A U T O     B U Z Z

Presto, the latest creation from Rinspeed, transforms itself in a few seconds from a less than 3-meter long two-seater roadster - presto! - into a 3.7-meter long four-seater. The additional space can also be used as a pick-up bed for cargo when the rear-seat backrests are folded down.

This transformation is made possible by a centrally located electric motor, which stretches the vehicle with the help of two mechanical screw-and-nut gears. The longitudinal members run on low-friction precision rollers and disappear like a drawer in the rear of the floor pan.

A four-cylinder, 1.7-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine in dual-fuel configuration, based on a Mercedes-Benz engine, provides future-oriented and highly environmentally friendly propulsion. The engine runs on a mixture of natural gas and Diesel fuel at a 40 to 60 ratio. That mixture dramatically improves both exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency. The engine develops a maximum power output of 120 hp / 88 kW and produces a maximum torque of 224 Nm at just 1’600 rpm. Enough to propel the 865kg quick-change artist from 0-100 km/h in approximately 10.5 seconds. The top speed is around 180 km/h.

The Rinspeed Presto shows its Mercedes-Benz heritage not just in the engine bay, but also in its exterior and interior. The headlights and taillights come from the C-Class sports coupe, the dashboard from the A-Class, the seats from the Smart.

The Rinspeed Presto’s creativity and power of innovation are also demonstrated by the powerful LED lighting technology from in.pro.. Instead of conventional light signals the Rinspeed Presto informs other drivers in writing about the intent of its driver. During braking the word ‘Stop’ appears on the brake lights, and during turns, ‘Turn’ appears on the appropriate signal. With lights turned on the taillights proclaim the vehicle’s name, ‘Presto’, to those who follow.

The Rinspeed Presto runs on one-piece Antera wheels (7.5x17 front, 8.5x17 rear), individually suspended on custom-developed Eibach springs. To complement the low-emission nature of the Presto, Rinspeed designers chose SportContact 2 tires by Continental (205/50 front and 235/45 rear), which underscore their fuel-saving bionic design with green tire treads. Remus contributes the side pipes, Foliatec adds distinctive exterior and interior styling elements. The extravagant upholstery materials for the interior are made by Xmobil.

Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of automotive and natural-gas specialists Gasverbund Mittelland AG and SVGW for his project. The Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired as general contractor for the entire project, including for project management, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Presto. Schwaller Movement Engineering - an expert for building prototypes and suspensions - did the complex metal work. Protoscar oversaw the design and animation on a sophisticated 3D CAD system and Logos manufactured the moulds and composite parts.

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