Rinspeed separates chassis and bodywork

Rinspeed’s concept, Snap, has two elements, like a conventional car. The chassis is known as skateboard and the bodywork as pod.  

“While the classic automakers celebrate the moment when the body and the chassis come together (‘marriage’) as a highlight of every plant tour, ‘skateboards’ and ‘pods’ of the ‘Snap’ are only temporary companions,” explained the company in a statement.

All technology relevant to data processing and all components susceptible to wear are relegated to the skateboard. The pod consists of long-lived modules and is concerned with its purpose of use – “from a versatile delivery pod to a breathtaking, fully connected user experience for the occupants of a passenger pod.”

The skateboards can be connected to different pods according to need. Pods not in use can serve as temporary office space in the meantime. After a few years, the skateboards are recycled and given a hardware upgrade. As a result, Snap cars always boast the latest technology.