:31PM (2/25/2009)
My car has a more advanced version of this switch. Rather than being simply on/off, it's variable. It's positioned down by my right foot.
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Phil L. 8:28AM (2/26/2009)
You wrote the comment I wanted to write when I first saw this story...
gorr 9:30PM (2/25/2009)
This car look great and offer something new, i always said to put a commuting button on the dash to choose what programmation we want. Im interrested to buy. It's less bland then the honda insight. At least there is a shape and the windsheild seem to offer a good view outside
for the driver.
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Collin 12:05AM (2/26/2009)
if its a turbo charged, it wouldn't be hard at all. Tune it for power/high boost numbers/more fuel, in the 160hp mode, and lean and lighter boost for eco mode.
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MT 11:04PM (2/25/2009)
We'll see more of this in the future, especially with more turbo motors coming out. The engine management systems have lots of parameters to play with including boost, ignition timing, fuel mixture, etc. Discreet performance/economy maps allow some things like completely turning off turbo boost that just aren't available/practical with a single program and being easy on the gas pedal. That's akin to saying all cars have stability control because they have brakes and a steering wheel. While in a very general way it's true, stability control systems can adjust parameters that a driver can't (like applying brakes at individual wheels).
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