The Splinter is a two-seater American supercar concept made of wood. It was created by a team led by Joe Harmon, an industrial designer from North Carolina. There are no plans to mass-produce this vehicle.
Design and implementation
SPLINTER - The World's First Wooden Supercar - This is Splinter the world's first wooden supercar, it was created by a team led by Joe Harmon, an industrial designer from North Carolina as a graduate school ...
Body
The structure is made from a variety of bent and laminated wood veneers, with bodywork produced from woven veneer. The target weight is 2,500Â lb (1,134Â kg). As of October 2008, the vehicle was externally largely complete, although headlights had yet to be fitted. It was completed in 2015, and will be featured at the Essen Motor Show from Nov 27-Dec 6, 2015.
Engine
With a projected 600Â bhp (450Â kW) from a twin-supercharged 4.6L V8 engine, a top speed of 240Â mph (386Â km/h) has been predicted, although the team have stated that the maximum speed of the vehicle may not be tested.
Wheels
The wheels are made to a multi-piece design, with spun metal rims and wooden centres. These centres are laminated from wood veneer and embellished with radial spokes. These spokes were routed from solid wood and are stood off the wheel centres in such a way as to make them appear to float.
Suspension
One noteworthy feature of the suspension is the use of osage orange wood in laminated, transversely mounted leaf springs.
See also
Joe Harmon's Official Website
Splinter Build Blog
References
