Splinter (automobile)

Splinter

Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door 2-seat coupe
Layout	Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	Twin-supercharged 4.6L V8
Transmission	6-speed manual
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)
Designer	Joe Harmon

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 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 600 bhp (450 kW) from a twin-supercharged 4.6L V8 engine, a top speed of 240 mph (386 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