UK debut for flagship Falken UHP tyre
Falken is preparing for the UK launch of what it calls its strongest and quietest ultra high performance tyre, the Azenis FK453. The new tyre succeeds, both numerically and in Falken’s line-up, the FK452, a tyre Falken says has been revered by many car enthusiasts for its blend of performance and affordability. With the launch of this latest product, for the first time the Japanese tyre maker is offering Y speed rated fitments suitable for use at up to 186mph or 300km/h. The new range will be available in a total of 62 sizes, including a 20-inch version, to fit sports and performance cars such as the VW Golf GTI, BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Porsche 911 and Audi RS5.
To ensure the tyre was appropriate for European roads and climate, Falken used its Frankfurt, Germany-based engineering team to develop its specifications. In addition to testing on public roads throughout the region and private proving grounds, engineers also gained feedback from Falken’s racing drivers at the Nürburgring, who tested the tyres using a variety of cars. The resulting “NUR-Spec” design incorporates a more warp resistant casing and additional nylon-reinforced cover ply to increase high-speed stability. This construction is complemented by a rounder tyre shoulder, optimising pressure deployment on the tread area.
Falken reports that in contrast to the previous FK452, the new tyre’s dry handling has been improved by 25 per cent whilst handling on wet surfaces is enhanced by 30 per cent, delivering useful gains in control for lane changes and higher speed cornering. A combination of tread pattern and compound changes has led to an eight per cent reduction over the FK452 in braking distance on wet surfaces. To break the water film and deflect the water more effectively than conventional tread patterns, Falken has implemented three central tread grooves and staggered sipes integrated into the first tread bar on the tyre shoulder. In line with its other new products, such as the ZE914, Falken has increased the proportion of silica included in the tyre’s compound. The strain characteristics of silica offer a larger contact area and better grip for the same tyre diameter, resulting in stronger interaction with the road surface.
To achieve the lower noise levels now expected by consumers, even those running low profile tyres, Falken has employed phase-shifted tread bars on the Azenis FK453. The rounder shoulder contributes to the significantly lower rolling and pass-by noise, the manufacturer shares.
The FK453 has already made its motorsport debut; Falken’s UK drift team is using the tyre in a bid to retain the championship its driver Matt Carter secured last year.
The new Azenis FK453 range will eventually include 62 different sizes (25 to 50 series) making it applicable for a significant number of cars
225/50ZR17 98Y XL Audi A4, BMW X1, Volvo V70
215/45ZR18 93Y XL Mitsubishi Lancer, Volvo V50
235/45ZR18 98Y XL Alfa 159, Mercedes C 63 AMG,
225/45ZR19 96Y XL Infiniti G Coupé
265/40ZR18 101(Y) XL BMW M3, Porsche Boxster/Cayman
265/35ZR19 98Y XL Audi RS5, BMW 1 series M Coupé, Mercedes SLS AMG, Porsche Cayman
245/30ZR19 89Y XL Audi A3/A4, Alfa 147/GT, BMW 1 and 3 series, VW Golf/Passat
255/30ZR19 91Y XL Audi A3/A4, Alfa 147/GT, BMW 1 and 3 series, VW Golf/Passat
285/30ZR19 98Y XL Mercedes CLS 63 AMG/SL 63 AMG
295/30ZR19 100(Y) XL Aston Martin V12, Audi R8, Porsche 911
305/30ZR19 102(Y) XL Audi R8, Porsche 911
295/25ZR20 95(Y) XL BMW M3, Porsche Cayman
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