Toyota have unveiled the wooden Setsuna concept ahead of its official debut at the Milan Design Week in April. Toyota says this will last for many generations if properly looked after, and will respond to changes in the environment – giving it a unique look as time goes on, and absorbing the memories of each successive owner. The floor is crafted from Japanese zelkova elm, the seats from castor oil tree wood, and the instrument panel from cyprus. The new concept which will be revealed by Toyota is an electric roadster called ‘Setsuna, ‘ which means “moment” in Japanese.
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While wood might not be an apparent option, Toyota made this choice as the product changes gradually.
The wooden auto also features an electric motor, although Toyota didn’t provide specifics on things like battery range or powertrain.
If the model was ever to be built, Toyota also believes that with proper care (maybe it could be featured in future installment of Karate Kid – wax on, wax off!) the vehicle could be resilient enough for generations to enjoy.
Setsuna was designed by Toyota’s chief engineer Kenji Tsuji and a designer, Kota Nezu.
Today, we received an image of Toyota’s newest development, which is a wooden auto.
“The completed body line of the Setsuna expresses a lovely curve reminiscent of a boat”.
“We also paid particular attention to the sizes and arrangements of individual parts”, Toyota said.
For the assembly structure, the company adopted a traditional Japanese joinery technique called okuriari, which does not use any nails or screws. Ultimately, the Setsuna should develop a unique, inimitable patina that reflects decades of use.
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“The vehicle includes a 100-year meter that will keep time over generations, and seats that combine functional beauty with the gentle hue of the wood”.
