GENEVA — He may not be always politically correct, but Swiss tuner Frank Rinderknecht understands what drives car buyers. Describing the philosophy underlying his new Rinspeed E2, a reworked version of the Fiat Abarth 500, he explains: "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 something that announces to the world that they do without."
One thing E2 owners won't have to do without: power. In the Highway mode, the E2 delivers a fat 160 horsepower while returning fuel economy of around 34 mpg. In the Commuting mode, the E2 still makes 60 hp, but kicks up efficiency to 59 mpg.
Drivers can switch modes by pushing a button on the instrument panel.
Rinderknecht, who has long been known for his over-the-top creations, says of his quasi-eco approach, "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."
Inside Line says: Now if he could only come up with a Bugatti that returns 30 mpg. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »