SportContact 7 tyres for 610 hp BMW M3
Automotive tuner AC Schnitzer creates the most powerful BMW M3s ever at its facility in Aachen, Germany. With power upgraded to a total of 610 hp (449 kW) and refined according to the AC Schnitzer philosophy of “better fast than hard”, the M3 can reach around 300 km/h or 186 mph. This power connects with the road via Continental SportContact 7 tyres. AC Schnitzer fits the new sports tyre to the M3 in size 285/30 R 20 at the front and 295/30 R 20 on the drive axle, each on its own lightweight forged rims.
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Michelin debuts CrossClimate 2 SUV
The latest Michelin all-season tyre for SUVs has been launched in European markets. Arriving from 1 May, Michelin says the CrossClimate 2 SUV is targeted at “drivers seeking a safe ride first and foremost, regardless of the SUV category.” It adds that this “new generation of four-season tyres” combines “multiple performances” and allows drivers to “contend with the majority of weather conditions, no matter the season.” CrossClimate 2 SUV is available at launch in 40 dimensions for 17- to 20-inch rim diameters.
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Lumileds supplies Coventry College with Philips lighting equipment
In what is set to be the first steps of a wider national initiative, Lumileds is delighted to have partnered with Coventry College’s Motor Vehicle Department for the supply of Philips vehicle lighting and workshop equipment. Coventry has long been one of the UK’s main centres for vehicle manufacturing and general automotive business, so it is fitting that Lumileds has been able to forge a link to the next generation of automotive technicians and engineers through Coventry College.
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WheelySafe does the business for A-Star Transport
A-Star Transport has already saved itself a potentially costly breakdown since protecting its fleet of coaches and buses with Wheely-Safe’s latest generation technology. The Telford-based operator has fitted Wheely-Safe’s wheel loss and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to its vehicles, having been impressed with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the product.
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Kumho wins two iF Design Awards 2022 for Ecsta HS52 performance tyre, concept
Kumho has been awarded two iF Design Awards. The Korean manufacturer was recognised for its new high-performance tyre, the Ecsta HS52, and one for its latest future tyre concept, Fin-Sread.
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Bridgestone launches semi-slick Potenza Race track day tyre
Bridgestone has launched the semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race, its first ever tyre day tyre for the replacement market. In testing conducted by TÜV SÜD at the 6.115km Nardo circuit in Italy, the tyre was able to improve upon average times set by three leading competitor tyres over three laps by an average of more than two seconds. It was also ranked second for longevity, and delivered class-leading dry braking at Bridgestone’s European proving ground. The Potenza Race is homologated for public roads, but with performance focussed on track days. Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Potenza Race will be available in 13 popular sizes between 17 and 20 inches from June 2022, supporting the most commonly sighted hot hatchbacks and sportscars at track days.
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TiDaeX tyre servicing exchange a first for Tyre Maintenance
Tyre Maintenance will use the open-access e-jobsheet app for its commercial tyre servicing operations. The company has also introduced a new group call centre, which will support its customer service operations. Operating across five depots employing 70 technicians, Tyre Maintenance will be able to establish an interchange of work with sister-company R & J Strang aligned via the TiDaeX platform, securing intercompany accuracy, and delivering time and admin cost efficiencies.
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Bridgestone supplies ‘hyper-efficient tyre’ for Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX
Mercedes-Benz AG has selected Bridgestone as the tyre development partner for its Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX. The outcome? Bridgestone engineers collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to create custom-designed tyres to contribute to a real-world range of 1,000km on a single charge. According to Bridgestone, collaboration on this project “sets the stage for the future of EV tyres and is underpinned by a shared EV-ready vision between the companies.”
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Liqui Moly develops oil for kart racing
Kart racing is considered to be an excellent training ground for young racing drivers. Some of the best drivers in the world earned their first sporting stripes on the go-kart. Liqui Moly has developed 2T Motor Oil Race Tec for top performance in two-stroke engines. The new oil has been approved by the FIA for use in karting.
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Klarius adds to range of aftermarket exhausts
Adding to its growing range of aftermarket exhaust systems, Klarius has released new parts for the latest models of the Mini Cooper 1.5. The additions include replacement catalytic converters. Every Klarius product is available with next morning delivery to stockists and distributors in the UK, a two-year warranty and a Fit First Time guarantee.
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Michelin damage guarantee proves its worth for BJ Clarke
Wrexham-based haulage firm BJ Clarke is reaping the benefits of Michelin’s accidental tyre damage guarantee following a recent incident which totally wiped out two of its trailer tyres. James Clarke, Director at BJ Clarke and son of owners Brian and Nancy, says: “One of our trucks rolled over a girder that was sticking out near the roadside, at no fault of the driver, completely taking out two of the trailer’s tyres on one side. Usually, we would have been looking at a replacement bill of roughly £900 but thanks to the tyre guarantee we got 75 per cent of that paid back to us, to help fund the new tyres.”
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SUV tyre sell-out value up 12 per cent in 2021
During 2020, the whole of the sell-out market declined albeit not as badly as was feared. Still, with the exception of some distinct niches – such as instances in the logistics industry where tyre service providers were kept busy throughout the lockdowns – everyone was affected. SUV tyres were no different and saw overall value and volume figures fall 12 per cent, according to market analyst GfK’s January to December 2020 panelmarket data. 2021, however, was almost the mirror image of 2020 with the value of UK 4x4 and SUV tyre sales up 12 per cent compared with the equivalent full-year 2020 data. In other words, SUV tyre sales returned to growth mode in 2021, something that sets 2022 up for an even better year for those selling SUV and 4x4 tyres.
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Giti4x4 AT71 marks brand’s entry into European all-terrain tyre market
Giti Tire has launched the Giti4x4 AT71, the manufacturer’s eponymous brand’s first all-terrain tyre available in Europe. The Giti4x4 AT71 targets a wide variety of vehicle types from AWD SUVs to heavy-duty pick-ups. Giti says the tyre offers “precise control and a durable performance both on and off-road” for “adventurous motorists”. It is available in eight sizes between 17” and 20, section widths from 245-285, series sizes from 50-70 and speed indices S and T. The tyre offers a wet grip rating of A-C, rolling resistance of C-D and a noise level of B on the EU tyre label.
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Hella Gutmann mega macs X diagnostic device offers high and low-voltage measurements
The DoIP-capable (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) multi-brand diagnostic device mega macs X was developed by Hella Gutmann with the ultra-fast communication standards of future vehicles in mind. It can also be flexibly adapted to the needs of a workshop at any time – for example, for expansion to high-voltage vehicles. The new measurement module MT-HV enables the mandatory measurements in the high-voltage range. The wireless pairing of the mega macs X with the MT-HV makes a dream team for working on a wide variety of vehicle types. These include electric and hybrid vehicles, whose power systems are designed for up to 1,000 volts, as well as conventional vehicles with low-voltage power systems.
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Absolute Alignment launches Bluetooth Lite wheel aligner
Absolute Alignment has launched a new version of its popular Bluetooth Lite wheel aligner. The wheel alignment equipment specialist has developed the new model on the existing ‘Lite’ product. The new Bluetooth Lite has an extremely small footprint and is quick to put to work anywhere in the workshop. It can be used over a pit or on a variety of lifts, including two and four-post ramps and a scissor lift. The measuring heads have the power capabilities for a full day of use and the attached fixing clamps fit a range of vehicles, to meet most workshop demands.
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