Rinspeed Shows Dock+Go Concept, a Smart ED with a “Backpack on Wheels” [Geneva Auto Show]

Rinspeed makes a business of servicing and restoring exotic cars, but the company lets its freak flag fly every year at the Geneva auto show. Among the long list of insane Rinspeed creations are a submersible Lotus Elise, the SQuba; a Fiat Jolly–type car called the BamBoo; and the eXasis, a tubular-framed buggy with a see-through plastic body—including the floor. None, although they're all incredibly cool, ever made it to production. This year's concept probably won't make it to production, either. The Rinspeed Dock+Go is a Smart Fortwo Electric Drive made more practical by adding a "backpack on wheels," a two-wheeled trailer that connects—or docks—to the rear of the Fortwo. Rinspeed imagines that this "dock" could be used to haul skis, carry camping equipment, or tote delivery items such as pizza. Perhaps more practical is the proposed use of the dock as an extra battery to extend the Smart's range. (The factory-baked range was increased as part of the Fortwo's 2012 updates, which also were announced in Geneva.) Rinspeed also brings up the possibility of the dock housing a fuel cell, or perhaps an internal-combustion engine to extend the electric Smart's range even more. If a six-wheeled Smart strikes you as an odd idea, it's no less strange than trying to fix the shortcomings of a Smart in the first place. (It's apparently a popular pastime in Europe; Brabus also tinkered with the electric Smart this year.) But Rinspeed doesn't really care; the company seems to revel in straddling the line between ambitious and foolish. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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