Toyota is geared up to debut its Setsuna concept car at the Milan Design Week, primarily made of wood.
Toyota says that wood has been used for construction of this car because it is durable yet is prone to changes over time.
To materialize this concept, Toyota picked up a several distinctive types of wood for different parts of the car. These include the exterior panels, frame, floor and seats.
The company believes that wood provides uniquely appealing characteristics that are hard to find in conventional cars.
Also, wood can last for several generations, if it is properly taken care of, the company added.
It can also change color and texture depending upon the conditions of weather, temperature and humidity and conditions of use. This can give a unique personification to each vehicle as it ages.
Toyota engineer overseeing development of the Setsuna, Kenji Tsuji said: "We evaluated various ways to express the concept and selected different lumber materials for specific applications, such as Japanese cedar for the exterior panels and Japanese birch for the frame. We also paid particular attention to the sizes and arrangements of individual parts."
"For the assembly structure, we adopted a traditional Japanese joinery technique called okuriari3 which does not use any nails or screws.
"The completed body line of the Setsuna expresses a beautiful curve reminiscent of a boat. We would also like the viewer to imagine how the Setsuna will gradually develop a complex and unique character over the years.
"The car includes a 100-year meter that will keep time over generations, and seats that combine functional beauty with the gentle hue of the wood."
Setsuna is a Japanese word, which means 'moment'. It was chosen to reflect that people experience precious, fleeting moments together with their cars.
Image: Toyota Setsuna Concept Car. Photo: Courtesy of Toyota
