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Lexus creates a life-size cardboard car - and yes, it drives!

London, England -  It's possibly the most green-friendly Lexus yet - An IS sedan made from recyclable materials.

Sheet metal, glass and plastics has been set aside for the creation of a one-off, life-size model crafted in precision-cut cardboard.

The Lexus Origami Car is a replica of the new IS and was produced, the automaker says, "as a celebration of the human craftsmanship skills that go into every car Lexus makes".

You can drive it!

The Origami Car has a fully fitted interior, functioning doors, headlights and rolling wheels. Thanks to an electric motor it can even driven.

Gallery: 2015 Lexus IS Origami

The Origami Car won't be doing any laps around race course as it's meant to be a work of art.

Lexus provided the team with a digital 3D model of the IS, comprised of the main body, dashboard, seats and wheels. These were then digitally rendered in 10mm “slices” to provide the two-dimensional profiles needed for the laser cutting of each of the 1700 sheets of 10mm-thick of cardboard.

Each layer was given its own reference number to help ensure it was assembled in the right sequence and the entire assembly was done by hand.

A water-based/wood glue was used, which had to be left to set for 10 minutes after each application. Accuracy was vital, as changes couldn’t be made once the glue had dried.

The Origami Car took three months to build.

Watch the making of the Lexus Origami car




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