Goodyear truck tyres fitted to world’s fastest hybrid

Goodyear has announced that Mean Green, the world’s fastest hybrid truck, has broken two world speed records on its tyres. On 27 April, 2012 at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA, the Volvo-built truck, owned and driven by Boije Ovebrink, broke records in the standing kilometre and flying kilometre international speed standards. The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.

In the standing kilometre, the truck starts off from a standstill, spanning the 1,000m course in one direction and then the other. The average speed from the two runs, noted as the official figure, was 153.252km/h (95.245mph), beating the record Mean Green previously held of 152.253km/h (94.605mph).

In the flying kilometre, the truck is in motion prior to spanning the defined 1,000-metre course in each direction. Mean Green averaged 236.577km/h (147.002mph), smashing the previous record of 218.780km/h (135.943mph).

Mean Green pumps out 2,100 horsepower (1,566kW) and nearly 5,000lb-ft (6,770Nm) torque – of which, 200 horsepower (149kW) and 885lb-ft. (1,198Nm) of torque come from the electric motor. Aerodynamics also plays a vital role in achieving top speed, so Volvo designers selected a North American VN cab and sculpted the optimal aerodynamic shape for the truck.

Tyres capable of withstanding the enormous stresses are essential and Goodyear has worked closely with Volvo on the project and specially developed the tyres for Mean Green. They are hand-built and based on 495/45R22.5 Marathon Long Haul Drive truck carcasses, capable of withstanding the enormous torque and speeds that Mean Green develops.