Porsche experiments with renewable body components

September 28, 2020 |

In Germany, iconic sports car maker Porsche is expanding its use of natural materials to include body parts made from linseed and balsa wood.

Porsche tells autoblog.com that the 718 Cayman GT4 uses natural materials in the front apron, rear apron, front spoiler, front lid, rear lid, mudflaps and air diffuser. Balsa composites hardened with linseed oil were also used to make the doors and rear wing.

Porsche says natural fibers absorb vibrations better than incumbent materials and, in an accident, break apart into smaller pieces.

The company has been experimenting with renewable elements for four years and said the new parts are currently being tested for racing. The company will race the Cayman in the 2020 Nürburgring 24-hour race and will offer the renewable body parts to private racing teams if performance is satisfactory.

Category: Chemicals & Materials

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