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EDAG Preparing a Leaf-Inspired Sportscar for Geneva - Light Cocoon

Two things I’d like to make clear before continuing with this concept: one is the fact that cars need to get both resistant and as lightweight as possible in the future to conserve energy; and two, the EDAG Light Cocoon here is the perfect example to prove that and how nature inspires humanity once again.
EDAG Light Cocoon concept 3 photos
Photo: EDAG
EDAG Light Cocoon lowresEDAG Light Cocoon highres
The EDAG Light Cocoon isn’t your average compact sportscar concept, but a vision into the future of 3D printed lightweight automotive structures, which manages to perfectly combine shapes and functionality, thanks to leafs.

The company looked at foliage to design the Light Cocoon, ditching closed surfaces and adopting a leaf-like structure, with a bionic rib-like construction to aid as the backbone and a thin lightweight material covering it for increased aerodynamic performances.

"We are pursuing the vision of sustainability – as demonstrated by nature: lightweight, efficient, and without any waste," explains EDAG's head designer, Johannes Barckmann. "The result: the EDAG Light Cocoon presents a stable, branch-like load bearing structure from the 3D printer, which only uses material where it is absolutely necessary."

Shaving pounds

EDAG said nothing about the material used for the branch structure, but they did said what covers it - a special stretching material made by Jack Wolfskin outdoor specialists. It’s a very lightweight fabric, weighing 4 times less than copier paper, which is also extremely weatherproof and lets some light pass through.

Yes, to enhance the unique car’s nature, the backbone can be seen through the textile coat thanks to a backlight system mounted underneath. As for the powertrain, there’s no information at the moment, but there should be at least a hybrid solution considered as well as an all-electric one.

But more on that we’ll probably discover at the Geneva Motor Show 2015 in March.
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