Michelin claims to have "reinvented the wheel", integrating tyre, braking system, motorisation and suspension all inside one ground-breaking unit.

The latest, most advanced version of the firm's "Active Wheel" was unveiled at "Challenge Bibendum" a symposium dedicated to environment-friendly mobility, held in Rio de Janeiro.

The device was fitted to - and demonstrated on - Peugeot's BB1 four-seater city car and to the WILL, a city car developed by French manufacturer Heuliez.

Michelin says that the Active Wheel incorporates electric motors to drive a vehicle, enabling manufacturers to produce either two-, or four wheel-drive cars.

The wheel also incorporates an electrical suspension system claimed to react to undulations in the road in just 3/1000ths of a second.

Vehicles powered by the Active Wheel will have no need for a gearbox, clutch, transmission shaft, differential or shock absorbers, says Michelin, enabling a vast reduction in the weight and bulk of a car.

"The key to the Active Wheel's technological revolution lies in reducing the size of the engine and controlling the suspension system," said Peter Snelling, Michelin's Head of Communications.

"These elements, in addition to the braking system and the tyre, are now integrated within the wheel. The result offers an unprecedented series of advantages for motorists equipped with this system."

Added Mr Snelling: "Safety is also improved. The quality of the electric suspension in the wheel improves active safety. A digital board controls chassis stability and vehicle road handling.

"The absence of a motor under the bonnet means that the entire front of the vehicle can be dedicated to absorbing shocks, enhancing passive safety."

Michelin is unable at present to say when the Active Wheel will appear on a production car.

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