The standard, modern design of autonomous cars would aim for comfort and safety. Performance would most probably come last since safety comes first before the risks of speeding on the road. However, Swiss custom mobile manufacturer Rinspeed thinks different. The company has just teased the Etos, an autonomous sports car concept that will be unveiled next year at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016 in Las Vegas.
The Rinspeed Etos is an autonomous sports car concept that still has a steering wheel for manual, hands-on driving moments, but it can retract at into the dashboard when it is in autonomous mode. There are two curved widescreen displays that individually move closer to the passengers to bring a better view.
Furthermore, the Rinspeed Etos is complete with a drone that comes with its own landing pad on the rear side of the autonomous car. Rinspeed says that it could be used for fetching a bouquet of flowers ordered online and delivered it to the recipient. Or, it could also be used for taking videos during rides on the road while streaming it live.
Harman Connected Car technologies provided the "unique infotainment experience" system in the Rinspeed Etos. Similar to a personal assistant, it can anticipate and cater to the needs of its passengers. Harman's connected car will feature 3D and augmented navigation, multimedia support, automotive cloud services, gesture-based controls, and multi-modal user interfaces.
Harman is also investing in the future of secure connected car system for the next-generation system architecture that can utilize the latest developments in technology to improve its level of security against cyber threats.
Usually, Rinspeed first showcases their concepts at the Geneva Motor Show. "The major and especially the disruptive innovations in future automotive engineering will come from the digital realm. That is why all major manufacturers and suppliers are now present at the CES Consumer Electronic Show," Rinspeed founder Frank Rinderknecht said in a press release to explain the change of location.
