Monday, January 30, 2017

BRIDGESTONE DEBUTS FUTURISTIC CONCEPT TIRE


Chrysler Portal concept with Bridgestone concept tire (Photo: Bridgestone)


Bridgestone has announced the development of a next-generation concept tire, which debuted on the new Chrysler Portal concept vehicle.
The tire employs something Bridgestone calls Contact Area Information Sensing (CAIS) technology, which uses the tire’s contact patch to analyze changing road conditions and share that information with the driver. It offers real-time monitoring of road and weather conditions.
“Technology is rapidly changing the automotive industry and tire innovation is playing a key role in this revolution,” said Mike Martini, President, Original Equipment, U.S. and Canada Consumer Tire Sales Divisions, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “Tires are an important tuning knob for a vehicle. They play a vital role in delivering automakers’ desired vehicle performance, while also meeting the needs and expectations of the next-generation of drivers.”

Monday, January 23, 2017

2017 Lexus LS Release Date

Toyota premium brand can be proud with the new 2017 Lexus LS. The hybrid version that will impress the entire world.


2017 LEXUS LS EXTERIOR DESIGN
Serial production of the Lexus LS should be consistent to concept. Exterior is, by the way, in many ways a recognizable, especially the front grille. Many segments are taken from the model LC coupe. Used the global architecture with a dynamic line.
                                     



The look is dynamic, elegant, aggressive enough and superior. Although it is a modern hatchback, many details can be a judgment in favor of the sporty design. Were prepared quality external color, that will point out the car. LED light units are mounted on the front and the back. The manufacturer plans the model with a long wheelbase. It will be set on a global platform with rear-wheel drive.

2017 LEXUS LS INTERIOR DESIGN
External aggression and modernization was transferred into the cabin. With the entry into the cabin, you will meet up with the best materials and equipment. For example, the gear lever and pedals for the management of the aluminum suitcase. The seats are upholstered in leather and have excellent ergonomics. Everything is fully upgraded. This, in addition to materials including technological changes. Maybe even the parts that have not been seen in the car.


Behind the wheel you can feel a special energy that dominates the space. The best systems, environment and functional lighting systems are only part of the interior. A large part of the system will be controlled through a central screen. Framed by the touch keypad and vents. The control panel is very clear, well-located and large enough. The driver can relax and enjoy every moment of the ride.


2017 LEXUS LS ENGINE POWER
With quality exterior and functional cabin comes good and powerful engine. This time the offer will comprise two units. The first is a 4.6 liter V8 engine with an output of 386 hp and torque of 367 lb / ft. 8-speed automatic transmission will transfer the power to rear wheels. At the same time, the consumption will be around 16 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the highway. This engine will form another offer but with a little less power. It will be able to produce 360 hp and torque of 347 lb / ft. With the same transmission, power will be transmitted to all wheels, whereby consumption will be 16 mpg around town and 23 mpg on the highway. No drastic changes in consumption.


SAFETY FEATURES FOR 2017 LEXUS LS
From safety equipment, we can expect only the best systems, which will in any moment worry about the safety of passengers and other road users. On the list will be: ABS, traction control, stability control, airbags, pedestrian detection, the warning to leave the lane, parking sensors, navigation system, traffic sign recognition, automatic headlights, rain sensor, tire pressure monitoring etc.


COMPETITORS FOR 2017 LEXUS LS
From major competitors we need to point out: Audi S7, Audi A8, Audi A7, BMW 7 seriesBMW 5 series, Genesis G90, Cadillac CT6, Hyundai Equus, Acura RLX, Lincoln ContinentalMercedes-Benz S class, Maserati Quattroporte and Jaguar XJ.

RELEASE DATE AND PRICE FOR 2017 LEXUS LS
The manufacturer did not provide a specific date when it will officially commence sales of the Lexus LS. But surely this would have to happen in 2017. Price will depend on the choice of engines and auxiliary equipment. Basic price could be around $ 75,000.

Monday, January 16, 2017

New ones from Continental: Motorcycle Tires 2017

Sport touring enthusiasts can look forward to the new ContiRoadAttack 3, a further evolution of the legendary ContiRoadAttack 2 EVO that made some subtly planned progress. This allround tire in the sport touring segment is predestined for what Continental quality stands for:
TractionSkin ensures an extremely safe and short run-in time, thanks to a new mold coating technology which eliminates the need for tire-release agents. MultiGrip equips the tire with longer durability and optimized grip in extreme lean angles. ZeroDegree ensures reliable stability at high speed and only a low kickback thanks to a 0° steel-belt construction.

A superior wet grip is reached, thanks to RainGrip technology. A newly developed technology called EasyHandling bestows the tire with linear handling even if gyroscopic forces are nominal, e.g. when turning or riding sharp corners. Furthermore, the tire’s accuracy has increased by a clear margin.
Fans of big fat rubber who passionately ride their touring or cruising bikes will be astonished as well. ContiTour and ContiLegend are tires that are perfectly tailored to your cruiser, chopper or custom bike.

ContiTour demonstrates what an efficient drainage profile should look like. The pattern design is an all new design. A center tread band on the rear tire without grooves increases mileage and offers directional stability under adverse conditions. A special compound guarantees longer durability while maintaining exceptional handling.

ContiLegend and its vintage whitewall design seem to be from a different era. Despite Continental’s MileagePlus technology, a multi grooved pattern design for optimal drainage and consistent performance during tire lifetime, this new rubber roller already looks legendary.
Last but not least, the first choice for lightweight and classic motorcycles is the ContiCity. This newly developed Allround / City tire offers outstanding grip on the road due to its triangular pattern design. Cutting edge performance and durability go alongside a memorable, traditional appearance.

All new Continental soles are (depending on dimension) available in the first quarter of 2017

Monday, January 9, 2017

A frequently asked question on BMW forums is in regards to replacing run-flat tires with conventional non-run-flat tires. There is much debate about this topic.

What should you do if you only need two tires? Can you replace just two tires with non-run-flat options while keeping the other two run-flat tires on the vehicle? The best advice I can give is to avoid mixing run-flat tires and non-run-flat tires. 

The consensus between tire manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, customer feedback and real life experience is that mixing run-flat tires with non-run-flat tires often causes very unstable handling. This is especially true at highway speeds and when making turns with the vehicle, even at moderate speeds. 




Why does this occur? Most run-flats have stiffer sidewall construction to maintain stability during an air pressure loss. Stiff sidewall designs are what primarily give run-flat tires their quick steering response and firmer ride. Installing tires on the front of a vehicle that has handling characteristics very different from the rear tires results in a vehicle that feels loose and not planted to the road. This is similar to a person trying to jog a few miles while wearing a snow boot on one foot and a tennis shoe on the other.

Monday, January 2, 2017

Putting Larger Wheels on Your Vehicle

Plus Sizing, the process of changing wheels and increasing the diameter, is a great way to enhance the look and performance of your vehicle. What is plus sizing and how does it work? This involves changing the tire and/or wheel size from the original size in a controlled manner so as to maintain certain critical dimensions.
When creating a Plus Size fitment, the section width of the tire increases and the sidewall height decreases. The contact patch of the tire changes shape by becoming shorter and wider. While the shape changes, the size (area) of the contact patch remains relatively unchanged.
·         High aspect ratio = tall and narrow contact patch
·         Short aspect ratio = short and wide contact patch
What does this mean?

The tread blocks with a taller, narrower profile have more deflection than tread blocks on a lower profile tire. Less deflection results in more cornering force and capability. This assumes all other things are equal, i.e same tread compound, design, etc. Installing a Plus Size Tire & Wheel Package changes the shape of your contact patch, resulting in improved cornering, improved steering response and a decrease in ride comfort due to the shorter sidewall.