Blizzak DM-V1 Offers 4×4 Drivers Superior Snow, Wet Performance

Stronger grip on snow and ice and safer wet weather handling are two advantages Bridgestone claims its new Blizzak DM-V1 delivers over its predecessor, the DM-Z3. These improvements in the studless 4×4 tyre, which is designed for Nordic winter conditions, have been delivered through the use of a Multicell compound, improved sipe technology and a new tread pattern tuned by what Bridgestone calls ‘Simulation Technology’ for optimum snow and wet performance.

The new Multicell Z compound incorporates the latest generation of Bridgestone’s Multicell technology, developed to provide an alternative to studs. Small bubbles and tubes create void areas in the compound and absorb the thin film of water from icy surfaces, ensuring contact is maintained between the tyre and road. New “biting” micro-particles contribute to the edge effect and improve grip on ice. As the tyre wears, new particles constantly appear, maintaining grip performance over the entire tyre life.

Other compound innovations include a new polymer that improves the dispersion of silica for stronger wet performance, and enhances its efficiency by helping to suppress the effect of temperature on rubber hardness – thus maintaining a better balance of tyre grip across cold, wet and dry conditions.

The Blizzak DM-V1 also incorporates “3D Wash Board Z Sipe” technology. This is intended to increase both the biting edge effect on frozen surfaces and block stiffness. This higher stiffness produces a more uniform contact patch, leading to more regular tyre wear, and improves handling due to reduced block movement.

The DM-V1 tread pattern has been designed with Bridgestone’s dynamic Simulation Technology, with a focus placed upon snow and slush performance. The void ratio has been reduced versus the DM-Z3 it replaces, giving a larger contact area on the road, while groove distribution on the DM-V1 has been optimised with four straight grooves assuring efficient water evacuation. The tread’s two centre grooves are criss-crossed by a “Multi Z” pattern that improves drainage and offers strong edge effect at all angles, giving higher snow and wet performance with better grip in all directions.

In-house testing versus the DM-Z3 shows the new Blizzak DM-V1 provides higher performance in all winter road conditions, with high points on ice braking and traction as well as wet braking, handling and hydroplaning. The tyre will become available in July 2009 in 31 R-rated sizes for 4×4 vehicles with 15 to 20-inch rims.