Flat Tire Won’t Be Excuse Anymore

Bridgestone-Firestone Inc. unveiled a new tire in Pasadena designed to operate for at least 50 miles after running out of air.

The system features a special rim and tough tire wall that eliminate the need for a spare, said Mike Cerio, Bridgestone’s manager of consumer marketing.

This week, officials of Nashville-based Bridgestone drove an airless tire 280 miles from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

The company hopes to market the tire by December, but it won’t be cheap. Bridgestone recommends that the tires be mounted on specially designed wheels and be rigged to a low-air pressure sensor that advises the driver when a leak occurs. The total package--four tires, four wheels and sensor--will cost $5,000.

Initially, the system will be configured only for Corvettes built in 1987 or later. It will be able to be purchased only through Calloway Cars, an auto customizer. Eventually, Bridgestone plans to adapt the system to other autos.