Falken addresses wet grip/rolling resistance conundrum with latest Ziex
In the space of three months Falken has launched a trio of new tyres; first came the Azenis FK453CC SUV tyre, then in February the tyre maker launched the Wildpeak WP/AT01. Now Falken has unveiled the Ziex ZE914, a tyre the manufacturer says places a focus on both wet grip and better fuel efficiency.
“Until now, tyre engineers have struggled to offer lower rolling resistance and the highest levels of wet weather grip, finding attributes to be usually mutually exclusive,” read a Falken product release statement. “To be able to achieve this challenging balance, Falken had to look at alternative ways to reduce the heat and therefore the energy required to deliver the desired grip performance required for a European premium tyre.”
The solution, says the Japanese manufacturer, was to use silica in combination with long, modified polymer chains, a new rubber compound has been developed which reduces excess heat generation and therefore, rolling resistance. By using silica in combination with long, modified polymer chains, the new rubber compound reduces excess heat generation and therefore, rolling resistance. The reported result is a 3.8 per cent fuel saving compared with a non-optimised tyre. The strain characteristics of silica, Falken adds, have the additional effect of increasing the contact area and grip for the same tyre diameter. Enlarging the contact area also extends the tyre’s operating life.
Falken reports that its engineers also looked closely at using the tread pattern to achieve better wet weather performance. Their solution was a total of four wide tread grooves in the tyre cap design; the tyre maker says this arrangement allows for efficient water deflection and achieve superb hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, the staggered sipes integrated into the first tread block at the shoulder are said to break up the water film more effectively than conventional tread patterns.
Like its predecessor the Ziex ZE912, the new Ziex ZE914 comes with tread wear indicators to precisely monitor tyre wear. The Falken “Special Eyes” indicators change shape with increasing wear letting drivers know when it is time to rotate the tyres to maximise tyre life further. The “Special Eyes” change shape twice: from round to square and ultimately to a smooth surface.
At launch in spring 2012, the Ziex ZE914 will be available in ten V, W and H speed rated sizes; two new Ziex sizes – 205/55R 16 91W and 215/55R16 93W – will be available. By 2013, Falken will expand the range to include 70 versions.
Related news:
Comments