Toyota will show the Setsuna concept at the Design Week in Milan, Italy, a month from now. Setsuna is a roadster (not a convertible) with the main chassis and body parts made from wood. Machined aluminum parts and leather covers create a contrast against the wooden materials.
The body consists of replaceable wooden panels, and the overall shape reminds of an Italian Riva speedboat. Setsuna means “moment” in Japanese, a reference to the ephemeral nature of our lives and cars.
The car is using Japanese cedar for the exterior panels, and Japanese birch for the frame. The floor is made from elm wood (Japanese zelkova, to be precise). The prickly castor oil tree supplies the material for instrument panel and front seats, Japanese cypress provides for the steering wheel.
Similar to the Camatte, the pedal and seat positions of the Setsuna can be adjusted, so that even a child could drive the car. The display vehicle is drivable (up to a top speed of 45 km/h, or 28 mph) but Toyota has not made it street legal. Surprisingly for Toyota, the Setsuna is an electric car. With a full charge of its six 12-volt, lead-acid batteries, the vehicle’s range is approximately 25 km.
To join the exterior panels with the frame, the same traditional Japanese joinery technique is used that keeps the sun goddess’ shrine together for 20 years. In traditional “okuriari,” no nails or screws are used. Concave and convex shapes hold the pieces together.
The car is the brainchild of Toyota’s chief engineer Kenji Tsuji, and Kota Nezu of znug design.
According to the Long Now Foundation the heroic engineering or structural overkill, but rather cultural continuity,” writes .
According to the Long Now Foundation the heroic engineering or structural overkill, but rather cultural continuity,” writes .
Credit:Forbes
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