Arizona based Local Motors developed the world’s next generation 3D printed car, LM3D Swim model, priced at $53,000. The design which was chosen over 200 designs by the judging panel of the design challenge was designed by Kevin Lo of Portland.
Local Motors has partnered with IBM to integrate IoT technology through IBM Watson into the 3D printed car, Siemens’ Solid Edge to provide CAD modeling, IDEO to renew Local Motors Labs, and SABIC to improve materials. The entire designing of the prototype to building 3D printed car took just two months to complete. Roughly 75 percent of the LM3D Swim is 3D printed, including nearly all of the body panels and the chassis, out of 80% ABS plastic and 20% carbon fiber. Customers can customize the different features of the car, 3D printed at different shapes and sizes giving it a relatively different look, which is where it beats Audi. Audi has 3D printed an exact replica of the Silver Arrow Auto Union Type C Grand Prix Sports car from the year 1936, scaled at 1:2 using metal 3D printing.
“In the past few months our engineers have moved from only rendering to the car you see in front of you today. We are using the power of DDM to create new vehicles at a pace unparalleled in the auto industry, and we’re thrilled to begin taking orders on 3D-printed cars next year,” Local Motors chief executive Jay Rogers told the crowd at SEMA.
This year, Swim will undergo crash testing and all certifications that are required to get the 3D printed car on the road. The company is planning on building about 2,400 cars a year, at a new Local Motors micro factory now under construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is expected to go on sale by 2017, but the presales will begin in the spring next year. Stay tuned for more details if you want to get your hands on this unique vehicle.
