In a breakthrough technological Surprisingly, a new car model, with a body reinforced by spider webs, is currently in production.
The extremely strong fibers of these webs, known for their exceptional durability, are used in innovative ways to strengthen the structure of the revolutionary vehicle.
According to the New Atlas website, the coating used will be synthetic, although its properties are inspired by the characteristics of natural spider web fibers.
The standout model, which will receive this avant-garde treatment, is the Velozzi Hypercar.
How was the Velozzi Hypercar designed?
The model is the result of collaboration between two renowned experts. One of them is Roberto Velozzi, a designer and inventor with experience in motorsport teams and at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The second creator is Dr. Randy Lewis, a biology professor at Utah State University who specializes in studying spider silk proteins.
The innovative process began with the identification of these proteins present in the five types of spider web.
Dr. Lewis’ team managed to synthesize genes capable of producing such components in genetically modified alfalfa plants.
Spidey Tek, a biotechnology led by Velozzi, carried out the environmentally friendly extraction of plant proteins.
After a rigorous purification process, these proteins were transformed into fibers, ready to be incorporated into various products, providing a significant improvement in resistance and strength, without adding significant weight.
Check out the result of the car:
Red Velozzy Gypercar made from spider webs – Image: Reproduction/Velozzi
In addition to the revolutionary Velozzi Hypercar, the company expands its reach to other products based on spider web proteins, such as glues and medical devices.
In the case of the Hypercar, synthetic fibers will be mixed with the carbon fiber used in the vehicle’s body, resulting in a unique combination of high-strength materials.
Roberto Velozzi reveals that only 100 units of the Velozzi Hypercar will be manufactured, with the first deliveries scheduled to take place within 4 or 5 years.
The estimated price of the car is around 3 millions of dollars, which would be equivalent to approximately 16 million reais, according to the current exchange rate.
