New 4×4 Tyres From BFGoodrich

BFGoodrich, seven times winner of the Dakar Rally since 1999, is poised to introduce a number of new 4×4 tyres to its range in 2006. These are the All-Terrain T/A Comp, aimed at off-road rallying competitors, the Krawler T/A® KX, scheduled for launch in Europe in May, plus four new dimensions for the Macadam T/A.

The BFGoodrich T/A Comp

The All-Terrain T/A Comp is an all-new tyre and is an evolution of the celebrated Baja Rock T/A, a two-times winner of the Dakar Rally.

Thanks to its construction, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A Comp is competitive over both rocky surfaces and sand, on which its larger contact patch offers reduced rolling resistance and enhanced precision.

The development of evolution rally-raid tyres is a long process. To enable engineers and technicians to validate each new tyre, it must first be tested over at least 400km across a broad spectrum of conditions and must obviously represent a worthwhile gain in terms of performance. Before tackling the Mauritanian dunes in anger in the 2006 Dakar, the new BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A was put through its paces during hundreds of kilometres of testing in Morocco in association with a number of BFGoodrich partner-teams.

The BFGoodrich Krawler T/A® KX

With a total of 51 wins to its name from 54 events contested in the various American rock crawling championships in 2004, the Krawler T/A® KX comes to Europe, where it will be available from April 2006.
The ‘deep-lug’ tread pattern of the Krawler T/A® KX and its flexible compound ensure levels of grip and traction that are amongst the market’s best, claims BFGoodrich, not only on dirt but also in mud and over rocks. Meanwhile, its tread can be hand cut in order to adapt it as closely as possible to the exact nature of the terrain.

Four nylon sidewall plies ensure maximum resistance to perforation, while its two extremely long casing belts are derived from the world of competition. Available in two dimensions (37×12.50R17, 35X13.50R15), the new tyre is designed exclusively for competition use or for use on private land. It is not road legal and will be sold through BFGoodrich’s motor sport distribution outlets.

BFGoodrich Macadam TA

Launched in 2002, the BFGoodrich Macadam T/A tyre is following the growth of the European SUV market, the VZ segment of which is the most dynamic with an annual growth rate of 14 per cent forecast between now and 2014.

Previously available for 15, 16 and 18inch wheels only, from June 2006 the Macadam T/A will also be available for 17 inch rims in a choice of three different dimensions:

235/65 R17 108V Extra Load TL (BMW X5, VW Touareg, Volvo XC90, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Porsche Cayenne, new M-and R-Class Mercedes).

275/55 R 17 109V TL (Mercedes ML).

255/60 R 17 106V TL (Mercedes ML, VW Touareg)
At the same time, a further dimension will be added to the 18-inch Macadam T/A range:

255/55 R 18 109V Extra Load TL (BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery II, G-Class Mercedes, Range Rover, new M and R Class Mercedes).

The Macadam T/A’s high performance on sealed surfaces makes it the ideal SUV tyre and a big hit with owners of such vehicles as the BMW X5, VW Touareg and M-Class Mercedes, all of which were represented in the 2006 Euromilhoes Dakar in association with BF Goodrich tyres.

These new dimensions boost the already extensive range of dimensions in which the Macadam T/A is available, to enable even more drivers to benefit not only from its on-road performance but also from the vast experience BFGoodrich has built up over the years in the world of competition.