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?