Forget aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, chrome, etc. They’ve all got their place in the car-manufacturing world.
But if you’re seeking a light, fast “supercar” the only way to go is wood.
At least, that’s what’s a U.S. car design company believes. It’s created the world's first wooden supercar with a top speed of 240 mph.
The 4.6 meter-long, two-seater "Splinter" car, is made from maple, plywood
and medium density fiberboard (MDF). It has a 4.6-liter V8 petrol engine and a six-speed gearbox.
According to designer, Joe Harmon, age 27, his new vehicle weighs 1,134 kilograms — 240 kilograms less than the lightweight Porsche 911 GT3. Despite its power, it will achieve 20 mpg.
"Wood is a truly amazing material to work with," Harmon said. "It has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminum or steel, and it possesses a versatility that makes many different types of construction techniques possible."
The car is due is expected to available to the public later this year. The design company, Joe Harmon Design, has not announced a price for the “Splinter.”
