According to Firestone the European market for vineyard (and orchard) tyres is likely to grow, despite the wet weather of 2004 it claims that farmers are re-evaluating their crops and considering fruits and vegetables that may not have been viable decades ago. Hence it has introduced a new range of radial tyres for the Central European market, and UK vineyards.
Goodyear welcomed the news that the redesigned 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has received yet another accolade for its “versatility and style,” as its tyres will again be fitted on all models of the new vehicle.
The vehicle recently won the title of “2005 SUV of the Year” by ‘Truckin’s SUV,’ an enthusiast magazine. According to the magazine, the Grand Cherokee stood out due to its “refined ride, off-road performance, and high-feature content coupled with notable quality, excellent road manners, and a warm and inviting interior.”
Bandag is set to introduce a new line of off-the-road precure retreads to the American tyre market.
The new range, Continuum, is designed for light and medium earthmover tyres and includes two serpentine tread designs, which, in Bandag’s words have been created to offer “greater flexibility than other retread application methods and products.”
Following the release of the Aston Martin DB9, Bridgestone has announced that the new car will be fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tyres as original equipment. Like other tyres in the Potenza family the RE050 utilises a racing car nose-shaped tread pattern, which Bridgestone claims reduces the possibility hydroplaning. With an outer pattern featuring large blocks, the RE050 is also designed to improve handling and road holding, while its larger contact area has been manufactured to improve cornering performance.
Powered by a 450 bhp six-litre V12 engine, the DB9 will replace the DB7, Aston Martin most successful car. Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tyres are fitted to a range of supercars including the Ferrari Enzo and F430, Porsche 911, Mercedes SL55 AMG. The Aston Martin DB9 will run on 235/40 ZR19 (front) and 275/35 ZR19 (rear) RE050s.
A new supercomputer based technology has been developed in order to simulate tyre performance. The new technology, devised by Bridgestone and dubbed Comprehensive Road Surroundings Simulation (CROSS), promises to raise efficiency in developing optimal tread patterns. The system is able to simulate tyre behaviour on unpaved roads and off the road and in sunny, rainy, and snowy conditions. Bridgestone believes its new technology will help streamline work in optimising tread patterns on tyres for four-wheel-drive vehicles, earthmoving equipment, agricultural machinery, all-terrain vehicles, and other vehicles that operate on unpaved surfaces.
Bridgestone’s announcement comes after engineers from the company presented a paper on terramechanics, the behaviour of soil under loads, at a September conference of the Tyre Society in the US. Terramechanics simulation technology is the latest addition to Bridgestone’s portfolio of simulation tools. The company announced new hydroplaning simulation technology in 1999 for analysing water flow under tyre treads on wet surfaces. In 2001, it announced technology for simulating tyre performance on snow.
Subaru has launched a new version of one of its most popular cars – the Legacy. In an attempt to modify its image of being a “sensible family saloon,” the new Legacy range now includes a high-performance version. The Legacy 3.0R spec.B features a new gearbox, suspension system and Bridgestone Potenza tyres – all inspired by the well-known Impreza.
The 3.0R spec.B has a revised Impreza STi 6-speed gearbox, which helps the three litre engine to produce 241bhp. And in keeping with the sporty feel, the new saloon will fit Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres as original equipment.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A uses an asymmetrical tread pattern with large blocks on the outer side in order to provide superior lateral rigidity and to increase control in high-speed turning. The company claims that the high-angled grooves on the inner side improve water dispersion and assist in wet-weather driving.
Andy Lane, consumer marketing manager at Bridgestone UK, said: “The Subaru Legacy 3.0R spec.B is a high-performance car that requires high-performance tyres. And with excellent levels of grip in both wet and dry conditions, the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres compliment the Legacy perfectly.”
The Subaru Legacy 3.0R spec.B fits Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres in size 215/45 R18.
SmarTire Systems has announced that it has been granted a US patent protecting its multi-mount TPMS installation technology. For SmarTire, the system is of major strategic importance. The company sees the patent as a solid way of securing its competitive position.
“The multi-mount technology enables a common sensor to be used to satisfy a variety of vehicle platforms using different mounting methods such as strap, valve or bonded,” says Kian Sheikh-Bahaie, senior mechanical designer at SmarTire. “This technology offers a number of benefits including a single solution regardless of wheel design and the ability to use aftermarket wheels without disabling the original TPMS. Smaller automakers can also take advantage of the economies of scale and speed to market by enabling them to use a common sensor.”
“This patent represents a significant milestone as it expands SmarTire’s intellectual property portfolio at a critical time in the development of the TPMS industry,” says Robert Rudman, president and CEO of SmarTire. “Now that the Tread Act has been finalised in the US and the automakers are now required to install tyre monitoring in their vehicles, one crucial issue that has not been adequately addressed by the industry is the installation and servicing of TPMS. SmarTire has developed and now patented a unique sensor mounting technology that satisfies the diverse implications that arise during installation and servicing of the system over the life of the vehicle.”
Just a few days after unveiling its new Direzza DZ101 tyre, Dunlop found a number of volunteers willing to sit in the “chair.” The barber’s chair, that is.
At last year’s SEMA show, Pirelli made an impact with the introduction of a 25 inch diameter 315/40VR25 XL (120) M+S Scorpion Zero radial that the company dubbed, “Dub plus 5.” This year Pirelli believes it has gone “one better” with the announcement of the biggest Scorpion Zero ever, the 315/40R26 Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico.
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Goodyear has been chosen to supply tyres for the latest Hummer, the 2006 H3 model, which is due to arrive at dealerships in spring 2005. With its off-road capabilities the new H3 will be positioned among the mid size SUV segment. According to Hummer, the H3 will also provide “the refinement, comfort and convenience required for on-road driving.”
Bandag has released a new wide-single trailer tyre range. The BTE2 is based on a polyvalent tread that the company claims surpasses the performance of its predecessor, the Bandag BZAW(E).
Triumph Motorcycles has chosen the Michelin Pilot Power as the sole OE fitment for its 2005 Speed Triple.
The tyre was chosen as the best option for the 1050cc machine following extensive tests. It is described as combining “aggressive streetfighter looks” with “high quality chassis components.”
Vredestein has released a new ultra high performance tyre, the Wintrac Xtreme. Launched at a glitzy ceremony in a setting surrounded by mountainous Swiss scenery, the Dutch tyre manufacturer is clearly looking to make a statement with its newest product.
The Wintrac Xtreme is the first winter tyre Vredestein has produced in collaboration with design partners Giugaro. The company describes its aggressively firm lines and W-shaped tread as “powerful” selling point. The tyre features rim protection and will be available in sizes 205/55 R16 94 – 265/35 R18 97. It is, perhaps, a coincidence that the new product features a W shaped tread and has either a V or W speed rating, depending on size.
Vedestein’s UK managing director, Bert Stellinga, sees the new products as a kind of ultra high performance all-round winter tyre and, although it is capable of dealing with snow and ice, is keen to highlight the broad range of benefits associated with its product. “In wet conditions of up to 20’C, this one is just better.” According to the Mr Stellinga, if you want to drive your vehicle to full capacity at any time of the year than this is the one, adding “we should really call it an all-season tyre.”
The retreading industry is always looking for new, more advanced solutions, and the ability to compete against new tyre performance. Marangoni believes its Ringtread concept is the answer to this. The Ringtread has undergone some extensive developments since its introduction. Once again the technology behind the tread is evolving. To mark its most recent stage of advancement Marangoni has committed the majority of its future investment towards marketing the system. As the industry’s attention is drawn towards the Ringtread, Tyres & Accessories discovers what’s behind the Italian manufacturer’s latest move.To download this article as a PDF file, click here.
Ellerbrock has once again extended its Kontur precured tread range. Two new options have been added to the winter profile, Kontur Grip, which is now available in 240mm and 260mm.
The Kontur range is Ellerbrock’s “superior performance” tread, designed to offer greater mileage performance, greater transverse stability of the vehicle and even, regular tread wear.
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