Pininfarina's latest minicar prototype was made in conjunction with Italy's National Research Council.
Pininfarina already carried out projects with this body in the '70s.
This showcar is part of the Council's Transport Project 2.
"Eta Beta is an up-to-date response to the problems of urban pollution as well as traffic circulation around twon and on middle distance trips"
It's classified as a hybrid MPV. It's true, it's multi-purpose: it is possible to lengthen telescopically the rear overhang by 20 cm, two place two or three rows of seats, thereby creating three different versions of the car:
a mini, 2+2 seater city car, a 4-seater tourer and an out-of-town car with luggage. The length varies from 3.12 to 3.32 metres.
The aluminium doors open gull-wing fashion, swing upwards with the aim to take up the minimum amount of room at the sides.
The space frame is made from extruded aluminium, the rest of lightweight painted plastic which is claimed to be 100 % recyclable.
The Eta Beta is powered by a Fiat Fire 1108 cc catalysed engine with two axial flow electric motors are housed inside the rear wheels without gearing.
The thermic engine's output is 66.1 bhp at 6500 rpm, whilst the each electric motor dewelops 12.5 kW (17 bhp)
Minicars are the next big thing, if You look at the miriad of prototypes and wannabes coming along: Mercedes Swatchmobile and A-class, Ford Ka to name a few. The mini-MPV concept is a winner, considering the hip surrounding the new Renault Scenic MPV. To combine the two isn't a new idea either. Pininfarina's solution may not be the best, but it shows an alternative.