HACKROD looks to launch customised vehicles with 3D printed chassis

A crowdfunding campaign will fund the appointment of key figures within the company.

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HACKROD is looking to launch a customised line of vehicles, including a model which features a 3D printed chassis, after an equity crowdfunding campaign was opened.

The digital automotive manufacturer is looking for investment to fund its ambitious proof-of-concept, combining Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing (AM), machine learning and advanced logistics. It hopes to raise between $50,000 and $1,070,000, with the finances being put towards new employees. If the full goal is reached, HACKROD will appoint a COO, digital designer, and structure engineer, and put nearly $200,000 towards research and development.

HACKROD has put forward the La Bandita speedster as the poster boy of the campaign – the design of this car set apart thanks to its recycled Tesla powertrain and 3D printed alloy chassis. The chassis is engineered by an AI algorithm, and printed in aluminium, and helps to lightweight the vehicle. This incorporation of 3D printing eliminates the need for expensive tooling, and brings with it greater design freedom. The HACKROD team can make changes to each and every car it manufactures with no impact to the production costs.

The company’s mission is to reimagine the way motor vehicles are designed, engineered and manufactured. It was founded by Mouse McCoy, a motorcycle racer and stuntman, and later movie director and producer (Act of Valor), and Felix Holst, former VP of Design for the Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands. They are now joined by Dr. Slade Gardner, Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics Skunk Works division fellow, who has taken the role as HACKROD’s Chief Technology Officer.

Through Democracy VC, a funding portal partnership between Indiegogo and MicroVentures, HACKROD is looking to realise their goals by crowdsourcing investment. Though the minimum $50,000 target has been reached, HACKROD is hoping for as close to the $1m mark as possible, which will enable them to give the mission their best shot.

“We’re drawing from the artistry and individuality of 20th century hot-rodding and the rebellious, tech-savvy innovation of the hacker culture to provide the impetus for a great company that will empower the everyman to create the vehicle of his dreams or needs,” commented Mouse McCoy, HACKROD CEO. "We're going to build La Bandita and that proof of concept is going to show the world that HACKROD's ready to drive the new industrial revolution."

Felix Holst, HACKROD co-founder added: “Drawing on our collective experience in Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Aerospace, Motorsport, Media and Entertainment, we are uniquely positioned to revolutionise the way vehicles are conceived and consumed.”

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