GT Radial SportActive 2 UHP tyre range extension: 90% market coverage

The GT Radial SportActive 2 EV (Photo: Giti Tire)

Giti Tire has added nine new GT Radial SportActive 2 sizes, including its first 22” rim for premium powerful SUVs and three recently unveiled dedicated electric vehicle (EV) tyres.

Size 275/40R22 is aimed at large premium segment vehicles such as the Audi RSQ8, BMW X7 and Range Rover Sport while 275/45R21, 255/50R20, 235/50R19, one of the biggest sellers in Europe, and 255/60R18 develop the pattern’s 4×4, CUV and SUV coverage.

The recently launched AAA-rated GT Radial SportActive 2 EV is now available in sizes 255/45R20 and 235/55R19 to cover the largest selling EV models from Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, VW and Volvo to name a few, while 235/45R18 is aimed primarily at the Tesla Model 3.

The tyres are now available in the UK from GT Radial’s exclusive distributor in the market, Micheldever Tyre Services.

Designed and engineered at Giti Tire’s European Research & Development Centre in Hannover, Germany, the tyre features a brand new ULRR compound that delivers up to 15 per cent lower rolling resistance compared to the standard UHP product.

A revised design of the tyre’s construction has brought a 4 per cent reduction in weight while still delivering precision control with superb wet and dry grip, long lasting mileage and a confident, fun driving experience.

4 new PCR variations

Brian McDermott, country manager – UK for Giti Tire (Photo: Giti Tire)

Completing the line-up for the GT Radial SportActive 2 sizes 235/45R18, 215/45R17 and 205/45R17 have seen their speed rating upgraded to a Y, while 245/35R18 is a first-time offering aimed at cars such as the Audi TT, BMW 2 Series, Hyundai iX20, several mid-size Mercedes and the 1990s Audi RS2.

The tyre is now available in 58 passenger car and SUV sizes in total which gives 90 per cent coverage in the UHP market, Giti states. Rims range from 16-22”, section widths from 195-295, series sizes from 35-60 and speed indices from V-Y.

Fabio Pecci-Boriani, senior product manager PCR, SUV, light truck for Giti Tire (Europe) (Photo: Giti Tire)

Across all sizes the tyre has maintained its A label for wet grip with B-D for rolling resistance. The noise level also remains at 69db.

Brian McDermott, country manager – UK for Giti Tire, said: “We are continuously working on improving our UHP range for the UK market, ensuring that we keep a close match between our product offering and our customers’ needs.”

Fabio Pecci-Boriani, senior product manager PCR, SUV, Light Truck for Giti Tire (Europe), continued: “Adding our very first 22” GT Radial summer size, combined with specific EV tyres and more specialist sizes, is all part of our long-term strategy to become ‘the’ brand choice in the mid-market segment. And we are not finished, expect more EV and special sizes next year.”