Falken Tyre Europe introduced the new EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO tyre for high-performance vehicles.

The newly launched tyre is available in 46 sizes spanning 17 to 21 inches and cross-sections from 35 to 65 with speed index options including V (up to 240 km/h) and W (up to 270 km/h). 

The EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO features an asymmetric tread pattern designed to offer both grip and a quiet and smooth ride.

Falken’s product development focussed on ensuring the tyre would offer an excellent all-around winter performance. Performance was assessed in wet, wintery conditions with superior grip levels targeted for slushy and snowy carriageways. 

To perform on slushy and snowy surfaces, the company has created a synergistic all-season tread to provide a balanced performance in all driving conditions. Engineers developed an inner running surface optimised for snow and slush, which, when combined with the outer tread, provides optimum performance in both wet and dry conditions. Intelligent interactions between these two tread areas gives the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO’s mix of a sporting driving experience with heightened safety.

The new product’s tread boasts a uniform outer shoulder and two wide tread grooves throughout the circumference of the tyre – which ensure particularly good water drainage and minimise the risk of aquaplaning. 

To ensure good grip and traction when accelerating or braking on snow, step-down tread grooves are arranged on the inside in an offset configuration. In addition to the fine profile recesses, additional grooves ensure both good grip and precise handling by gripping and compressing the snow.

Understanding the needs of high-performance car drivers, Falken has optimised the tyre’s design with an improved contour. The EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO’s construction prevents deformation of the running surface caused by centrifugal forces at high speeds – meaning the contact patch with the road is maximised. As a result, driving stability remains outstanding – even at high speeds – and the response between steering and braking remains high.

In internal comparisons of the AS220 PRO against an internal reference product, the new product not only sets the standard for wet and dry handling – as well as safety at high speeds – but also impresses in terms of its effects on fuel consumption, therefore reducing CO2 emissions.

Falken’s special advanced 4D NANO design technology ensures lower wear rates and a longer lifespan of the tyre. The label values for the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO – which have not yet been fully defined – are B and D for fuel consumption/rolling resistance, B for wet grip and B for noise emissions, depending on the tyre dimensions.

With appearance also an important factor when it comes to high-performance vehicles, the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO boasts an aerodynamic sidewall design and attractive nano-black inscription.

With XL rating, all 46 dimensions have high load-bearing capacities. Eight out of the EU’s top ten dimensions, and eight sizes specifically used for EVs are included in the programme for the new UHP all-weather tyre – with most also equipped with a rim protection strip.

Falken’s tyres are developed and manufactured according to the highest standards of quality. Should the worst happen, Falken’s warranty provides protection and, depending on the residual depth of the tread, this warranty compensates customers for product defects for a service life of five years.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai has selected Continental's PremiumContact C tyre as original equipment for its all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV. This 21-inch tyre carries an XL marking, signifying its enhanced load capacity, a critical feature for supporting the substantial weight of an electric SUV. The design includes a rim protection rib to help prevent damage to the vehicle's wheels.

As a premium summer tyre developed for robust SUVs, the PremiumContact C combines safety, comfort and durability. Its more robust construction directly addresses the need for a higher load-bearing capacity. An innovative tread pattern, which incorporates adaptive sipe technology, is central to its performance, providing precise handling and reliable grip on both dry and wet road surfaces, even under full load. Furthermore, an extended contact patch promotes optimal pressure distribution against the road, contributing to shorter braking distances and reduced rolling noise.

A key feature for the IONIQ 9 is the integration of ContiSilent technology. This innovation actively dampens road noise within the passenger cabin, reducing intrusive sound levels by up to nine decibels for a noticeably quieter and more comfortable driving experience. This specific tyre line, sized 285/45 R21 113 V XL FR ContiSilent, has received original equipment approval for the vehicle across numerous global markets.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire has been chosen as the original equipment manufacturer for the Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron SUV models, fitting them with its Ventus evo SUV tyre. This partnership covers a wide range of specifications, with six different tyre sizes from 17 to 20 inches available for the immensely popular Tiguan and five sizes for the five or seven-seater Tayron crossover. A key identifier for these specially developed tyres is a circled plus sign on the sidewall, signifying they are built to Volkswagen’s precise standards and are approved for factory installation on new vehicles.

The collaborative development process, centred at the Hankook Tire Technology Center in Hannover, prioritised a harmonious blend of comfort and dynamic performance. A major focus throughout the design phase was achieving the lowest possible noise level. Through meticulous tread design and an innovative compound in the tread material, the Ventus evo SUV attains a noise level below 66 decibels. This performance is crucial, as it helps the overall vehicle meet Volkswagen's strict maximum noise requirement of 68 decibels, significantly enhancing cabin quietness.

Further technical hallmarks of these premium tyres include Opti Pitch and Kerf designs, which work to minimise road noise. The implementation of Dual Pitch technology varies the number of tread blocks on the inner and outer sections of the tyre, a feature that enhances steering precision during cornering while also contributing to a quieter ride. Engineers carefully calibrated the tread height to ensure these acoustic benefits do not come at the expense of critical performance areas such as traction, braking, cornering stability or the tyre’s overall lifespan.

Final validation of the Ventus evo SUV involved rigorous testing that extended beyond laboratory simulations to demanding real-world tracks, including the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife. This extensive testing protocol confirmed the capabilities of all tyre sizes. Furthermore, Hankook tailored the driving character of the tyres by size; the 17-, 18- and 19-inch variants are engineered for superior comfort, while the 20-inch version offers a distinctly sportier feel. Production for the European market is handled at Hankook’s manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary.

Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Centre at Hankook Tire, said, “The provision of original equipment for the two SUV models Tiguan and Tayron is further proof that the Volkswagen Group considers Hankook Tire one of its top development partners in the tyre sector. We have succeeded in perfectly matching our premium summer tyre, Ventus evo SUV, in every tyre size to the driving characteristics of the two models and achieved our goal of combining the requirements for high comfort over long distances with a sporty character.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sumitomo Rubber Industries has announced that its Thailand-based affiliate will provide original equipment tyres for the newly unveiled Toyota Hilux Travo. The vehicle will be fitted with the specially optimised Dunlop Grandtrek A/T31 tyres.

These tyres were meticulously engineered to meet the demanding and varied conditions the Hilux Travo is expected to encounter. Through enhancements to their shape, internal structure and tread pattern, the tyres achieve a refined balance of travel performance, durability and comfort. A newly developed compound and a unique tread block sequence work in concert to deliver capable on-road and off-road performance while also ensuring quiet operation.

Furthermore, the dedicated tyre design aims for improved fuel efficiency and reliable handling on wet road surfaces.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental said it is supplying a range of summer and winter tyres for Porsche’s all-electric Macan, with the SUV offered with the SportContact 6 for high-performance driving, the CrossContact RX for comfort and all-season use, and the WinterContact TS 860 S for winter conditions.

All tyres feature the XL marking, indicating increased load capacity. The models approved for the Macan carry Porsche’s “NE0” sidewall designation.

The SportContact 6, part of Continental’s ultra-ultra-high-performance segment, is designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h. The company said engineers optimised the compound, tread and construction to deliver “exceptional grip and outstanding safety at high speeds”. The tyre features a newly developed reinforcement structure and a tread designed to maximise force transmission.

The CrossContact RX, aimed at drivers prioritising comfort and reduced road noise, combines a specialised tread and siping design with groove geometry intended to improve water clearance and reduce aquaplaning risk. Depending on specification, it is approved for speeds up to 270 km/h, with Macan-specific versions rated V (up to 240 km/h).

For winter use, Porsche recommends the WinterContact TS 860 S, which Continental said provides “maximum control, stability and driving enjoyment” for sports-oriented vehicles. The tyre is engineered to manage instant torque from electric powertrains and features low rolling resistance to help extend driving range.

Continental supplies original-equipment tyres to most of Porsche’s line-up, including the Taycan, Cayenne and Panamera.

Approved tyre sizes for the Macan include:

• SportContact 6 NE0: 295/40 R21 111Y XL; 255/45 R21 106Y XL
• CrossContact RX NE0: 295/35 R22 108V XL; 255/40 R22 103V XL; 295/40 R21 111V XL; 255/45 R21 106V XL; 285/45 R20 112V XL; 235/55 R20 105V XL
• WinterContact TS 860 S NE0: 295/35 R22 108V XL; 255/40 R22 103V XL; 285/40 R21 109V XL; 255/45 R21 106V XL

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!