We will remember the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show for its numerous bold and experimental concept vehicles, but we came dangerously close to missing one of the most promising ones. Meet the NCV, a prototype sports car with a wooden body.
‘Wooden’ would be simplifying it, of course. As a matter of fact, the concept consists of cellulose nanofiber, its derivative plastic composites, and binding resins. The innovative nanofiber is obtained from natural wood through a series of chemical and thermal treatments.
The University of Kyoto, which supervises the project, says that implementing this tech in the mass car-making industry will lower the curb weights by up to 10%, as well as reduce the production-side carbon footprint.
The researchers hope to make the nanofiber production process twice as cheap by 2030, which would make it only slightly more expensive than aluminum alloys or steel.