Wheel Revolution Falls Flat

It's been touted as the biggest revolution in tyre design for years, but is it about to get a puncture? Boffins working on rubber similar to the pioneering Michelin Tweel have scrapped years of research - because they couldn't keep it quiet. The shock decision will have an impact on the rubber giant's own version, which first appeared at last autumn's Frankfurt Motor Show before officially debuting at the Detroit expo in January.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Max Glaskin

12th May 2005

We featured the work of the Scandinavian scientists in issue 796, long before we'd heard of the Tweel. They first developed their combined tyre and wheel in 1989, yet only managed to raise enough money to build prototypes three years ago. Track trials were due to start this month, but have been axed after lab results showed the wheel was far louder than expected.

"It was just too noisy," said Professor Ulf Sandberg, an expert in road tyres at Chalmers University, Gothenburg, Sweden, and the leader of the team. He hoped the unit would be quieter than conventional tyres. Sandberg's discovery means that Michelin may have to review its work on the Tweel. However, nobody at the firm could comment.

Auto Express featured the Tweel's first road tests in issue 852, when we were told it was a 10 to 15-year project. That gives engineers plenty of time to cut road noise - but they won't find much on the first vehicle to use the rubber. It's initially being made available for wheelchairs!