Toyota Setsuna Concept
In an industry that uses lightweight
materials like carbon fiber or aluminum in car construction, Toyota has chosen
wood to create its newest design study.
A variety of distinctive types of
lumbers were used on different parts of the car, including its exterior panels
made from cedar, the frame built from birch, the floor and even on the seats,
connected together without any nails or screws, using a traditional Japanese
joinery technique called "okuriari".
The 3,030 mm long, 1,480 mm wide and 970
mm tall concept, with a 1,700 mm long wheelbase, is named the Setsuna, which
means "moment" in Japanese.
Underneath its wooden-made body, Toyota
placed an electric motor, but details on it are unknown. The company will
display the new Setsuna Concept at the Milan Design Week, which starts on April
11 for the media, and one day later for the public.
