Splinter: The First Handmade Wooden Supercar

Wooden Marvel - In the ever-evolving world of automotive engineering, innovation often means thinking outside the box—or, in this case, inside the forest. Wood, a material historically associated with furniture and architecture, finds itself at the center of a groundbreaking achievement: the Splinter, a wooden supercar. While it may sound like an idea born from whimsy, this remarkable vehicle is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, demonstrating that even traditional materials can serve extraordinary purposes.

The Splinter is a handcrafted, two-seater American supercar concept made primarily of wood, designed by visionary Joe Harmon. (Picture from: The Coolist)

The Splinter, designed by industrial designer Joe Harmon and a team of craftsmen from North Carolina State University, transcends conventional automotive expectations. At first glance, it resembles a high-performance sports car, but its true marvel lies beneath the surface. Made predominantly of wood, this machine defies stereotypes about what materials can withstand the pressures of speed and performance. With an aerodynamic silhouette and precision-engineered details, the Splinter is a bold statement that merges aesthetics with sustainability.

This wooden supercar is capable of achieving speeds that rival its metal-bodied counterparts. Powered by a twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced 4.6L V8 engine, the Splinter boasts an impressive output of 700 horsepower. With a six-speed rear-mounted transaxle borrowed from a modern Chevrolet Corvette, the car's performance is nothing short of spectacular. From a standstill, it can reach 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just three seconds, matching the acceleration of many elite sports cars. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its unconventional construction. 

The Splinter's transparent design showcases the placement of its twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced 4.6L V8 engine, which delivers power to all four wheels. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

Weighing approximately 1,134 kilograms (2,500 lbs), the Splinter owes its lightweight nature to its primary material: wood. Laminated wood veneers such as maple, cherry, and plywood were skillfully combined to form its body. The use of wood extends to nearly every part of the car, with 90% of its structure crafted from this renewable resource. The wheels, for instance, feature intricate details made from 32 layers of oak veneer, while the transverse leaf springs are constructed from durable orange osage wood. Even the car's center hubs are pressed and laminated wood, a creative alternative to conventional metal components. 

The Splinter, weighing approximately 1,134 kilograms (2,500 pounds), achieves its lightweight design thanks to its primary material: wood. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

Perhaps the most fascinating feature of the Splinter is its seats, handcrafted entirely from wood. These unique seats, alongside the meticulously engineered body, showcase the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into this project. While the idea of a wooden car may raise questions about durability and safety, the Splinter proves that with the right engineering, wood can rival traditional automotive materials in both strength and performance.

The Splinter's wheels feature intricate wood details crafted from 32 meticulously layered sheets of oak veneer, highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

The Splinter's design is not only a nod to the beauty of natural materials but also a commentary on sustainability in an industry that often prioritizes mass production and resource-intensive processes. By working with wood—a renewable, biodegradable, and versatile material—Harmon and his team have highlighted the potential of sustainable design without compromising on innovation or style. 

The Splinter is powered by a a twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced 4.6L V8 engine. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

While there are no plans to mass-produce the Splinter, its existence sparks curiosity and admiration. It challenges the norms of automotive manufacturing and inspires designers and engineers to explore unconventional approaches. The vehicle also serves as a conversation starter about the future of environmentally conscious engineering, where sustainable materials could play a larger role in reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles.

The Splinter's design is not only a nod to the beauty of natural materials but also a commentary on sustainability in an industry that often prioritizes mass production and resource-intensive processes. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

The Splinter is more than just a car—it is a work of art, a feat of engineering, and a symbol of what is possible when creativity meets craftsmanship. Its wooden body, sleek design, and raw power combine to create a vehicle that captivates both car enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike. As it stands, the Splinter is a one-of-a-kind marvel that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of automotive history.

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This extraordinary creation reminds us that inspiration can emerge from anywhere, even the most unexpected sources. By pushing boundaries and redefining the use of materials, the Splinter not only reinvents the rules of car design but also encourages us to explore the vast possibilities of sustainable innovation. (Discover 9 other incredible wooden cars.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPLINTER SUPERCAR | JOE HARMON | THE COOLIST | KOOLWOOD | THE THROTTLE ]

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