Another very cool concept from Rinspeed.
As most hotrod enthusiasts will recognize, the styling is largely
derived from the 1939 Studebaker Pickup. - SW
(from Rinspeed Press Release)
Tatooo.com - the play on words combines the emotional, erotic appeal of
human body art with the three zeros that have come to symbolize the new
millennium. The Internet address is a website for the vehicle, as well
as its name.
The original concept of the "Multi Utility Vehicle (M.U.V.)" was first
demonstrated in last year’s creation for the Geneva Motor Show, the
Rinspeed X-Trem. TATOOO.COM takes that concept to a new dimension.
The Design
The RINSPEED TATOOO.COM can't hide the
fact that its roots lie in the traditional American hot rod. Its lines
are reminiscent of the classic pick-up trucks of the Fifties. The
dominating hood with its large air intakes lends a sporty and dynamic
appearance to the showstopper.
The front and rear fenders with their generous sweeping lines just
barely cover the extra-wide tires. The windshield and side windows are
very low compared to contemporary production cars. These observation
slits harken back to the hot rod era. The doors are completely free of
attached parts, with the exception of the rearview mirrors required by
law. Door handles have been replaced by a remote-controlled
electromagnetic opening mechanism. The truck bed is also free of
attached parts. Wide side skirts and modern light units provide the only
visual clues that the vehicle is in fact a synthesis of old and new. The
tailgate is a real novelty. It is essentially a frame with a transparent
and indestructible Lexan plate in the center. The tailgate lends a much
lighter appearance to the vehicle's rear and gives stylists
unprecedented design freedom.
The Technology
Under the enormous front-hinged hood a
powerful 5.7-liter V8 aluminum power plant delivers feisty acceleration.
Precision tuning delivers a power output of 409 hp (301 kW) at 5’800
rpm. Maximum torque is 555 Nm at 4’350 rpm. The dual exhaust system with
striking Remus tailpipes produces a robust sound. Ultra wide and ultra
low Continental SportContact tires in sizes 245/35 ZR 20 and 295/40 ZR
20 provide the necessary grip for the enormous available torque. For
mounting the tires, Italian wheel manufacturer OZ Racing created custom
20-inch rims. Getting to 100 km/h from a standstill takes just 5.9
seconds. Top speed is 245 km/h.
The RINSPEED TATOOO.COM features a pneumatic suspension to keep the
vehicle leveled perfectly at all times. An infinite number of suspension
settings are available at the push of a button. This offers a couple of
advantages. In addition to continuously adjustable ride firmness, the
suspension permits adjustments in ride height, depending on terrain,
speed or road conditions.
Like all its predecessors, e.g. "X-Trem", "E-Go Rocket" and "Mono Ego",
the TATOOO.COM is fully street-legal and conforms to all current EU
regulations.
The X-Tra-Lift
The lifting mechanism "X-Tra-Lift" (+
patents pending), introduced last year, has undergone intensive further
development. Through the use of a dual-arm cantilever, engineers have
achieved linear lift without a center of gravity. A mechanical drive,
located below the truck bed, swivels both arms to and fro in tandem,
thus lifting or lowering the load platform in less than a minute. The
electric motor is powered by the vehicle battery and activated by remote
control. The system also incorporates all possible safety features,
including an inclination angle limiter.
The "X-Tra-Lift" was specifically integrated into the vehicle design.
The tubular frame offers protection against rollover accidents and
visually integrates the system into the vehicle body.
The loading system is ready for production and enjoys high demand,
especially in the USA.
Toys as Cargo
"B.O.B." isn’t a nickname for an American
man in this case. Loaded onto the back of TATOOO.COM it stands for
"Breathing Observation Bubble." "B.O.B." – produced in sunny Florida –
is a totally new diving apparatus. The underwater motor scooter looks
like something straight out of a science-fiction movie. Even beginners
can easily dive up to 30 feet deep. The diver's head moves freely in an
air pocket under a helmet reminiscent of Darth Vader. There is no
mouthpiece, no regulator. A battery-powered propeller provides
propulsion. Steering is done with a kind of bicycle handle that operates
a rudder. Diving depth is controlled by a sack of air that inflates and
deflates and is adjusted easily at the push of a button. The
compressed-air bottle holds enough air for one-hour excursions under
water.
Street toys, of course, also need to be transported. So a customized
Ducati Monster 900 S with chrome styling is also available as cargo for
easy transport.
The Interior
The interior of the RINSPEED TATOOO.COM
is creative and futuristic in design and choice of materials. Imitation
African mamba snake leather, woven beige leather from Italy and
terracotta-colored plastic floor covering lend an exclusive yet natural
touch. The Austrian company Burg Design did the styling of these and
other décor elements. The clever combination of these unusual elements,
colors, and patterns creates just the perfect setting for the high-tech
Sony stereo system. Many parts of the interior and exterior are plated
with a chrome-like finish called SLC ("Surface Like Chrome") using a new
technology developed by Durovib. FoliaTec contributed many useful design
elements inside and out.
The vehicle also contains the latest in mobile entertainment. A fast and
easily installed Sony PlayStation makes travel times seem shorter for
the passenger. A 7-inch LCD monitor offers super-sharp picture quality.
