SEOUL, Nov 14 ― Korean car manufacturer KIA unveiled a concept design of its Sorento SUV that drives autonomously using tank treads in place of tires.
According to automotive news website Top Speed, the design was shown at the SEMA 2017 car show in Las Vegas earlier this month.
Most cars distribute the vehicle’s weight over four wheels. This concept performs well in regular driving scenarios. But when faced with snow, mud or other difficult terrain, the tires can sink — leaving the vehicle stuck.
To get around this, KIA’s concept Sorento supplants normal tires with tank treads.
Also known as continuous tracks or caterpillar tracks, these distribute weight better over a larger surface than tires, enabling vehicles to traverse difficult terrain. Vehicles such as tanks and tractors use these to manoeuvre across desert, mud and other obstacles.
The concept Sorento features an autonomous driving system and can also be controlled via a tablet rather than a regular steering wheel. The vehicle sports suicide-style doors to make getting in and out easier and seating similar to that of a gondola. ― Reuters
