Wooden Marvel - Supercars have always been a symbol of human ingenuity and innovation. These machines are often seen as the pinnacle of engineering, blending advanced technology with breathtaking aesthetics. While most supercars boast cutting-edge materials like carbon fiber and titanium, there exists a unique creation that defies convention—a supercar crafted largely out of wood. This exceptional vehicle, known as the Splinter, turns heads not only because of its unconventional material but also because of the craftsmanship and engineering excellence it represents.
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| The Splinter, a wooden V8 engined supercar showed off at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: GTSpirit) |
The Splinter began as a bold concept for Joe Harmon’s thesis in 2005 and evolved through years of experimentation and refinement into the marvel it is today. Created by a team of industrial designers led by Harmon, the project drew inspiration from the iconic World War II fighter plane, the De Havilland Mosquito, renowned for its wooden wings. Harmon set out to redefine the potential of wood as a material, pushing its limits in automotive design. Though the idea of a wooden supercar might seem improbable, the Splinter proves that wood, when paired with innovative engineering, can be both functional and breathtakingly beautiful. |
| The Splinter posed along with models Jessica Kühne and Daria Eppert at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: CK-ModelCars.de) |
The body of the Splinter is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It is made from a mix of thin slices of cherry wood and lightweight balsa wood, carefully engineered to balance strength and weight. The result is a structure that not only holds up under the demands of a high-performance vehicle but also exudes a natural beauty that synthetic materials cannot replicate. The attention to detail extends to the interior, where the dashboard and steering wheel are also made of wood, adding to the car's organic and artisanal appeal. Every inch of the Splinter is a testament to the meticulous effort and creativity of its creators.
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| Front three quarter of the Splinter at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: T-Online.de) |
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| Interior view of the Splinter at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: TopSpeed) |
What
makes the Splinter even more remarkable is the way it challenges
traditional notions of automotive design. Supercars are often associated
with cutting-edge technology and futuristic materials, but the Splinter
shows that looking to the past—in this case, the age-old art of
woodworking—can yield something truly innovative. This wooden supercar
is not just a feat of engineering but a celebration of nature’s
materials and human ingenuity.
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| Joe Harmon behind the wheel of the Splinter at the Essen Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: CK-ModelCars.de) |
The Splinter
also serves as a reminder of the potential for sustainability in an
industry dominated by synthetic materials. While the car was not
designed with mass production in mind, it sparks an important
conversation about how natural resources can be utilized in new and
exciting ways. By demonstrating the capabilities of wood in a
high-performance application, the Splinter encourages designers and
engineers to think outside the box and explore alternative materials.
The
Splinter's appearance at the Essen Motor Show in 2015 captivated
audiences with its bold design and extraordinary concept. Its striking
presence reminded the automotive world that creativity and craftsmanship
still have a vital role to play in innovation. Though it wasn’t making
its debut, the showcase underscored the Splinter’s impact as an
extraordinary example of what is possible when ambition and artistry
come together.
The Splinter is more than just a car—it’s a work of art, a conversation starter, and a symbol of what can be achieved when passion meets innovation. While it may not dominate the racetrack or revolutionize the industry, its impact lies in its ability to inspire. It reminds us that even in a world of high-tech materials and advanced engineering, there is still room for natural beauty, creativity, and the timeless appeal of wood. *** [EKA [06122015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSPIRIT | TOPSPEED | T-ONLINE.DE | CK-MODELCARS.DE ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
