Is it the Tweel thing?

[BigWarpGuy]

GizMag article.

“Updated April 29, 2005 Michelin Michelin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia has showcased a potentially disruptive technology with significant ramifications for the future for mobility: an airless, integrated tyre and wheel combination dubbed the TWEEL (i.e. Tyre/WhEEL) . … “
Since the Smart Fortwo has no spare tire, would this be ideal for it?

Tweek Wikipedia


How Stuff Works
MDolla

[SmartPassion]

A concept that ran out of steam. Cost.

[JPaul]

Saw those featured on either the Discovery or the Science channel a while back. I wonder how they behave in sharp curves, and how it works with traction control and ABS?
We may have to wait a while before it's widespread...

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Saw those featured on either the Discovery or the Science channel a while back. I wonder how they behave in sharp curves, and how it works with traction control and ABS?
We may have to wait a while before it's widespread...

If the Wiki article is accurate, the Tweel was supposed to outperform conventional tires on lateral stresses, so sharp curves should not present problems. However, it seems high road noise and heat generation were its biggest drawbacks. Not to mention that the Tweel survived spike strips, which would make it more difficult for police to catch criminals in cars equipped with Tweels.

[nemo1]

I think I'd prefer a Whire ;)