2006 Mazda RX-9 / Michelin E.A.P. Concept - Morphing Tires

James Owen Design has recently completed the Mazda RX-9 / Michelin E.A.P. transportation concept which was a Winner of the Michelin Challenge Design at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

Michelin E.A.P. is a tire system designed to take advantage of current and forthcoming advances in hybrid drive train technology. E.A.P. stands for Electroactive Polymer, which are also known as artificial muscles for their functional similarity to natural muscles. E.A.P.s are plastic materials that change shape and size when a given voltage or current is applied. These new and advanced polymers have been crossbred with hybrid engine technology and vehicle mounted, electrostatic collectors to create a new kind of adaptive tire concept.

Michelin E.A.P.s work in conjunction with the proposed Mazda RX-9’s hybrid drive train, electrostatic collectors, and onboard capacitor. The E.A.P. wheel and tire assembly draws voltage from the hybrid engines’ batteries and capacitor. This voltage activates the articulated treading that responds to changing road conditions. The batteries build up a charge through regenerative braking and engine charging while the capacitor gathers electrical energy through electrostatic nodes located at strategic points on the vehicles skin. As the vehicle travels through the dry California air, an electrical charge is built-up on the exposed metal areas of the RX9. This continual build up is channeled to the batteries and on-board capacitor for distribution to the tires and other systems.

Michelin E.A.P.s are designed to “morph” from one mode to another when voltage is applied to the electroactive polymer that each tire is made up of. This allows the tires’ tread pattern to change shape and depth. In this way, the tire can be optimized for various road conditions. The tread can change from a smooth, even shape to take advantage of the dry road conditions of L.A. County to fully protruded tread sections that are optimized to bite through the snow and slush of Mt. Shasta. “Low Rolling Resistance” is one of the most useful and relevant modes for the California market. This mode allows the RX-9 to cruise on it’s narrow center section of tread. Since commuting is a major part of Californians lifestyle it is absolutely critical that a vehicle and it’s tires are optimized to return the highest gas mileage and lowest emissions possible.

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 gathered as the vehicle travels through the dry California atmosphere and is utilized to power the Michelin E.A.P. tire system.