The 2001 Rinspeed Advantage R Concept, known as the Advantige Rone, marked a significant venture into the world of unconventional automotive design and eco-friendly performance. Rooted in the influences of Formula 1 and Le Mans racecars, the Advantige Rone presented an aerodynamically efficient, single-seat sports car with striking features.
Externally resembling Formula 3 cars, the Advantige Rone stood at a height of only 97 cm (38 inches), making it the lowest automobile globally and the first sports car running on biofuel derived from kitchen and garden waste. The concept embodied a unique combination of car, motorcycle, and sports car, promising thrills and an unforgettable driving experience.
The vehicle's innovative features included a bivalent drive concept, allowing the engine to run on both gasoline and biofuel obtained from processing organic waste. This eco-friendly approach enabled the car to cover 100 kilometers using 100 kilograms of waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.
A dynamic cabin control system offered automatic adjustments to the driver's position based on the speed of travel. The cockpit's height and inclination changed electronically: up to 40 km/h, the cockpit was positioned at its highest for improved visibility, while beyond 75 km/h, it lowered by approximately 30 cm into its lowest position. Furthermore, the cabin could tilt to the sides under centrifugal force, enhancing the sensation of riding a motorcycle.
In terms of performance, the Advantige Rone featured an inline-4 engine with a displacement of 1795 cc, producing 120 bhp at 5500 rpm and 165 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. The lightweight concept, weighing 750 kg, boasted a 5-speed manual transmission, reaching a top speed of around 205 kph (127.4 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.8 seconds.
Visually, the Advantige Rone incorporated Formula 1 influences, with its body lines accentuated by longitudinal air inlets resembling shark gills. The traditional rear-view mirrors were replaced by three color cameras, transmitting images to LCD monitors in the cockpit. This design choice contributed to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency.
The environmentally conscious Advantige Rone showcased Rinspeed's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design, introducing innovative technologies, and exploring sustainable fuel options, making it a standout concept in the automotive landscape.
Source & Images: Rinspeed
