Rinspeed brings unpronounceable concept car to CES 2016 (pictures)

Rinspeed, a Swiss maker of customized vehicles, brought a high-tech, self-driving concept car to CES 2016, showing off technology from a number of partners, including Harman International.

Drew Stearne

Jan. 7, 2016 3:03 p.m. PT

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The Σtos may have an unusual name but it's underpinnings are very familiar.

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Based on the BMW i8, the Σtos adds a lot of new tech to a car that was already pretty sophisticated.

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The scissor doors are still present and correct.

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One immediately obvious alteration from the stock i8 is the addition of a landing platform for a drone.

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The bed lights up and can be used to display messages.

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The drone can be deployed while driving to take a selfies as you head down your favourite roads.

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Or, apparently you can order flowers from inside the car and the drone could collect them for you as you drive home.

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The real difference is in the cabin.

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Two curved screens dominate the dashboard, one for driver and one for passenger.

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Nav, entertainment and communication all can dominate the screens or share duties as needed.

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A third screen provides additional space for the variety of connected services you will have access to.

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Although much has changed from the stock i8, the BMW switch gear is still visible.

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The wing mirrors have been replaced with cameras which show up on the central sections of the dash screens.

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These cameras give much better aerodynamics to the car over traditional mirrors.

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The party piece of the Σtos is the steering wheel, which folds away to provide the driver more room to read, relax or engage with the entertainment system, while the car engages autonomous mode.