Wheels
Sportservice Lorinser has developed a reputation for its Mercedes Benz turning accessories, and the German firm has presented its latest aluminium wheel for the three-pointed star marque. Lorinser says the new wheel, called the RS9, has been designed to meet the stylistic and technical requirements of the current Mercedes model range. The wheel is available in a ‘polished silver’ finish for in 18 to 21-inch sizes.
Two years after a school-owned van travelling without winter tyres fitted on all wheels collided with a truck in the snow, the New Brunswick government in Canada has made the fitment of these cold weather tyres upon its fleet of multi-function activity buses mandatory. Seven members of the Bathurst High School boys basketball team died in the January 2008 collision, and in the absence of official tests being conducted by the province into the safety of summer tyres in winter, the parents of three of the boys had arranged to have the tyre configurations currently used on activity buses in the province's schools privately tested in Michigan. The tests were scheduled to take place on February 24, the day after New Brunswick announced its new tyre rule.
Volkswagen has released its latest Polo BlueMotion, an 80.7 mpg fuel economy wonder, to order from Volkswagen Retailers. Prices start at £14,445 on the road, but the main news is the fuel economy and its subsequent low emissions.
The new Polo BlueMotion features a new 1.2-litre TDI three-cylinder common rail diesel engine offering 75 PS, and 133 lbs ft (180 Nm) of torque available from 2,000 rpm. The new engine, combined with longer gearing through the five-speed manual gearbox, regenerative braking and an automatic start/stop system, help the new Polo BlueMotion emit just 91 g/km of CO2 while returning an impressive 80.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This grants the new Polo BlueMotion a theoretical range of over 800 miles on one tank of diesel.
Michelin North America sent its Michelin Disaster Response Unit trailer to a Tire Centers L.L.C. (TCI) warehouse in Dallas last week after heavy snow caused part of the roof to collapse. TCI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MNA, said the 16,000-square foot Dallas warehouse is roughly 30 years old. A section of the roof caved in 12 February after record snowfall in the Dallas area. In addition to the roof, about 7,000 tyres were damaged.
Goodyear Farm Tires, a Titan Tire Corporation brand, has introduced a new tyre the company says is suited to wet conditions. To help it achieve this wet condition operability, the DT 930 TM in size 1100/45R46 features a low sidewall (LSW) aspect ratio.
The majority of volume car manufacturers with UK plants are showing strong interest in sourcing more locally-built components. That’s the view of the latest independent research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which highlights the tactical advantages of UK component sourcing including: benefiting from a favourable exchange rate; minimising the vulnerabilities and logistical costs associated with an extended supply chain; and the UK’s flexible labour force and positive industrial relations as reasons for looking for supply options within the UK.
The report recognised the significant opportunities arising from the transition to a low carbon economy, but also identified some conventional technologies that manufacturers would like to source more of in the UK. This list included what are described as “basic automotive components” such as: alloy wheels, alternators and starter motors, brake components, castings and forgings, fasteners, nuts and bolts, plastic mouldings in general, large stampings, sheet steel and aluminium, transmission components and wring harnesses. So called high technology areas included: electronic control units (ECUs) in general, satellite navigation systems, advanced air conditioning and safety systems especially airbags.
Stamford Tyres is an established exhibitor at Tyrexpo Africa and has supported the show since being launched in 2004. In March the Singapore based company will once again be using the show to further endorse the group’s growing presence in the South African tyre and wheel market.
As part of the restructuring of its Engineered Products and Solutions (EPS) business, a measure taken in order to accelerate growth, Alcoa has appointed Olivier M. Jarrault to the new position of chief operating officer, Engineered Products and Building Systems. In this role, Jarrault, who has served as president of Alcoa Fastening Systems since 2002, will lead the Alcoa Fastening Systems, Alcoa Wheels and Transportation Products, and Building and Construction Systems business units.
Present at the Autosport International Engineering Show, Oxfordshire company Stack displayed its battery-free TPMS systems, which it believes “completely redefines tyre pressure monitoring in motorsport”. Based on patented SAW sensor technology, the company says problems associated with mounting batteries and complicated electronics in sensors on wheels eliminated.
Some say he is holidaying in Australia this February, and that during his down under jaunt he’ll be performing his world-first driving stunt – all we know is, he’s called the Stig, and Bridgestone is offering its Australian devotees the chance to drive like the Top Gear tame racing driver.
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has announced it will increase prices by between 5 and 10 per cent in Europe and North America, effective 1 March 2010. Product lines affected include the company’s industrial, solid and construction tyre lines. According to the company, the price rise is the result of “escalating raw material and transportation costs combined with currency fluctuations.” On 13 January Trelleborg announced it would increase the prices of its agricultural and forestry tyres and wheels by 5 per cent.
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.
The UK distributor for Yokohama tyres and replacement alloy wheels from TSW, MAK and Advanti, Yokohama HPT Ltd, kicked off its new year this week at the annual Autosport International show at the NEC. The company is exhibiting its full range of Yokohama high performance road and motorsport tyres, its key ranges of alloy wheels while the centrepiece of its stand is the innovative Tesla Roadster Sport, the world’s first all-electric track day car.
Now the snow is beginning to recede and the freshly potholed roads are being revealed, TyreSafe is advising motorists to ensure their wheels are properly aligned. Driving over potholes can alter the vehicle’s steering and suspension geometries or damage critical components which can reduce vehicle safety or generate extra running costs. By ensuring wheels are correctly aligned, drivers can minimise the effects of any pothole damage and ensure they remain as safe as possible.
The latest wheel from Italy’s Finichi is the Milano, a 16-spoke design available in silver or black. The spokes on the Milano extend to the outer edge of the rim in order to enhance the wheel’s perceived size, and both the Hypersilver and Gloss Black finishes can be ordered with the Tyresure Tyre Pressure Monitoring System for improved safety and driver feedback.
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