Splinter (automobile)
| Splinter | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Designer | Joe Harmon |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports |
| Body style | 2-door 2-seat coupe |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Twin-supercharged 4.6L V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.0 in (2,667.0 mm) |
| Length | 174.5 in (4,432.3 mm) |
| Width | 82.0 in (2,082.8 mm) |
| Height | 44.0 in (1,117.6 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) |
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
Body
The structure is made from a variety of bent and laminated wood veneers, with bodywork produced from woven veneer. The target weight is 2,500 lb (1,134 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.[1]
Engine
With a projected 600 bhp (450 kW) from a twin-supercharged 4.6L V8 engine, a top speed of 240 mph (386 km/h) has been predicted,[1] 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
- 1 2 Splinter specifications from joeharmondesign.com