--- title: "A Physicist and His Son Are 3D-Printing a Full-Scale Lamborghini" description: "15 years ago, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) released an anti-piracy PSA — that has since turned into a meme — aimed at those who illegally downloaded media online. “You wouldn’t steal a car,” a message read during the opening credits of every DVD at the time. But who could have known […]" date: "2019-07-03" modified: "2019-07-10" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/3d-printing-lamborghini" categories: - "3D Printing" - "Future Materials" - "Science & Energy" tags: - "3d print" - "3d printer" - "3d printing" - "the digest" --- # A Physicist and His Son Are 3D-Printing a Full-Scale Lamborghini ![Physicist Sterling Backus is 3D printing a full-scale Lamborghini Aventador-inspired supercar in his own backyard with the help of his son.]() *\Image: Sterling Backus/Victor Tangermann\* ## Lambo 3D Fifteen years ago, the Motion Picture Association of America released an anti-piracy public service announcement — that has since [turned into a meme]() — aimed at those who illegally downloaded media online. "You wouldn't steal a car," a message read during the opening credits of most commercial DVDs at the time. Now, 3D printing could make the silly message a reality. Physicist Sterling Backus is 3D printing a [full-scale Lamborghini Aventador]()-inspired supercar in his own backyard, as [*3D Printing Media Network* reports](). He and his son have been working on the project for almost a year and a half. Sterling has already put about $20,000 into the project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myeB\_gpegoc ## Print "Car" The duo printed the body panels, taillights, headlights, and even air vents from a variety of plastics. To ensure the car was safe to drive, Backus wrapped some of the printed parts in carbon fiber. The car is technically not made up of 3D printed parts in its entirety, though: the engine, chassis and other structural pieces were gathered separately. “Our objective became showing the car off at the local schools as a STEAM project, to get kids interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math," Backus told *3D Printing Media Network*. ## Backyard Supercar And no, it's not piracy, according to Sterling. "The parts’ design is based on the Lamborghini Aventador, but we have changed each panel significantly, to add our design flair," Backus added. "In addition, no molds are made, and none are for sale. This is a one only project, and not for sale." **READ MORE:** [You too could now 3D print a Lamborghini Aventador at home]() \[3D Printing Media Network\] **More on 3D printing:** *[These Scientists Are 3D-Printing New Body Parts for Athletes]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()