Autodiagnos, the manufacturer of PC Pro, the PC based diagnostic tool, has announced the addition of a range of manufacturers, applications and functions. The PC Pro is designed and manufactured in the UK by a team of dedicated engineers. The heart of the product is the communications module which feeds information through to a PC.
On 1 February Yokohama Tire Corporation released a run-flat version of its Avid ENVigor all-season range in its North American markets. Known as the Avid ENVigor ZPS (Zero Pressure System), the run-flat variant is available in five sizes for popular fitments such as the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Lexus GS and SC, and Mini Cooper.
Bridgestone has been selected as an OEM supplier for the new flagship in the Lexus F series line-up. In Japanese, European and US markets the Lexus LFA will be fitted with Bridgestone’s Potenza S001 in size 265/35ZR20 (95Y) on the front wheels and 305/30ZR20 (99Y) at the rear.
In the US, Federal has added the Couragia F/X to its Couragia SUV tyre line. The new tyre is designed to deliver steering precision, powerful controllability, long mileage and a comfortable ride, the tyremaker said. The asymmetrical Couragia F/X features a wide and stability-improved footprint; a scuff rib that strengthens the sidewall and protects the rim; and an aggressive tread pattern with stiff, interconnected blocks, Federal said.
Solomon Alsberg has launched a new range of “Eco Super Light” forged alloy wheels in the UK and says it is looking for distribution partners in the UK and other European countries. According to the company, which makes its wheels from forged blanks supplied by Alcoa, the wheels are designed to improve handling, acceleration times and emissions.
The launch follows a three-year period of testing and development that saw the premium wheel specialist optimise its design and manufacturing techniques to produce a strong, stylish and highly durable wheel that weighs up to 35 per cent less than its cast counterparts. The result is a considerable reduction in the vehicle’s unsprung weight, which is said to improve steering feel, add faster acceleration and reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 10 per cent in stop-go driving conditions.
Run-flat tyres have been added to the range of Yokohama tyres available in the UK following the arrival of the Advan Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System). According to Yokohama HPT Ltd, the Japanese brand’s UK distributor, the newly arrived product is designed for fitment on vehicles such as the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series, Lexus GS and SC and the Mini Cooper, to provide drivers with Yokohama performance combined with run-flat capability. The tread pattern on the Advan Sport ZPS is the same as that of the original Advan Sport design, with four central grooves to displace water and the wide shoulder blocks intended to generate high levels of grip while cornering.
Viking International has added the new Platinum battery range, from UK Batteries, to the company’s product portfolio. The Platinum range includes Prestige and Prestige Plus. According to the company, the batteries are manufactured to OE specification and used by a number of leading manufacturers including Toyota, Volkswagen, Saab, Lexus, Honda and Ford.
The Prestige range is suitable for the majority of cars including older models dating back to the early nineties up to today’s modern engines and includes a three year guarantee. Prestige Plus is designed for modern and premium vehicles, especially for larger engines and those vehicles with higher electrical demands such as air conditioning and GPS.
Nitto Tire USA expanded its NT850 Premium line to include sizes specifically developed for crossover utility vehicles.
In the US, the Toyo Proxes A20 all-season tyre has been selected as the 18-inch OE upgrade for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h. The first dedicated hybrid for Lexus, it features the optional P225/45R18 Proxes A20, a so-called eco-friendly tyre.
Lexus introduced the HS 250h as the “World’s First Hybrid-Only Luxury Vehicle”. According to the company, it produces the best combined estimated EPA mpg rating of any luxury vehicle in the US at 35-mpg and also achieves 35-mpg city and 34-mpg highway.
Schrader-Bridgeport International, Inc. has launched a new “AirAware Learn and Test Tool Kit” that includes an OBD adapter designed for Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). The new Learn and Test Tool Kit includes a Learn and Test Tool (21220) and OBD Connector Assembly (21225), which captures TPMS sensor ID’s, and programs them directly to the vehicle. The kit works as both a scan tool and a TPMS tool, and eliminates the need for separate OE or aftermarket scan tools for these vehicles.
The new kit is currently compatible with Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia models, with plans to add Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Honda, Subaru and Mitsubishi compatibility in the near future.
Cooper Tire has launched a 4×4 tyre in the UK specially designed for sporty SUV drivers not wanting to take their vehicle off-road: the Cooper Zeon XSTA.
Cooper’s research suggests that there are around a million “soft roaders” in the UK and has thus developed the tyre specifically for sporty SUV vehicles such as the BMW X5, Mercedes M Class, Honda CR-V and Lexus RX400, providing greater comfort, luxurious properties. In fact, the company claims that the XSTA is Cooper’s most luxurious 4×4 tyre to date, with a dual tread attempting to master both wet and dry conditions. The inner tread design expels water in all four directions to offer better traction and control in wet weather. According to the company the outer part of the tyre also makes sure steering response in the dry is crisp and direct.
BBS of America has released its latest OEM alloy wheel fitment. The custom designed 10-spoke, 19-inch forged alloy wheels are intended for the 2008 Lexus IS F, the luxury division’s first high-performance sports sedan to carry the new F marque. “The IS F comes standard with serious performance credentials, and the BBS brand’s decades of motorsports success made it the ideal wheel partner for us,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus national engagement marketing manager. “IS F owners enjoy the car’s aggressive character, and BBS wheels ensure that performance is on complete par with style.”
The Lexus IS F’s satin-finished, dark-grey BBS wheels are up to 40 per cent lighter than cast aluminium wheels of the same size, and they are designed to meet rigorous Lexus factory performance standards as well as exceeding stringent international TUV/JWL certification requirements. The BBS engineers have focused on superior light wheel weight, balanced by exceptional strength, the result being a high-performance wheel with an good stiffness to weight ratio, which helps to absorb hard acceleration, forceful cornering and aggressive braking.
Continental has expanded its retail presence in Canada following the signing of an agreement with Toyota. Both Continental and General branded passenger car and light commercial tyres will be sold through 239 Toyota and 30 Lexus dealerships across Canada.
“This agreement gives Toyota and Lexus customers access to our catalogue of passenger and light truck tyres and helps to increase our retail presence without compromising our existing tyre dealer network,” said Guy Hardiman, General Manager of Continental Tire Canada.
Dunlop’s Original Equipment team are celebrating six original equipment (OE) wins in six months. Dunlop’s business strategy includes the aim to be first with “strategic original equipment manufacturers” and this means fitting Touch Technology tyres onto a range of high performance cars including the Audi A5, Jaguar XF, Renault Laguna and Vauxhall Corsa VXR.
“Dunlop have a strong product range within the market, Dunlop’s pedigree is legendary. We have worked successfully over the last six months to achieve OE wins across a range of cars from the Vauxhall Corsa to the Jaguar XF. For a true driver, there’s no compromise, each tyre in Dunlop’s vast range has been uniquely engineered to offer the ultimate drive. We have worked closely with the vehicle manufacturers to ensure that they are fitting the right combination of high technology compound and tread pattern to achieve the performance the car is capable of” said Peter Wragg, Dunlop Original Equipment Account Executive.
Alfa Romeo, AMG, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and TVR are all amongst those that currently fit Dunlop tyres as standard.
Marangoni has added eight new sizes to its 2008 UHP range, four in the Verso line-up and four in the Mythos line. The new offerings in this segment confirm, states the Italian manufacturer, its increasing specialisation in high and ultra-high performance tyres.
The Verso line has been extended with four new sizes for premium mid and larger-sized vehicles such as the Audi A4, Alfa Romeo 159, Mercedes C Class and Saab 9-3, as well as for MPVs such as the Fiat Ulysse and the Renault Espace. The new sizes are, 205/60 and 215/60 for 16-inch rims and 215/50 and 225/50 for 17-inch rims. The Verso 2008 range now includes the following sizes:
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
