Splinter (automobile)
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 . As of October 24 2008, the vehicle is externally largely complete, although headlights have yet to be fitted. Significant work on the running gear is required before this car will move under its own power.
Engine
With a projected from a twin-supercharged 4.6L V8 engine, a top speed of 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 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.