Reportedly a new design by Michelin shown at the Philadelphia car show. I don't know if it's for real, but it sure would eliminate the need for the slime and compressor!
Yeah, I've seen this and similar concepts before. I'm all for the idea of an airless passenger car tire. I wonder what they would cost, if they get to the point of being a viable replacement for the pneumatic tire. Such an odd looking thing though.
It was my understanding that those have a speed limit and are mostly used for security reasons (like where armored cars are used). So far...
Now that was a couple of months ago, who knows about more recent developments?
runflats aren't really the be all end all. they can be difficult to repair, and can cost much more to repair. availability is limited (although that doesn't really apply to the smart where conventional tire selection is limited too) runflats can often have a significantly shorter lifespan.
really though - the biggest disadvantage of runflats is cost and weight. the substantially stiffer sidewall required to be a runflat can also contribute to a much stiffer/harsher ride - this would be pronounced in a vehicle as light as the smart. handling, which is sometimes a complaint about the smart, would also likely suffer if shod with runflats.
Quote:
Carmakers increasingly under fire for using run-flat tires
by Siddharth Raja on Aug 22nd 2007 at 8:33AM
As the number of cars being equipped with run-flat tires increases car buyers are quickly learning that the new design is not all that it's cracked up to be. One automaker adamant in its decision to equip its cars with run-flats instead of installing a proper spare in the trunk is BMW, and it's now starting to experience a consumer backlash from that decision. Many of its customers are frustrated, not only at the shortcomings of the tire itself but also because of the exorbitant bill they face once the tires need to be replaced. Note that many service centers are unable to fix run-flats, and you can forget about re-treads (though that's probably a good thing).
Apart from the high cost of replacing the tires, run-flats are harder to come by and they don't last as long as regular tires either. Though the idea of not having to worry about changing the tire if it gets punctured sounds great, run-flats only have a range of about 50 to 100 miles once the rubber is damaged. Not much solace if you happen to hit a spike in the middle of nowhere.
Along with BMW, Corvette also has run-flats, and Toyota and Honda put them on some minivans.
Apparently, run-flats were introduced because consumers want "the smallest amount of hassle in their lives," according to an engineer from Bridgestone. Perhaps it's time drivers were forced to learn how to change a tire as part of their licensing tests.
Michelin TWEEL, a breakthrough non-pneumatic concept.
04/27/06
Michelin TWEEL, a non-pneumatic mobility concept, will increase productivity because it is maintenance-free, puncture-proof, easy to mount and dismount and provides a longer service life than radial tires.
As you can see, this is old news. But it is the first I have heard of it. So, that picture of the car might be their next step. I bet they will make them for military, police, fire, armored cars then they would start doing passenger cars. Have to perfect the durabiility for how ppl drive. But remember, Michelin always was known for their sidewalls. What now? There aren't any. I am guessing they are something to out do the RUNFLATS that came out a few years back. If you do recall those.
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