Supercars or exotic cars refer to the elite vehicles as well
as limited edition cars. Because this level is considered very prestigious,
automotive companies usually will devote all their resources to ensure their
products are more superior to the other competitors.
Divergent Microfactories has a unique vision compared to
other supercar manufacturers - and may be able to tickle other manufacturers.
DM introduces Blade, a super car with modular construction concept through 3D
printing technology. Interestingly, starting from the beginning of development,
Divergent Microfactories has thought about the level of carbon emissions and
intends to minimize them.
The prototype of Divergent Microfactories Blade carries a
very unique design and futuristic theme. Its curved body reminds us to a mix of
Tamiya and the sci-fi vehicles from Tron movie. The cockpit extends into the
front, and there is a series of vertical lights, scissor door, one seat for the
driver, and the outside air filter which looks like cobwebs and beehives, it's
very slick, however CEO Kevin Czinger says that Blade is inspired by an
electric car.
The most fundamental difference in the Blade is the
manufacture of its body. The car utilizes a modular chassis-based on 3D
printing aluminum nodes and connecting rods from aircraft grade carbon fiber.
In theory, this technique allows the user to compose the aluminum nodes into
any shape. The combination of both materials makes the Blade remains light. Its
chassis weight is only about 46 kilograms.
Divergent Microfactories promises that their structure
solution is as strong and sturdy as a conventional chassis. As the heart, the
producer puts Evo 2.4-liter engine with a 700 hp turbocharger. The technology in
Evo is also very interesting because it is able to switch between the use of
gasoline and gas fuel smoothly. But, can this method meet the performance
requirement?
Kevin Czinger feels very confident because the engine
combined with body weighs only 635 kilograms - very light. By cutting the
influence of earth's gravity into the car, Blade's acceleration and control
will be better. If DM Blade has entered the production stage, just imagine the
impact of its chassis design on the supercar industry.
In addition to environmentally friendly due to the presence
of Evo motor, the 3D printing method also helps to reduce air pollution
produced by a car manufacturer. DM estimates that the cost to create a
production line will also decrease - about US $ 10 million for 10,000 units
during a year.
For now Divergent Microfactories tries to prepare a number
of Blade units, with the intention of proving their innovative ideas to the
public.