Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision is the French manufacturer’s vision for urban and autonomous mobility with the partnership with Goodyear developed a bespoke prototype of the Eagle 360 spherical concept tyre.
The Citroën Skate and its “Pod” concepts were inspire by The Urban Collëctif, a project between Citroën, the international hotel group, Accor, and the JCDecaux media company.
The vehicle and tyres were revealed in Paris.
Hans Vrijsen, Managing Director, Original Equipment at Goodyear Said :
“We are proud to be introducing the prototype of our spherical concept tire as an integral part of the Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision,”
“The Eagle 360 prototype is compact and its shape makes it agile and maneuverable, ideal for future urban and autonomous mobility solutions.”
Goodyear first introduce the Eagle 360 concept at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2016, following up in 2017 with a second iteration, the Eagle 360 Urban concept.
Time magazine declare the Eagle 360 concept as one of the 25 best innovations of 2016.
The Eagle 360 prototype draws its inspiration from these concepts and shares several innovative features with them, as well as introducing new features.
Features of Spherical Tyre Concept
High Maneuverability
With its spherical shape this multi-orientation prototype tire can move in all directions, delivering both maneuverability and passenger comfort.
The Eagle 360 prototype provides a smooth ride by creating a fluid, lateral movement.
This helps the Citroën Skate platform to easily overtake obstacles.
Maintenance-Free
The Eagle 360 prototype is a non-pneumatic tire.
With no need for pressure monitoring or risk of puncture and also it minimizes downtime for the Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision.
Long-Lasting
With four times the tread surface of a standard tire the Eagle 360 prototype would also wear four times slower than a traditional tire, leading to less frequent tire replacement.
Extended Range
Using a stiff inner structure and low rolling resistance rubber compound the Eagle 360 prototype is design for low deflection at the point of contact with the road.
This can contribute to reducing energy loss and lowering rolling resistance which can help to extend the battery range of an electric vehicle.
Consistent Grip
Using hexagonal siping the Eagle 360 prototype is design to provide a consistent grip independent of the driving direction.
New series of partnerships between Goodyear and the Citroën Design Team which builds on their recent collaboration on the autonomous, connected, electric Citroën 19_19 Concept that was reveale to mark Citroen’s centenary year in 2019.
THANK YOU FOR READING.
