The Rinspeed Senso is radically different from any other prototype ever built and shown to the public. According to the Swiss company Rinspeed, the ultimate driving experience is not about the technology but the driver. They have regularly produced radically different, fully-working prototypes during European auto shows and the Rinspeed Senso is no different.

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Rinspeed Senso

While many concept cars focus on environmental impact or unique technological breakthroughs, the Rinspeed Senso highlights driver comfort and relaxation. Originally presented in March of 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, the far out, far Eastern Rinspeed Senso runs on petrol and natural gas, is lightweight at 3,053 lbs and reduces average CO2 emissions by as much as 30-percent.

Despite the positive environmental benefits, the Senso's most prominent feature is not earth-friendliness but being driver-friendly. The Rinspeed Senso, as its name implies, is a car that "senses". In this case, the car correspondingly adjusts its properties to the driver to create the most positive driving experience possible, putting its passengers in a Zen-like state.

The Rinspeed Senso is equipped with a sophisticated system of sensors developed by the Universities of Zurich and Innsbruck that measures and collects biometric data and adjusts patterns, colors, music and fragrances to feed the most ideal conditions to the driver's senses including sight, touch, feel, smell and hearing.

The "Senso" Specials

It gathers data via:

* biometric Polar watch to measure pulse
* mobile cameras recording driving behavior in detail at real-time

And provides the high-end driver experience by automatically adjusting:

* Lighting conditions using Smart Surface Technology
* Original and custom written soundtracks
* Fragrances that either calm or stimulate
* Vibrating seats when tiredness sets in

The design is both controversial and unique. The Rinspeed Senso is a real-deal three-seater, the driver sits front and center with two seats on either side behind him. The automakers used carbon parts for both interior and exterior allowing for a cool, futuristic look. The chassis, developed by KW Automotive GmbH, is equipped with height-adjustable coilover suspensions, allowing for great adjustments in driving and handling.

The Rinspeed Senso's engine is that of a 3.2 liter Porsche boxer S. The Senso has six-speed transmission and accelerates from 0-60 mph in a mere 5.9 seconds. It can run top speed at 150 mph and produces a usable power of 250 bhp at 6200 rpm and has a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 4600 rpm.

The tires are from Continental SportContact and are mounted on Barracuda rims measuring 8.5x19" the front and 9.5x19" at the rear. Other showpiece technologies featured in the car when it was presented include a satellite-linked emergency call system and fingerprint recognition technology for added security and further cabin data collection.

Reality Check

How is the Rinspeed Senso as a real car? Is it something we can actually see amongst regular traffic?

Rinspeed has always been known to produce fully-working prototypes and the Senso presented is a running, fully-working vehicle. The design is futuristic, but may be too cutting edge for some. The lighting system alone reminds one of laser blasters from sci-fi movies of the past. The front, back and top views are gorgeous but it looks very much like a toy from the side. The interior of the Rinspeed Senso is simple and impressive, considering how many of its features are packed in the cabin area.

The three-seat design is brilliant and gives the feel of a real sports car. No data have been released from independent test drivers but the specifications sound like it can perform very well on the road.

I'm left feeling a bit ambivalent about the automated adjustments that happen inside the cabin. Done incorrectly, they can be extremely intrusive and irritating. Executed well, however, these features can potentially be a very good service. Will this relaxing and soothing technology finally end the outbreaks of road rage, angry drivers, and frustrated motorists on the road? My guess is no. But, I'm also willing to be wrong about this one.