Part of High Gear Media

News

Hong Kong Witnesses First Aston Martin One-77... Supercars
May 27, 2012

Wreckage of Aston Martin One-77 that crashed in Hong Kong - Image courtesy Weibo

2013 Volkswagen CC Gets Sporty R-Line Trim Luxury
May 27, 2012

Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix Weather Forecast Racing
May 27, 2012

SEE ALL NEWS

Topics

Reviews

Videos

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG: First Drive

SEE MORE VIDEOS

Spy Shots

2014 Audi S3 Hatchback Spy Shots

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Spy Shots

2013 Aston Martin DBS Replacement Spy Shots

Car Tech

Volvo Explains Its Pedestrian Airbag System

The founders of Google and one of their autonomous Toyota Prius hybrids

California On Track To Be Next State For Autonomous Car Trials

Audi Offering 4-Year SiriusXM Traffic Subscription On Select 2013 Models

Home

News

Car Tech

Rinspeed Dock+Go: Making The Smart Smarter, Due At Geneva

Rinspeed Dock+Go: Making The Smart Smarter, Due At Geneva

Antony Ingram

Contributing Writer BIO

Antony has what can only be described as an obsession for all things automotive. If it moves, he'll drive it, and even if it doesn't move, he'll sit... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Scion FR-S Race Car Wins Class Victory At Nürburgring 24 Hours
Toyota is celebrating a triple victory at the 40th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race... Read More

#6LEADERBOARD RANK
902ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
4COMMENTS POSTED

1,287 views Dec 7, 2011

Follow Antony

2012 Rinspeed Dock+Go Concept

Enlarge Photo

If you wanted a great deal more space in your car we're not sure why you'd buy a Smart.

That's not to say the little Smart isn't great at what it does - nipping around city streets and looking chic outside the local coffee house - but if you buy one expecting any more space than for two people and a bit of shopping you've probably not chosen wisely.

Smart itself has tackled this issue head-on with the Smart For-Us pickup concept due at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but if you don't fancy a pickup there's always Swiss maker Rinspeed.

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show that follows Detroit, Rinspeed will be showing the Dock+Go mobility concept.

Based on Smart's two-seat, four-wheeled Fortwo, Dock+Go adds an extra pair of wheels and the space for a whole lot more cargo.

The maker describes it as a "backpack on wheels" and they actually have a point. The clever aspect is that, just like a backpack, you can leave it at home when you don't need it, meaning you get to keep all the regular Smart virtues such as compact dimensions and low weight.

Rinspeed envisions all sorts of uses - a pack that includes a heated box perfect for take-out food delivery services, or a toolbox pack for craftsmen.

Even more useful is an option for those driving the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive. With a typical range of between 60-80 miles, you're usually restricted to city use.

2012 Rinspeed Dock+Go Concept

Enlarge Photo

With the Dock+Go, an "energy pack" module with either a combustion engine or battery range extender would provide you with much greater range for those odd occasions when you might need to travel further. The electric module actually has driven wheels, so while it powers you along it recharges the car's batteries just as it would when you lift off the accelerator.

Then, when you return to the city, you can leave the Dock+Go at home again and make use of your tiny electric car.

Okay, so just like Rinspeed's Bamboo concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and other crazy concoctions like the SQuba electric Lotus Elise-based submarine, all-wheel drive Porsche 911-based pickup Bedouin and all Rinspeed's other concepts, the Dock+Go is unlikely to ever make production.

Even so, the world would be a worse place without a bit of imagination and lateral thinking. And for a select few, it'd really make the Smart smarter.