AkzoNobel has been appointed as a technology partner for Australian sports car manufacturer JOSS Developments.
As the final design of the JOSS JP1 supercar takes shape at the company’s Advanced Automotive Design Centre in Melbourne, its final wardrobe of exclusive colours is being prepared by the Netherlands-based paint company.
AkzoNobel is known in automotive circles for its striking colour schemes on Formula 1 racing cars.
It's for this reason, among others, that JOSS chose to partner with the world-class paint and coating supplier, which will be using products from its Sikkens brand on the supercar.
"We need the best technology partners for this project and that is why we wanted AkzoNobel on our team. It's as simple as that," JOSS Developments' technical director, Matt Thomas, said.
"The quality- and weight-optimisation programs for this car are exhaustive. Every element that will go into producing them must meet stringent standards.
"What's more, this car will take on Europe's best so when it came to the car's exterior finish we simply looked for the best European products - and all roads led to Sikkens."
According to Stephen Read, AkzoNobel's marketing manager, the opportunity to dress such a powerful design is both exciting and challenging.
"Because this car's light-weight carbon-fibre body will weigh around 45 kilograms we need the lightest paint with the best possible finish," Read said.
"To achieve this the JOSS supercar will wear Sikkens' latest waterborne paint technology.
"Being one of only a few to see the car's design I was quick to conclude that the final colour and finish will play a vital role in maximising the car’s visual impact.
"This is by far one of the most exciting projects in the Australian car industry and I'm thrilled AkzoNobel has been involved so early in its development."
JOSS Developments was formed in 1998 and its prototype JT1 supercar was first shown at the 2004 Melbourne International Motor Show to worldwide acclaim.
The company's highly skilled team, many of whom have experience in a variety of motor racing championships such as Formula One and V8 Supercars, has worked with companies such as BMW, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Ford, and Holden Special Vehicles.
The company's two-seat production supercar, code-named JOSS JP1, is currently in development. Its technical features are numerous and include a central monocoque made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a mid-mounted engine and a top speed in excess of 300km/h.
Check it out at www.joss.com.au