Bridgestone furthering ‘racetrack to road’ approach with new Battlax products
Speaking at the close of this year’s MotoGP season, Bridgestone’s motorsport manager Hiroshi Yamada shared that in 2014 the tyre maker’s race experience will be brought to market in a pair of new products. “We will be releasing two production Battlax motorcycle road tyres next year that will draw on recent MotoGP technological developments,” commented Yamada. “Both these tyres will probably be the purest example to date of our ‘racetrack to road’ concept and will offer exceptionally high levels of safety, performance and control to consumers.” The motorsport manager added that 2014 will be a “big year for Bridgestone both on and off-track.”
Continue Reading![Bridgestone tester gives winter driving tips](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/4107_small.jpg)
Bridgestone tester gives winter driving tips
Former F1 driver Stefano Modena has released a set of winter driving tips in his capacity as Bridgestone test driver, and the tyre maker has also released videos of its winter tyre tests on the company’s YouTube channel. Commenting on the tips, Modena - who is test driver at Bridgestones European proving ground - said it is not only about having the right tyres; the driver’s behaviour is also essential in these conditions as he needs to understand and adapt to different winter hazards. It is therefore essential to not only prepare our vehicle, but also ourselves when the weather gets cold.”
Continue Reading![Volvo voices support for winter tyres, snow socks](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Louise-Thompson-Made-in-Chelsea-3.jpg)
Volvo voices support for winter tyres, snow socks
Louise Thompson, protagonist in the scripted reality show ‘Made in Chelsea’, was recently recruited by Volvo for an event even more gripping than the E4 series. Volvo Car UK invited her to Tamworth Snowdome to demonstrate the effectiveness of winter tyres for driving in snow. There Thompson was confronted by a pair of Volvo V40 D2 hatchbacks, identical save for the fitment of winter tyres on one and standard summer tyres on the other. Thompson’s challenge was to drive each car up the Tamworth Snowdome’s ski slope to the summit. The results were as expected.
Continue Reading![Bridgestone adds 4-star fitment to VSNT range](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Vsdt-vsnt_small.jpg)
Bridgestone adds 4-star fitment to VSNT range
Bridgestone has expanded its VSNT (V-Steel N-Traction) off-road tyre line-up with the introduction of a four-star rated version, the 35/65R33 VSNT 4*. The tyre has been specifically developed for underground haulage operations by today’s heavier shuttle trucks. The four-star rating enables the tyre to better accommodate the higher load capacity per air volume required by smaller tyre sizes used due to the constraints of tunnel dimensions.
Continue Reading![Michelin enlarges its fleet service portfolio](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/knights.jpg)
Michelin enlarges its fleet service portfolio
Historically, many fleets have taken a short-term view of their tyre policy and failed to plan ahead. This is particularly the case for fleets facing immediate pressures, as the temptation not to consider three years in the future is strong for operators who are uncertain if they’ll even remain in business that long. Yet short-term savings can prove costlier in the long run, and Michelin opines that fleet operators need to consider their tyre choice in a similar way to their vehicle choice – they need to ensure it is right for the application and vehicle.
Continue Reading![Market debut for fossil-free Enasave](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/enasave-100.jpg)
Market debut for fossil-free Enasave
At the same time as making its initial public appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Dunlop Enasave 100 – the world’s first tyre entirely made from fossil-free materials – has gone on sale in Japan. Sumitomo Rubber Industries shares that the Enasave 100 came onto the market on 22 November; it is initially available in size 195/65R15 91H at a listed retail price of ¥21,105 (£126.50).
Continue Reading![Renault selects PFC Brakes for Clio RS R3T rally car](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/PFC_Renault_caliper.jpg)
Renault selects PFC Brakes for Clio RS R3T rally car
PFC Brakes has been chosen as official brake supplier to Renault Sport Technologies for its new Clio RS R3T rally car. The company’s pads, discs and calipers incorporate innovations, such as piston cap insulators, which reduce temperature transfer to the brake fluid by as much as 55˚C, minimising the risk of boiling the fluid. This should help the brakes to deliver better performance on tarmac and gravel while adhering to stringent cost and technical requirements set for the category.
Continue Reading![Lanxess: “Green Tyres” save truck drivers save truck drivers 8.5 per cent on fuel](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TALKE_Truck_with_TC.jpg)
Lanxess: “Green Tyres” save truck drivers save truck drivers 8.5 per cent on fuel
Tyre compound supplier Lanxess reports that “green Tyres” can reduce fuel consumption of trucks by 8.5 per cent following a road test on truck tyres. Working in partnership with chemical logistics provider Talke, with results the results independently verified by TÜV Rheinland, Lanxess found a fleet of 300 trucks would save £1.3 million a year in fuel costs by using so-called “green tyres”, making rolling resistance a key criterion for carriers when purchasing tyres.
Continue Reading![Litchfield launches Nissan GT-R ‘cloning’ TPMS sensors](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LItchfield_GTR_Car_And_Tyres.jpg)
Litchfield launches Nissan GT-R ‘cloning’ TPMS sensors
Litchfield has released its latest ‘cloning’ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors, designed for GT-R owners needing to run multiple wheel-sets. Aimed at solving a problem for its GT-R driving clients, Litchfield says the sensors will be a useful addition to extra winter or track wheels, as drivers will not have to recode the sensors each time they are change.
Continue Reading![Trelleborg launches TH400 agro industrial range](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TH400.jpg)
Trelleborg launches TH400 agro industrial range
Trelleborg has launched the TH400 Trelleborg Agro Industrial radial range of tyres for telescopic handlers, backhoes and mini loaders in North America. According to the company, the range’s advanced radial casing and reinforced structure ensures maximum stability even when booms are fully extended.
Continue ReadingLitchfield 102mm R35 GT-R Exhaust
Litchfield – the GT-R tuner - has released details of its latest exhaust system for the R35 variant. This latest system has been precision-fabricated in a substantial 102mm (4”) diameter is aimed at “those discerning owners that refuse to compromise on either soundtrack or performance for their car.”
Continue Reading![A close technical collaboration – Michelin and the Ferrari 458 Speciale](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/LORE3872.jpg)
A close technical collaboration – Michelin and the Ferrari 458 Speciale
When outlaying a six-figure sum to buy a car, buyers look for more than an off-the-peg product. For this reason, in January 2012 Ferrari launched its ‘Tailor Made’ personalisation programme that enables purchasers to create a truly bespoke car. Under this programme, the Ferrari Styling Centre researches the utility of numerous materials, including those not typically seen in automotive applications. It then offers exterior livery and interior trim combinations that cater for virtually every taste. So regardless of whether a buyer wants leather, teak, carbon fibre, pinstriping or even denim with their new Ferrari, the Italian car maker can accommodate their wishes.
Continue ReadingPACT proves the perfect winter companion for Platinum Batteries
Platinum Batteries (Europe) Ltd, the UK’s largest independent battery distributor has acknowledged the contribution PACT – the joint connectivity initiative between TecCom and eParts – makes to its business, particularly during the busy winter period.
Continue ReadingTechking launching 11R22.5 Super DM
Chinese tyre firm Techking has announced it is released an 11R22.5 Super DM tyre designed for mixed road service. According to the company, the groove width has been increased and as a result stones will be much more easily pushed out. Furthermore, broader tread and thicker under-groove rubber have been added in order to ensure the “good performance on rough terrain” as well as prolonging mileage.
Continue ReadingAME publishes new catalogue
AME International introduced its 2014 Tool and Equipment Catalogue during this year’s SEMA show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center 5-8 November. The new AME 2014 catalogue purportedly showcases the company’s expanded range of tyre and wheel service products used around the world by retail, commercial and OTR tyre dealers.
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