2005 Rinspeed Senso

Story Cars
Jul 2
2 min read

The Rinspeed Senso is a concept car designed by Swiss innovator Frank M. Rinderknecht with a focus on the emotional and psychological well-being of the driver. Introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, the Senso was developed in collaboration with Bayer MaterialScience, Hewlett-Packard, Sharp, and the University of Zurich. Rather than prioritize just performance or luxury, the Senso aimed to be the “most human-focused car ever created.”

The car monitors biometric data such as heart rate via a special wrist device and analyzes driving behavior using an onboard camera. This information is used to determine the driver’s mental state, after which the vehicle responds with a customized combination of interior lighting, music, and scents to relax or stimulate the driver accordingly. Visual and acoustic therapy are integrated with lighting effects (yellow-orange for stimulation, blue-violet for calming, and green for neutrality), specialized soundtracks, and aromatherapy.

Visually, the car adopts architectural styling cues with sharply defined lines and carbon fiber detailing. The driver sits in a central front seat with two passengers flanking from the rear—emphasizing the driver’s role as the focal point. The concept also retains high performance, using a modified Porsche powertrain that runs on environmentally friendly natural gas.

Specifications:

Engine: 3.2-liter flat-six (Porsche Boxster S), modified for natural gas
Power: 250 horsepower
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 5.9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Type: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Driver Monitoring: Pulse sensor (wrist device), behavior-tracking camera
Mood Response System: Color-coded LED lighting, sound therapy, cabin aromatherapy
Seating Configuration: Central front driver seat, two rear passengers
Body: Carbon fiber and lightweight composite materials
Interior Concept: Minimalist with clear geometric divisions and touch-responsive panels
Design Theme: Sensory experience focused on human well-being and emotional balance

The Senso was not intended for production, but it showcased Rinspeed’s commitment to bold, experimental design and human-centered innovation. It foreshadowed many technologies that are now becoming common in modern automotive interiors.