Details emerge on 2011 Lotus Scura
Designers look to tires to save fuel

Designers look to tires to save fuel

Ralph Hanson September 6th, 2007 Ralph Hanson By Ralph Hanson Author September 6th, 2007
  • Articles Contributed: 1801
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 Car companies spend millions of dollars trying to improve the fuel efficiency of their cars but one of the simplest and most effective methods often overlooked is the addition of low-rolling resistance tires. Designers are just waking up to the fuel-saving tire, with brands like Volkswagen, Audi and Fiat launching new ultra-efficient models equipped with the special rubber. Peugeot has recently joined the group, equipping several models within its new 308 range with low-rolling resistance tires from Michelin, reports Automotive News. The tires create less friction than normal, which results in lower fuel consumption and correspondingly low CO2 emissions. Other methods developers are looking at to save fuel are weight reduction programs, more efficient drivetrains and new hybrid powerplants. However, at the end of the day swapping to the new fuel-saving tires is the most cost effective technology. According to Michelin, the low-rolling resistance save about 0.2L of fuel per 100km and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4g/km. The specials tires aren’t available at tire resellers as yet but Michelin expects to make them available by next year.
Designers look to tires to save fuel

Designers look to tires to save fuel

Enlarge Photo

Car companies spend millions of dollars trying to improve the fuel efficiency of their cars but one of the simplest and most effective methods often overlooked is the addition of low-rolling resistance tires. Designers are just waking up to the fuel-saving tire, with brands like Volkswagen, Audi and Fiat launching new ultra-efficient models equipped with the special rubber. Peugeot has recently joined the group, equipping several models within its new 308 range with low-rolling resistance tires from Michelin, reports Automotive News.

The tires create less friction than normal, which results in lower fuel consumption and correspondingly low CO2 emissions. Other methods developers are looking at to save fuel are weight reduction programs, more efficient drivetrains and new hybrid powerplants. However, at the end of the day swapping to the new fuel-saving tires is the most cost effective technology.



According to Michelin, the low-rolling resistance save about 0.2L of fuel per 100km and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4g/km. The specials tires aren’t available at tire resellers as yet but Michelin expects to make them available by next year.

Tags: Odds and ends

Posted in: News


Comments (3 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 9/6/2007

    Ahh, but here begs the question:

    What do these tires give up in ride comfort and performance? I would think that to lower the rolling resistance they need to be made harder and to reduce the friction they would need to give up some, well, friction?

  2. By Apex Alex #2, Posted: 9/7/2007

    you're right. but there are often necessary trade-offs in all engineering.

    low friction will save gas. if you're willing to sacrifice a little adhesion and cornering ability.

    i actually went the other way. used to get 40 mpg with my stock corolla rubber. going to oversize rims and tires cost me 5 - 7 mpg! but i can corner better...fwiw.

  3. By NaBUru38 #3, Posted: 9/8/2007

    It's increbible that old cars like the S-Class W126 and Citroën CX were more aerodynamically efficient then modern cubes on wheels. Car makers should recover that aspect of car design.

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media