Local Motors Goes for 3D-Printing, Renault Twizy Power for Strati Model [w/Videos]

Local Motors is known for its progressive approach to making automobiles. It relies on an online community to contribute and then picks and chooses its favorite proposals and sets out to turn what is usually a nicely rendered 3D model into an actual car.

For its next project, the low and compact two-seater called Strati, it’s already chosen the design and has already gone ahead and created the first prototype.

The Strati, which uses the powertrain out of a Renault Twizy, but is quite different in design to the French EV, can be manufactured from scratch, basically, in record time.

It can be created in 44 hours of 3D printing for and only takes two days to assemble (by hand, basically). The material it’s carved out of is called carbon-reinforced ABS plastic and the manufacturer says it’s an excellent choice for the job, as it’s strong, light and doesn’t warp during the additive manufacturing process.

The first working prototype was assembled and shown off at The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014, held in Chicago, earlier this month.

Photos via Local Motors’ Facebook page