The Brera coupé is the latest of three Alfa Romeo launches in 2006 to come fitted with Bridgestone tyres and features the F1-derived, ultra-performance Potenza RE50As as an original equipment option. This product is also available on the new Alfa 159 and 159 Sportwagon.
The Pirelli P Zero Corsa System has been approved by Aston Martin as a Sports Tyre option on the 2007 V8 Vantage; a handcrafted sports car that offers electrifying performance and outstanding agility, making it one of the world’s most desirable sports cars.
As a tyre service provider the extensive range of tyres required to meet your customer needs can be mind blowing. Passenger, 4X4, Van and Truck all these can be sourced reasonably easily, but what about the “specialist” tyre sector? Among the customers in this area are Local Authorities, City Councils, County Councils, Parks Departments, Sports Grounds, Golf Courses, Leisure Developments, etc; the list is endless and the need is great for tyres from 3″ to 38″ and sometimes beyond, in various tread patterns, smooth, ribbed, block and tractive. Where can the tyre dealer go for help?
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper’s Oliver Rubber Co. subsidiary has introduced a new premium retread tread compound and pattern – the Vantage Drive. The new product features what Oliver called a “technologically advanced” tread compound called “Black Armor,” which it said “offers the benefits found in premium truck tires.” Oliver said the Vantage Drive delivers “remarkable treadwear with exceptionally low rolling resistance that optimizes fuel efficiency, while delivering long-lasting casing durability.” Furthermore, the new tread stock reportedly delivers up to 4 per cent better fuel economy than “best-in-class retreads on the market.” The Vantage Drive is available in 205mm (8), 210mm (8.5N), 220mm (9) and 230mm (9.5) sizes with a deep 26/32-inch tread depth.
Interstate has announced that it is updating its Interstate Sport IXT-1 programme in December 2006 and February 2007. The first run of new sizes to come online will be the Interstate Sport IXT-1 225/55 R16 RF (reinforced) in 99W and 235/45R17 RF in 97W. These will be followed in February by 225/55R17 RF in 101W. The complete programme runs from 13 to 18 inches and is available up to W-speed-rating with lots of XL load indexes.
Continental reports that it is constantly seeking to improve tread pattern design on both passenger tyres and truck tyre products. What you may not know is that many of their new developments are based on a bionic approach. Don’t worry this doesn’t have anything to do with the $6 million dollar man – instead it is all about applying the “perfect methods and systems found in nature…to modern technology.” The design of the ContiPremiumContact, for example, is based on the principle of the cat’s paw. It has a narrow contour when rolling, and a wider contour when braking which is said to give it better grip on the road.
With the onset of freezing driving conditions, fog and wet roads, Kwik-Fit Fleet has once again launched its annual free five-point vehicle check. The free winter safety checks are available at Kwik-Fit centres nationwide and they cover: Batteries – cell strength and terminal connections; Exhausts – condition and fitment including hangers and brackets; Tyres – pressures, tread depth and general condition (including spare); Tracking – to see if tyres show tracking-related wear; Glass/wipers -condition of vehicle glass and wipers.
(Las Vegas/Tire Review) Kumho Tire USA officially launched its latest touring tyre line – the Solus KR21 – during the SEMA Show. The Solus KR21 replaces Kumho’s 732 and 795 products. Kumho said the Solus KR21 delivers a refined balance of high mileage, low noise and exceptional ride comfort, along with all-season traction and confidence-inspiring handling.
The KR21 will be a “megaline” tyre, which Kumho said will reduces the number of SKUs a dealer will have to carry. The KR21 carries a T speed rating and a UTQG of 600, and will be available in the first quarter of 2007 in nearly 50 sizes, ranging from 155/80R13 to 235/65R18.
(Akron/Tire Review) NHTSA reportedly has proposed maintaining confidentiality of certain vehicle safety data uncovered by consumer complaints, warranty claims, and information on vehicles involved in deaths and injuries. The agency said the release of such information “will cause substantial competitive harm and will impair the government’s ability to obtain this information in the future if released.” The release of such information had been included as part of the TREAD Act’s early reporting provisions. Automakers, auto suppliers and tyremakers argued that release of such information without verification of any claims could lead to incorrect conclusions.
(Las Vegas/Tire Review) The new Road Venture APT KL51, an all-purpose touring tyre designed for light trucks and SUVs, was introduced by Kumho Tire USA during the SEMA Show. Kumho officials said the new tyre features an all-season tread compound formulated to “deliver excellent wet and dry traction and enhanced mileage performance,” as well as “a comfortable ride, decreased road noise and driving stability.” The APT KL51 will be available in the first quarter of 2007 in 25 sizes with black sidewalls, ranging from 225/70R15 to 255/60R18, and in 11 sizes with outlined white letters, ranging from 225/75R15 to 255/65R17.
(Las Vegas/Tire Review) Continental Tire North America has introduced the new General Altimax series, a new flagship powerline for the General brand. CTNA said the debut is part of its “revitalization efforts for the General Tire brand which entails the brand’s steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of a broad range of consumers. This General tyre line will focus on a wide range of today’s consumers. Consumers that demand a brand they can trust, but also one that remains proactive in technology to ensure the highest level of product performance and quality,” said Travis Roffler, CTNA’s director of marketing.
(Las Vegas/Tire Review) Continental Tire North America is using the SEMA Show to launch the ContiSportContact 3 performance tyre line. Released in Europe earlier this year, the tyre makes its North American debut this week in Las Vegas. Already OE on the Audi TT and A6, the ContiSportContact 3 was developed for high performance vehicles and provides shorter braking distances, enhanced handling characteristics and superior grip on wet roads, according to CTNA.
Pirelli’s new touring line, the P4 Four Seasons, will be on the company’s stand at this year’s SEMA show and the first sizes will be available to dealers from January, 2007. The new line is a “tyre for all seasons” with a silica-rich tread compound and specialised tread design for maximum grip in both wet and snow conditions. Major advances in tread profile, generated from CAD designs, and the very latest tread compounding provide a substantial improvement in wear rate, giving the tyre an extremely long life, says Pirelli.
The Interstate passenger car tyre range consists of 29 sizes, in two different patterns; the Interstate Touring IST-1 and the Interstate Sport IXT-1. This covers a large part of the European replacement market for passenger car tyres.
The all-new, second generation Audi TT Coupé harnesses Formula One-derived tyre technology from Bridgestone as original equipment. The new Coupé boasts a hybrid steel-aluminium ‘Audi Space Frame’ shell that reduces weight and improves dynamics, and an electronically retractable rear spoiler that maximises downforce at higher speeds. It is initially available with two engine sizes, a front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre Turbo FSI delivering 197BHP and a quattro four-wheel-drive 3.2-litre V6 delivering 247BHP. This power is transmitted to the road through Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high performance tyres.
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