Rinspeed E2 concept

Abarth 500-based concept lets driver maximise speed or fuel economy at the touch of a button

It seems the engineers at crazy Swiss firm Rinspeed have turned their attention to the environment. Not only will the all-electric, body-morphing iChange wow the crowds at Geneva – it will be joined by another innovative concept called the E2.

Based on the high-powered Abarth 500 esseesse, but with most of the scorpion decals removed and a copper paint job added, the E2 offers two distinct engine settings.

There’s a choice between the full-fat 158bhp and 40.4mpg in ‘Highway’ mode, or at the touch of a button power is limited to just 59bhp for a special ‘Commuting’ setting – boosting fuel efficiency to an incredible 70.5mpg.

The E2 remains a concept at this stage, but it’s an idea that could soon catch on with customers demanding for their cars to be fun and frugal at the same time.