The Michelin Tweel:

http://www.autoclub.com.au/uploaded_images/michelin-tweel-731147.jpg

Video of tweel in action: http://www.freshcreation.nl/comments.php?id=277_0_1_0_C

But 10-15 years? WTF?

sticks and tree limbs can be a real danger with these tires.

and what about noise?
i would imagine that these tires put out quite a noise.

In the video they did not seem to make sound. I wonder about the sticks myself. Perhaps they could partially seal the sides just enough to keep foreign objects out, but not enough to impede air movement in and out. Rather like an advanced version of the run-flats already in production.

But 10-15 years? WTF?

I agree! I thought we would be FLYING cars by then. :mad:

I hear they do make noise. I can't confirm that.

anyway, 10 years does seem like a long time, but I guess it would be an economic liability if they released these tires without extensive tests.

How could they handle well in snow & ice?

I've always thought that the pneumatic tire was the most primitive component of a modern vehicle. It's about as high-tech (and about as safe) as a hydrogen-filled zeppelin. About time somebody finally came up with a better technology.

Sticks and tree limbs will be a danger but they can't be as great a danger as the sharp objects that puncture pneumatic tires every day. Anything aimed carefully enough to get through those high-rpm spokes would probably puncture the sidewall of a conventional tire.

I hope they work on motorcycles. I had two motorcycle accidents in the 17 years and 250,000 miles I rode them. Both caused broken bones but fortunately nothing worse. Both from flat tires due to punctures.

I don't see how sticks would be any problem. Regular car wheels have spaces in them too.

I'm betting there is still some form of rubber coating on the outside of the tire for traction, that can be easily replaced. That would also reduce noise a bit.

I vaguely remember seeing this on "future cars" by discovery channel