The 2010 Maxxis British Drift Championship reached a thrilling climax at Knockhill, Scotland over the weekend of September 25-26. It proved a stern test of vehicles and drivers, with BDC newcomer Phil Morrison eventually emerging victorious in his 700 bhp S15, shod with Federal 595 RS-R high performance tyres, making it a day to remember for both Phil and his Team Driftworks.
June's edition of Tyres & Accessories is now available for online virtual viewing. Simply click more to find out how you can view this month's issue which includes features on high performance tyres, industrial/speciality tyres and exhausts. Furthermore, any one who is itching to check a report from an earlier issue can browse back issues of the magazine.
Cooper Tire has introduced two new ranges of high performance tyres intended for winter conditions, the WM-SA2 and WM-ST3. The manufacturer reports these newest members of Cooper’s high-performance line-up benefit from the latest state-of-the-art production technology and have been designed to offer firm footing on snow and slush.
Snap-on Equipment reports that its first UK customer for the Hofmann Quadriga 1000 automatic tyre changer has taken delivery of the machine. Wrexham-based Minera Tyres & Exhaust has been supplied with the new, state-of-the-art machine, which enables tyres to be automatically demounted and mounted from wheel rims with a diameter of up to 30”. The Quadriga 1000 was supplied by Unipart Garage Equipment Services.
Every wondered what the most expensive passenger car tyres in the world are? According to a report published on the Autocar website on 14 January, Bugatti Veyron rubber must be a prime contender with a set of four new tyres costing £23,500 (26,926 euros; US$38,482) to replace. And if you were wondering which tyre manufacturer won the OE contract to supply these products, a quick look at tyrepress.com’s online archive reveals that the 406 km/h car, which is capable of 0 – 300 km/h in under 14 seconds fits Michelin Pilot Sport Pax System 245-690 R520 A (front) and 365-710 R 540 A (rear) tyres.
Goodyear Philippines has launched its first Goodyear Racing Zone concept retail outlet for ultra-high performance tyres in Iloilo City.
Toyo has launched its first entry-level US market high performance tyre. Called the Extensa HP, the new tyre is the second product in Toyo’s new for 2009 Extensa line. The company releasing the new range in twenty sizes it says covers popular performance coupes and saloons and offers "value-priced options for original equipment replacement and plus sizing."
Hofmann, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced the new monty universal 2 ‘all-round’ roller type tyre changer. The new product enables lever-less tyre changing for all wheel variants, including run-flat and ultra high profile rims of up to 30” diameter and 17” wide.
The company states that the aim of the monty universal 2 is to build on the popularity of the monty 3300 racing, a tough act to follow considering the 3300 is, according to Snap-On, Europe’s best-selling professional tyre changer. Chris Behan, general manager at Snap-on Equipment, comments: “With more and more cars on the road using run-flat and ultra high profile, high performance tyres, workshops need to keep ahead of the game with the right equipment to safely handle these rims without risking costly damage. The new monty universal 2 sets a new standard in addressing these challenges with built-in features that helps to ensure operator health and safety and easy tyre changing for all wheel types.”
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Dunlop’s ultra-high performance tyre SP Sport Maxx GT has been made original equipment on the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. The car delivers an unprecedented amount of power for a Mercedes roadster, meaning – Dunlop says – that the choice was made on the basis of the manufacturer’s experience and track record with high and ultra-high performance tyres.
Mercedes tuner AMG uses the SP Sport Maxx GT at the demanding DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft, or German Touring Car Championship), one of Europe’s largest motorsport events. The new powerful two-seater road version, which continues AMG’s successful Black Series strategy, follows the appearance of famous AMG sports cars, such as the DTM CLK-Class or the CLK-GTR from the 1997 FIA GT-Series. Mercedes believes that the AMG 6.0-litre V12-Biturbo engine – with a maximum power of 493 kW (670 hp) – promises performance at the highest sports car levels and fulfils the expectations of the most demanding driving enthusiasts.
As a growing market segment, and one of the most popular, high performance tyres are a favourite product of both established and new manufacturers. Therefore it is difficult to keep pace with the changes the sector throws at us. Never fear, in May Tyres & Accessories presents its ZR-rated 2008 high performance tyre feature, full of the latest go-fast rubber from around the world.
Federal Tyres will be exhibiting in Essen for the fifth time this May (Stand 3-127). Federals presence will a range of the company’s products – from its Combat FZ-201 slick tyre, to its 595RPM and Formoza AZ01 asymmetric ultra-high performance tyres; and including its Formoza FD2 low noise tyre Himalaya WS2 studdable and studless winter products.
Federal’s latest offering is its 595 Evo, which according to the company, will eventually replace its well-known 595. Promotional literature explains that the new Evo variant is aimed at the top end of the market and features “exceptional…groove within groove” water dispersion technology. This tyre is scheduled for production in over 60 sizes, fitting 14 to 20-inch wheels.
As the 4×4 market in the UK continues to grow, Pirelli is responding to the particular growth of the luxury SUV segment by offering a range of high performance tyres to meet the needs of drivers of a new generation of luxury SUVs, such as Porsche Cayenne and BMW X3. According to the Italian manufacturer, the Scorpion by Pirelli 4×4 tyre range comes as a direct result of “high-level technological experience in design, materials, research, production, control and testing, providing ‘drive anywhere’ performance.”
The Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico sits top of the pile in Pirelli’s ultra-high performance offering. A low profile tyre with V, W and Y speed symbols (for speeds up to 186mph), the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico was created for extreme conversions aimed at boosting the performance of the most powerful 4×4 SUVs. These tyres are manufactured exclusively using Pirelli’s MIRS process in rim diameters ranging from 17 to 28 inches. The Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico is an approved fitment for the New Range Rover Sport.
Two North Eastern Tyre and Exhausts depots have been accredited by Pirelli Tyres in an industry wide audit. Both the company’s York and Middlesbrough depots were named as one of just a few Pirelli Performance Centres across the UK. According to those involved the outlets underwent stringent judging to land the title and pipped competitors to the post to win. Ray Darcy, part of the senior management team for North Eastern Tyre and Exhausts, said:
“Pirelli really put us through our paces to win this title and I would like to say a huge well done to the team at the York and Middlesbrough depots. This badge is not easily earned as it stands for an unrivalled level of expertise when it comes to recommending, fitting and balancing high performance tyres. The level of customer care and attention that accompanies the service also have to be first class. Now we have won the status, we still cannot rest on our laurels – rigorous ongoing training and examination continues to take place to ensure that we are maintaining the exacting level of service Pirelli customers expect world wide.”
(Akron/Tire Review) News reports say that by the end of this year Goodyear will spend NT$300 million (£4.5 million) on new production equipment for its tyre plant in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The company has been looking to boost its Asian market manufacturing as a means to reduce costs and gain a better foothold in the Asian market. The investment is expected to increase Goodyear’s Asian capacity to the point that by 2010 its Asian operations will represent 10 per cent of its entire global production.
(Akron/Tire Review) Maxxis International has in the US introduced the Victra Z4S, an all-season UHP. The new Victra Z4S features a solid centre rib and reinforced steel belts for stability, grooving and siping for snow and slush traction, four circumferential grooves for wet traction, five-pitch tread blocks and special groove designs for reduced road noise, V-shaped unidirectional grooves for wet and dry handling, and hard bead filler for cornering, acceleration and handling, Maxxis said.
“The Victra Z4S will undoubtedly be one of our most popular and best-selling passenger tyres,” said Maxxis’ Doug Addis. “Our engineers have developed one of the finest all-season ultra high performance tyres on the market. This tyre now gives us coverage in all aspects of UHP.”
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