Clear Aero Wheel Covers; MBenz Does It First - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Rokeby · 09-23-2009, 07:46 PM

Check this out:

Introducing the Brabus High Voltage Car

FWIW, today I got a chance to check out two Smart cars "up close and personal" like. Was surprised to see that the wheels are mounted with only three studs/bolts.

Am I mistaken or did the Citroen 2CV "Deux Chevaux" (Two Horses) also have three wheel bolts/studs?

Maybe some aftermarket parts makers will pick up on this and make some
for the unwashed masses.

The line starts here...

Christ · 09-23-2009, 08:01 PM

I wonder if the 3 bolt pattern is the same as the Dodge/Common 6 bolt pattern, only missing 3 holes?

winkosmosis · 09-23-2009, 08:48 PM

Looks like a much smaller bolt pattern than the trucks.

Frank Lee · 09-23-2009, 08:55 PM

I bet they're not on in the pics.

cfg83 · 09-23-2009, 09:04 PM

Christ -

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christ

I wonder if the 3 bolt pattern is the same as the Dodge/Common 6 bolt pattern, only missing 3 holes?

The Tata Nano also has 3 bolts. Here's a closeup of another Smart tire :

CarloSW2

Christ · 09-23-2009, 09:22 PM

Smart = 3x112

Dodge/Common = 6X139.7/6X114.3

2.3mm is a little far, I think.

1/10 of an inch would probably still allow the wheel to bolt on, but I don't see it being safe, because the lug nuts would be applying shear forces on the studs, rather than just pulling force.

Anyone w/ a Smart willing to try it?

winkosmosis · 09-24-2009, 01:12 AM

Why would you put truck wheels on a Smart?

Christ · 09-24-2009, 01:16 AM

I wasn't really suggesting that you could/should put them on, I just made an observation that they might have been interchangeable. There are bolt-on adapters made for Smart cars that allow the use of Mercedes 5-lug wheels. Why? Who knows. They're still out there, though.

My best guess would be the ability to have access to more/different aftermarket wheel styles than are currently available for the Smart's 3x112 pattern.

Rokeby · 11-06-2009, 10:50 PM

BMW may have done it first, But Toyota follows suit on the custom Gen III
Prius, "Aerius," at SEMA 2009:

"A unique body kit and 19-inch alloy wheels (covered with clear covers to
reduce drag) help maximize economy, too."

Aerius_thumbnail.jpeg

I can't tell exactly how it is attached; something to do with the blue ray-like
things I guess.

SEMA 2009: Toyota Prius Aerius Concept

cfg83 · 11-07-2009, 12:53 AM

Rokeby -

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokeby

BMW may have done it first, But Toyota follows suit on the custom Gen III
Prius, "Aerius," at SEMA 2009:

"A unique body kit and 19-inch alloy wheels (covered with clear covers to
reduce drag) help maximize economy, too."

...

I can't tell exactly how it is attached; something to do with the blue ray-like
things I guess.
SEMA 2009: Toyota Prius Aerius Concept

I was able to blow up the picture to 2400 pixels :

I say there are six plastic arms attached to a center cap. The clear plastic cover is attached to two screws in each spider arm.

CarloSW2