This is the tyre that GoodYear has developed for the Lexus LF-30 Electrified

At the end of 2019 a new edition of the Tokyo Motor Show took place, where Lexus took the opportunity to present the LF-30 Electrified, an electric prototype that expresses the brand’s vision for its future electric models. It was also meant to be presented on a global stage at the Geneva Motor Show, although it was ultimately unveiled through the virtual event that was organised as a replacement.

The Lexus LF-30 Electrified is a prototype that really catches the eye thanks to its lines, and the designers at Lexus had great freedom in creating them, partly because of the concept behind it: the LF-30 Electrified uses electric motors installed in the wheels, so there are no internal elements to which the bodywork must adapt. Incidentally, these motors are capable of delivering a power output of 543 CV, with energy coming from a battery charged by the latest wireless technology, which means there is no need for the always cumbersome charging cables.

Working hand in hand with the team of designers and engineers at Lexus, their counterparts at GoodYear were creating the concept tyres, a prototype that also serves to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the American company. As I mentioned earlier, the motors that bring the LF-30 Electrified to life are located in the wheels themselves, so besides serving as a mount for the motors, the tyres are also designed to increase the level of comfort and performance of this prototype.

Tyres have always been a fundamental part, closely tied to the history and evolution of vehicles, and today there is a wide range of tyres suited to any vehicle and even to any weather condition. Despite the shift of vehicles towards electrification, tyres will remain an important ally, even more so in these vehicles, where they will have to evolve to become ever quieter without losing an ounce of the performance we demand today.

It is with this purpose that this prototype tyre has been created to fit the Lexus LF-30 Electrified, tyres made in the dimensions 285/35R24 and featuring the following surprising and innovative characteristics:

• Capable of cooling the electric motors: In this area the collaboration between Lexus and GoodYear is very evident, as both companies have worked closely to achieve a design that is as aerodynamic as possible, an area in which the tyres themselves play a big part. In this regard, the front design of the LF-30 Electrified channels air from the bumper to fins incorporated into the tyre, which direct this air to the electric motors located behind each wheel, while the hot air they generate is expelled towards the outer edge of the rim.
• Improved aerodynamic resistance: The tyres on the Lexus LF-30 Electrified have a design and shape that directly helps improve their own aerodynamics, reducing drag, which in turn improves the range of the batteries.
• Noise reduction: This is perhaps the most curious feature of these tyres: GoodYear drew inspiration from nature to minimise rolling noise. To do so, extremely fine velvet has been fitted to the edges of the fins used for cooling, much like the plumage on an owl’s wings, which allows it to fly silently.