Rinspeed is known for its unconventional concept cars and its latest offering for the
2011 Geneva Motor Show is no exception. The BamBoo is a light, simple, open, electric four-seater.
In appearance the BamBoo resembles an updated Citroen Mehari - an open, plastic-bodied 2CV variant from the 1970s. It shares the lightweight, paired back ethos with its open sides and a lack of superfluous features. Rinspeed apparently wants to evoke images of the beach, the French Riviera and Brigitte Bardot.
The company insists that this isn't a piece of 'retro' design but that it reinterprets and evolves its influences. Specifications have not yet been revealed but the BamBoo does come with an on-board electric bicycle and, as befits the name, much of the interior is made from bamboo fibres.
Expect more details to emerge in Geneva. The 2011 show runs from 3 to 13 March.
John Lambert - 2 Dec 2010