The Incredible Shrinking Car

by Rinspeed Presto Rinspeed Presto

Can't fit into that pint-size parking space? No problem. Push a button and, in 10 seconds, the four-seat Rinspeed Presto convertible shrinks 2-1/2 feet, converting itself into a stubby 9-foot 10-inch two-seater. To lose those inches, sliding rails join the Presto's front and rear sections. The quick-change concept is powered by a 1.7-liter 120-horsepower Mercedes turbodiesel that's been tweaked to run on a mixture of liquid fuel and natural gas for exceptional economy and low emissions. It hits 60 mph in just 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 108 mph. There are no plans for production.


It's a two-seater, it's a four-seater
The Rinspeed Presto concept consists of two sections: The front contains the engine, cockpit, and front seats; the rear holds the backseats and trunk. Sliding rails on each side of the car connect the two sections. Push a button on the instrument panel, and the car expands or contracts (a full 30 inches) within 10 seconds.