Like most auto enthusiasts, we love Rinspeed.  But let’s face it, they’re all bat-shit insane. In a good way, of course, but insane nonetheless.

Until now, at least.  Because, aside from the bizarre iChange concept, Rinspeed will be bringing something more functional than crazy to the Geneva Motor Show, in the form of the E2: a Fiat 500 with something of a split personality.

Rinspeed has taken the already intense 100kW (135hp) Fiat 500 Abarth, and boosted its power to 120kW (160hp) – about on par with Fiat’s own Abarth SS.

“Whoopty-do, Rinspeed. Not exactly a motorshow-stopping concept,” you might be thinking.  And you’d be right.

Except that Rinspeed E2 features a custom engine management system that offers two modes for the driver to choose from, on the fly.

While in Commuting mode, the E2 will allow no more than 44 of its 120 killer-wasps to reach the ground, ensuring a fuel economy of about 4.8 l/100km.  Perfect for day-to-day commuting.

As soon as your A-to-B path becomes the distance from the start line to the checkered flag, switching the engine management system to Highway mode will unleash the full 120kW.

You don’t want to sit in Highway mode for too long, mind you, as the fuel consumption quickly jumps up to 8.56 l/100km.  Still, that’s not an unreasonable figure for what’s surely a mad bit of fun.