Japanese car manufacturer have unveiled a very unsual car which is virtually all wood and has an electrive drivetrain. The car is called Setsuna which is Japenese word for 'moment' with the name representing the moments we have when driving cars. But why wood? There are many space age materials out there so why have Toyota opted for one of the oldest materials of all time?
Toyota explained the bold choice of materiel; "The decision to use wood—a material that is durable yet prone to change over time — reflects Toyota’s efforts to give form to the developing relationships between people and their cars." The car is reported to be powered by six 12 volt acid batteries and has a range of - wait for it- 15 miles on a full charge. So I think it's safe to say that this not a car for long journeys!
The car is still a concept and although it is driveable, it is not street legal so even if you wanted to nip out to get some milk - about the longest journey it could probably muster - you would not be able to. Toyota stated that the car is not for sale at the moment but some it's design elements may be used for other models. The designers have also put a 100 year meter in the cabin to keep track of time as it is passed down from generation to generation. Despite it's bold and interesing design, I think I would to have pass if this handed down to me...
