LandRover shows driver-actuated tyre spikes at IAA

ERJ staff report (DS)

Frankfurt, Germany -- Land Rover has included driver-controlled and retractable tyre spikes on two concept vehicles on show at the IAA in Frankfurt. The tyres are hand-cut by Pirelli.

The idea for the driver-deployable spiked tyre system comes as part of Land Rover's desire to allow the driver to adapt the vehicle to changing conditions. The system is operated by an electro-mechanical system mounted within the tyre on the inside of the wheel; activation of the technology causes air to inflate a secondary air chamber, filling pods moulded into the tread of the tyre which contain the spikes.

The spikes rise just above the tread

surface and fix into place for driving on packed snow and ice. When conditions have eased, the

spikes can be retracted, obviating the need to carry two sets of tyres or snow chains.

The vehicles also include a tyre pressure monitoring ststem as part oif an integrated telematics system

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Press release from Land Rover