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Mazda RX-9 with Mighty Morphin' tire tech and energy absorbant skin - TechAmok
Mazda RX-9 with Mighty Morphin' tire tech and energy absorbant skin - [technology] 06:43 AM EDT - Apr,27 2006 - post a comment
The Mazda RX-9 is a hybrid featuring a 2.5L V6 and wafer-thin electric motor,
but features a couple of technologies not seen before in the race for higher
fuel mileage: tires that can change tread pattern and depth and sheetmetal that
absorbs electricity from dry ambient air.
James Owen Design is the one-man firm responsible for penning the vehicle's
shape. The slick skin features electrostatic collectors that can collect
electrical charges that build up on the exterior panels while driving through
dry air. The electricity is store in capacitors that can then feed the hybrid
drivetrain along with the onboard regenerative braking.
What's more trick are the vehicle's tires, which feature Electroactive
Polymers (E.A.P.) that with varying levels of voltage from the vehicle's
electrical system can actually change the shape and depth of their tread
pattern. The rubber donuts can go from flat and smooth to knobby and grippy, or
even ride high on their centers for ultra-low rolling resistance.
The Mazda RX-9 puts its power to the ground via Michelin E.A.P. tire
technology. Combined with a four-wheel drive system, regenerative braking,
cylinder deactivation at cruising speeds, and lightweight bodywork the RX-9 can
feasibly deliver 30 to 40 m.p.g., achieve low six second 0 - 60 M.P.H. times,
and attain a top speed north of 150 m.p.h. The front, transversely mounted
hybrid drive train consists of a multi-valve 2.5 liter V6 coupled to a
wafer-thin electric motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and
six-speed transmission. The RX-9 is configured to seat four passengers
comfortably. It incorporates two smaller rear doors (that deploy in a clamshell
fashion) easing ingress and egress for rear passengers. The doors and inner
doorframe are part of a larger internal structure that combines an aluminum
space frame with composite exterior surfaces and electrostatic collection nodes.
These nodes transfer electrical energy to an on-board capacitor. This
energy is gathere d as the vehicle travels through the dry California atmosphere
and is utilized to power the Michelin E.A.P. tire system.
Heh. Why don't the car companies stop wasting money on these 'sci-fi' concept cars they'll never bring to market and actually make fuel saving technologies for the cars we will buy. I believe innovation is key, but couldn't the money be better spent at fixing our current energy problems?
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