Michelin, together with Maxion Wheels, has introduced an innovative solution to conventional wheel design. The innovation is not in the tyres, but rather the wheel itself.
As detailed in the video above, the flexible alloy wheel is fundamentally comprised of the aluminium wheel, in which both ends are protected by rubber flanges. This is designed to reduce bending and absorb impact more efficiently than conventional wheels.
It’s called the Michelin Acorus technology, and it is completely integrated into the wheel. Before you ask, it’s patented, of course. How does it work? Well, when the car drives over a pothole (or similarly hazardous road surfaces), the rubber flanges deform and act as a cushion to safeguard both the tyre and the aluminium wheel. Simple as that.
In the real world, Michelin says the benefits are remarkable. Its foremost objective is to help the wheel and tyre resist impact better, and the risks of puncture caused by pinching the sidewall are reduced, regardless of the vehicle’s speed.
Also, because the technology helps avoid punctures, drivers will need to change tyres less, which will help save raw materials, the company adds. Drivers in countries with poor road conditions can also use tyres of a larger diameter, which improves the look of their vehicles. The best part is, the wheel is compatible with all tyre brands.
What do you think of this, guys? Would you consider investing in this new set of wheels? Let us know down below.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Brilliant, but how many thousand hits before the-flexible rubber rim experiences fatigue? If the benefit is a lighter wheel overall then it truly is revolutionary because it will save fuel and improve ride comfort/handling
Awesome now everyone can have ultra low profile tyres here in Bolehland without worrying of potholes destroying the tyres and rims.
Hot weather will destroy the flexibility of those tyres way b4 potholes do.
their engineer already done R n D bro… they already test it in every weather condition… they r world class car engineer not cap ayam punyeee… surely they already think abt it all…
I have oso seen world keras engineer fake data and fake tests. So what else is new?
Some wheel tech cant be use in hot weather. Trust me. My dad used to own a 508 the tyre came from france..the thread worn out quite fast.
Obviously dumb, that’s made for France..
U mean our weather generate Heat Higher than heat generated from Brakes ??!
Yes. Soaked heat from weather can be much more detrimental that a sudden burst of hi temps from braking. Rubbers can withstand flash temps but not constant hi temps where it affects the molecular bonding of the compound.
U sir, deserved my like
Brake can be cool off while driving But not tyre. Bcause of constant contact.
With term and condition apply
If you hit potholes, the warranty will be void.
When is it coming here?
Perfect for Bolehland roads. Rejoice!!
Not with MY hot weather.
Sabah Sarawak needed
Probably cost more than a Myvi
Any speed the rim can take pothole impact is it…
“Drivers in countries with poor road conditions can also use tyres of a larger diameter, which improves the look of their vehicles.”
Did I read this correctly?
…and here I thought bigger wheels only serve 2 purpose.
1) allow for fitment of larger brakes
2) less sidewall flex (in lower profile tyres).
Looks? Who’d want that? :p
Specially designed for Malaysian roads
Wow. After watching the video in slow motion, the flexible wheels act like a mini suspension.
knowing michelin it won’t be cheap…
Eh wait…what potholes??? Thick suv tyres can go thru any potholes with no issue. This tech is not for everyone so it will be very expensive.
specially in selangor roads
Selangor darul lubang