[Piwoslaw]

One of the keys to reducing fuel consumption is using lighter wheels. This is especially important in stop-and-go city driving. Switching to lighter rims helps, but lighter tires are even better. The further from the center of the wheel a certain amount of weight is, the more energy it takes to accelerate it. Most tires are steel radials, which means there is a steel belt under the treads. Has anyone ever thought of using aluminum instead? That would reduce weight right where it matters most, and would improve the stiffness of the tire, giving it a longer life and lower RR. The only downside I can see are the costs (financial and environmental) of producing aluminum instead of steel. Maybe it has been tried, but it didn't work?