Rinspeed BamBoo concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

There’s no doubt the folk at Rinspeed like to think outside the box when it comes to concept cars – and the new BamBoo will evoke plenty of admiration when it makes its debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2011.

Not for Swiss car visionary Frank Rinderknecht it isn't. He says every name has a meaning and in this case it's because many of the interior features are made from actual bamboo fibres. And why not? Bamboo has been used as a building materials for houses, musical instruments and bicycles for years.

Although we're not sure what would happen if you parked the Rinspeed BamBoo next to a Fiat Panda...

It wouldn't be Rinspeed if it wasn't wacky. They've already made a car that can cross water and now they want to attract beachgoers with this open-top vehicle. The Swiss manufacturer says it can imagine Brigitte Bardot behind the wheel with playboy Gunther Sachs at her side heading towards Tahiti beach. Quite. 

Yep. Keep it away from the Welsh rugby team who would no doubt see it has the perfect vehicle to grab a midnight snack from a nearby service station.

Unlike a golf buggy though the BamBoo offers four seats and gives its passengers the opportunity to enjoy a free-air ride. The Swiss company tells us the creation is aimed at bringing back the 'free spirit of the 70s'.

The front-wheel drive vehicle is driven by an electric motor providing a maximum power output of 72 bhp and 103 lb ft of torque at 4500 rpm.

The BamBoo can accelerate from 0–31mph in 4.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 75mph. It has a lithium ion phosphate battery pack that provides a range of around 65 miles at 56mph, according to its makers.

By Richard Jones