The Engineering and Tech that went into making this airless, 3D Printed tire that never needs to be replaced is truly one of the best invention of the year.
Michelin has really gone all out and its idea might put all the other guys out of business or they're going to have to come up with something better pretty quick. These will without a doubt will cost a fortune but considering you they never need to be replaced and can be modified in a jiffy to suit any conditions.
The don't use air so they never go flat or lose pressure as the season change.
They are 3D printed and the treads can be reprinted easily for changing season or road conditions.
"This alveolar pattern, similar to the air sacks in the human lung, uses a rigid centre which branches out to thousands of increasingly larger chambers."
"It is 3D printed from recycled organic materials, including wood chips, straw, sugar byproducts, and orange peels.
This is covered in a thin layer of rubber which makes up the tyre's tread."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4610728/Michelin-unveils-airless-Vision-concept-tyres.html
They come with sensors that can detect and inform the driver when they need to be fixed.
Check out the promotional video. It's got potential.
Now I just need a car.
Sources and Credits
http://www.design-engineering.com/michelin-airless-tire-1004026880/
http://blog.caranddriver.com/michelin-reveals-another-airless-wheeltire-concept-but-this-one-is-biodegradable-and-3d-printed/