Joe Harmon’s wooden racer called “Splinter” features a 700 hp-engine © Joe Harmon

Nothing is impossible

Article by Michael Reitberger, translated by Robert Spannlang | 15.05.2015 - 15:42

American assembles a 700 hp wooden racer

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For some it may perhaps go too far, but why should a wooden car not go faster than a Porsche if it is technically feasible? Joe Harmon believes in his dream, racing his 700 hp wooden car "Splinter" over the highways of the United States.

90% of the car consists of wood. A 4.6 liter V8 engine is enough scale to catapult the 1100 kg lightweight racer to a top speed of 390 km/h (242 miles/h). Whether it makes sense that the racer composed of maple wood, plywood and MDF boards virtually blows the grey energy saved by virtue of its natural components out the exhaust pipe in a matter of a few seconds is another question. Whatever the case may be, Splinter is close to completion and will be presented at the Motor Show in Essen/DE at the end of the year.

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