Quote:
Originally Posted by j-c-c
If we accept the premise that any loss of traction by a selected tire has no real word downside (which I strongly do not accept), it seems to me an extreme solution might be best, a very narrow tread-less hard compound high pressure slick would be the ultimate fuel saver, least rolling resistance, least frontal area, and likely the quietest (sound being wasted energy).
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That's exactly correct, and the exact realization of GM's Sunraycer engineer's experience in 1987, at the World Solar Challenge.
Bridgestone would go on to produce their ECOPIA, solar race car tire to exactly these specifications, with the exception of the rubber compound.
Safety was paramount for the teams competing, and the tires had to perform to stringent wet and dry traction criteria. They were only good for a rated 200-miles of treadwear. Better than F-1, INDYCAR, and NASCAR.