One of the winning projects at the 2006 Michelin Design Challenge is the "Mazda RX-9 Concept" by American designer James Owen.

The main idea behind this vehicle is an innovative tire system that adopts the electroactive polymer technology to change the tread design depending on the road conditions.

The Michelin E.A.P. stands for "Electroactive Polymers", plastic materials that can change shape and size when a given voltage or current is applied. The E.A.P. wheel and tire assembly draws voltage from a hybrid-engined vehicles' batteries and capacitor. This voltage activates articulated treading that responds to changing road conditions.

James Owen is the principal and owner of James Owen Design. He has created and developed concepts, products, and strategies for clients such as HP, Fed Ex, Whirlpool, Colgate, Intel, and Sharp. He has won several Gold and Silver awards from the Industrial Designers Society of America, four GOOD DESIGN awards from the Chicago Athenaeum and he holds several patents.

(Source: James Owen Design via Autoblog.com)