Invention: Splinter (wooden car)
Inventor: Joe Harmon and Team
Inventors’ Location: North Carolina

A team from North Carolina has invented the world’s first wooden car. The project is headed by Joe Harmon, and their invention, the wooden car, runs faster than a Porsche.
Their invention, the wooden car, has a twin 4.6l V8 engine, and is capable of producing 700 BHP. This is around 300 BHP more than a Porsche 911 GT3. It can reach a speed of 240 mph, according to Joe Harmon. It has two seats, and is made from plywood, medium-density fiberboard and maple. The invention has a roll cage to protect the driver.

Joe Harmon explained the rationale behind the choice of wood for their invention: “Wood has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminium or steel, and it possesses a versatility that makes many types of construction techniques possible. The satisfaction involved in making something from a piece of wood is awesome.”.

Most of us will agree with him on that last statement!

The Splinter, which has a roll cage to protect the driver and stiffen the chassis, has a laminated wood veneer chassis and wooden wheel rims. Suspension is provided through laminated wooden arms and springs made from osage orange wood. It is not made from solid chunks of wood, but rather moulded laminates.

Here are the detailed specifications of their invention:

Power: 700 BHP
Engine: 4.6 L, V8
Maximum Speed: 240 mph
Materials: Plywood, MDF, Maple
Number of Seats: 2
Weight: 1134 kg
Availability: Later this year
Chassis: Laminated wood veneer
Wheel Rims: Wooden
Suspension: Laminated wooden arms
Springs: Osage orange wood

They have named their invention “Splinter”.