A radial ply tire and rim assembly in which the tire has an aspect ratio of less than 70 percent and a bead spacing of no greater than 65 percent of the maximum axial width of the inflated tire. The rim has a pair of axially extending flanges which engage the lower sidewall of the tire and distort the carcass from its natural equilibrium curvature without causing any reversal of curvature of the carcass.