Korean tire maker Kumho has produced a concept for an electric SUV utilizing a tire maker's favorite material - rubber. The Fortis SUV features body panels made from recycled rubber and the rest of the design is pretty cool too.
The SUV's wheels contain one 100-horsepower motor each, allowing the production of front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive models. Built-in software controls the motors so different types of traction control can be programmed in.
Of course, the neatest feature of this concept car is the tires, which change Transformer-style depending on the terrain. During off-road driving, they deflate, revealing metal lugs that up the traction. When you get back on the road, the air cavaties expand, inflating the tires and covering up the metal lugs for smooth driving.
The SUV deisign also includes a Lithium-ion battery pack and regenerative braking.
via Autoblog Green
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written by alexander, August 01, 2009
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written by ellenbetty, August 01, 2009
If these tires work, these tires would be a good idea, if the tires could be set the studs to come out just enough for snow/ice on winter roads. Auto come out when tire slip is detected would even be better. Sounds like the tires could become a legal replacement chains on vehicle.
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written by ellenbetty, August 01, 2009
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written by EV, August 02, 2009
Cost of vehicle?
written by ellenbetty, August 01, 2009
The idea is nice but geared toward well to do people.
Everything new starts off geared toward the well to do. Then it comes down in cost and everyone can afford it.
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written by Bob Wallace, August 02, 2009
Stuff takes a lot of research and development (R&D)to get to market. Because funds are not unlimited there is probably a push to produce something that works and get some sold to keep the project going.
Figuring out how to make it cheaper likely comes later for many products. First you've got to see if there's a market and if you idea wins a portion of it.
Additionally, as products gain acceptance and some sales are made companies can build the specialized equipment and make the hard nosed deals with suppliers that decrease their costs.
And finally, get a new idea on the market and you've got the ability to charge more (make more profit) for a while. But count on someone coming along and competing and then down goes the price.
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written by German, August 07, 2009
No cars.
No factories.
No roads...
No cords.
No garbage..
No civils...
No ecosystem disharmony..
Nothing familiar to our nowdays' eyes.. except nature..
Earth will be clear. Happy earth creatures everywhere!
Where is humanity?
Still here!
But... another methods of coliving used for few hundred years..! People not underground. Not living on clouds.
We now live in "Liveballs"! Yeap - this may apper meaningless name, BUT! - it is exatly
describes appearence of place on Earth where people will live. Where our kids will live!
Soon I put my illustrations here. You will see how amazing & nice...
C ya! ))
PS^ excuse me for my spelling - I'm from Almaty, Kazakhstan... wrote in rush..
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