3D printed car LM3D launched by Local Motors; on sale next year for $53k

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At the SEMA Show, Local Motors introduced the LM3D Swim, a car produced using 3D printers. According to Engadget, pre-sales for this new vehicle will start in Spring 2016 while delivery is expected to be during the first few months of 2017.

"We are using the power of DDM (direct digital manufacturing) 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," Jay Rogers told the audience during the Las Vegas SEMA event. Business Wire says Rogers is the CEO for Local Motors.

The car's design was made by Kevin Lo during a community challenge back in July. Knox News Sentinel says that Lo also designed another vehicle for Local Motors, the Sport.

Business Wire says Siemens' Solid Edge was used to design and create the vehicle. SABIC provided the materials needed to construct the LM3D Swim's body.

Local Motor's partnership with IBM and other companies will also help in creating products and apps that will monitor and enhance the overall driving experience. Crash tests and certifications are currently underway.

In a talk with Slash Gear, Local Motor's chief marketing officer Elle Shelley believes their newest car is just as comfortable as a BMW 3 Series vehicle. The LM3D Swim is also safer and eco-friendlier than other vehicles currently on the market.

Shelley explained that because 3D printing was used to create the vehicle, it allowed them to design a "complex roll-cage" frame. With this technology, less waste was produced while the print material is fully recyclable.

An added advantage to using this technology is that it allows interested car owners to customize the look of their vehicle. Each unit is essentially unique according to Shelley.

The company plans to produce close to 2,400 cars a year says Engadget.

All of the company's vehicles will be featuring the same powertrain and chassis. Local Motors has not confirmed where they will obtain these parts although Slash Gear says the prototype used during the event featured gear derived from the BMW i3.

The report believes that the LM3D will run on electricity as a gas engine vehicle will require more space to accommodate the gas tanks.

Knox News Sentinel says the vehicle will be constructed out of Local Motor's factory in Knoxville. The factory is set to open in 2016.

The expected price of the LM3D Swim is around $53,000. Slash Gear says that as an electric car, federal and state subsidies may reduce the retail price by $10,000.