New Falken Eurowinter model boasts 10%-plus improvements

Sumitomo brand, Falken has launched its newest winter tyre, the Eurowinter HS449. Falken says the new tyre has an innovative tread pattern and compound to improve control and grip. It is available for delivery in the UK this month, meaning it is ready for the start of the cold weather season.

Falken says the tyre is the result of a “comprehensive set of ten product improvements”, and this fact has led to the tyre’s name – the Eurowinter HS449 – effectively adding 10 to its predecessor, the HS439. The changes incorporate tread, compound and construction alterations to improve the tyre’s wet braking, stability and noise characteristics. The tyre’s September availability follows a rigorous testing programme in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

Increasing flexibility at low temperatures, Falken’s engineers have increased the proportion of silica in the Eurowinter HS449, improving braking on wet surfaces by 11 per cent compared to the HS439, Falken says. The company also states that a higher concentration of polymer in the tread compound enhances stability, delivering an increase of 13 per cent over the HS439.

Whilst relevant for all cold weather scenarios, Falken has worked to improve braking particularly on snow. In such conditions, the tyre’s 45 per cent increase in tread coverage is designed to improve stopping distances. The novel three-dimensional zig-zag lamellar structure was chosen to boost grip on snow and ice, whilst three-dimensional fins optimise even wear of the tyre. Though the brand concedes it is not a prime consideration for many customers, Falken has lowered tyre noise by incorporating five-phase shifted tread bars.

The Eurowinter HS449 is the fifth new tyre introduced by Falken to the UK market this year, and is now available from all main Falken dealers. Initially 57 different sizes will be available with an additional 32 sizes being offered from January 2013.