After unveiling the hoverboard, reported here by HNGN, last August, Lexus is again making waves, announcing that it completed its "Origami Car."
The vehicle is astonishing because it is entirely made of cardboard and, yes, it is working.
Lexus commissioned a UK-based company called LaserCut Works and Scales and Models to cut and assemble at least 1,700 pieces of cardboard to replicate the Lexus IS saloon. The team spent three months putting the cardboard together using a wood glue that dries 10 minutes after application, according to an IGN report. It was, therefore, a time consuming and very detailed process.
"The seats took a few attempts to get just right and the wheels required a lot of refining," Ruben Marcos, founder of Lasercut told IGN. "Once we could see the physical pieces taking shape, we could identify where we needed to make improvements - as with anything, there were some elements of trial and error."
The completed car is truly incredible. On closer inspection, one can appreciate the amount of effort devoted to the project as each piece of cardboard is precision-shaped to seamlessly work with others. The bulk of the car was made from the recyclable material down to the wheels with the exception of the steel aluminum frame underneath, the headlights and the electric motor, according to CNET.
Though the Origami Car works, it is not meant to be driven, since it is not safe and certainly not comfortable, Engadget noted. It is designed to be on display; in order for people to admire the concept of the car from a different perspective. It underpins an emergent thought that - with today's technology and assembly techniques - nearly anything can be built regardless of the material used.
