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GENERAL TIRE INTRODUCES ALTIMAX ARCTIC 12

Opening orders in March. Dealer deliveries in July.

The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 is latest tire in the brand’s winter tire line up, and will replace the current AltiMAX Arctic for passenger cars, minivans, crossovers and compact SUVs.

The studdable winter tire features innovative compound and tread pattern technologies that promise superior traction in low temperatures on wet, snow and/or ice conditions. 

A total of 47 T-rated sizes ranging from 14″ to 19″, all in extra load, will be offered at launch.

“Our General Tire winter line has built a reputation among our dealer network and consumers as a solid winter tire option with impressive performance,” says Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. “The new General AltiMAX Arctic 12 will continue to strengthen that reputation as it takes winter traction and handling to a new level.”

INDUSTRY TRENDS: PUTTING TIRES ON A DIET

Are taller and narrower tires the wave of the future?

Nowadays it seems that everyone, including manufacturers, wants the widest tire with the least amount of sidewall for their vehicles. The trend is wellestablished with no sign of changing.

With total disregard for this trend, however, a new type of tire seems to be making its way into the market and may one day become the new norm. Due to new legislation and green initiatives to make vehicles more efficient, OE manufacturers have shifted their attention to fuel efficiency.

With tires being such an influential part of the equation, it seems logical for tire manufacturers to also focus on advancing fuel efficiency. Enter the “tall narrow tire,” believed to be integral to fuel efficiency.

The science of fuel economy

One way of achieving greater fuel economy is by fitting vehicles with smaller tires to reduce weight. Another involves using tall narrow tires to reduce rolling-resistance, and improve aerodynamics.

Increasing tire diameter (taller) achieves improved rolling-resistance, while reducing section width (narrower) improves aerodynamics. Combine the two and you’re reducing overall weight while reducing heat buildup and delivering better resistance to hydroplaning. As speeds increase, so does this aerodynamic advantage.

Also, tall narrow tires have a more flexible sidewall, so they are better able to conserve energy loss during deflection and rebounding. With the increase in outer diameter, rolling-resistance is improved largely in part by decreasing sidewall deformation.

Mathematically speaking, a one percent increase in overall diameter equates to a one percent decrease in rolling-resistance. Therefore, the tall narrow tire approach results in the largest tire possible, taking into consideration the performance of the tire and vehicle combination. In addition, narrowness improves aerodynamics.

Tall narrow tires are also successful in decreasing road noise. The narrower footprint allows for less road noise because, as the smaller footprint releases from the surface, there is less friction with the road, resulting in a quieter ride.

Overcoming challenges

However, tall narrow tires are not without their challenges. One issue we have to contend with is maintaining proper carrying capacity. As we know, the volume and pressure of air in the tire is what determines carrying capacity. So, the tall narrow tires will have to maintain the same volume of air as the equivalent smaller tire, or have a higher pressure rating.

As tire manufacturers juggle the probative value of producing tall narrow tires for fuel efficiency, against tires featuring small sidewalls for aesthetics or high performance purposes, it is clear that acceptance of the former (tall and narrow) is slow. The only exception is the electric and hybrid vehicle segment, which have adopted tall narrow tires as the solution to providing greater fuel efficiency. This seems to be the reason why the demand for these tires is on the rise.

It is expected that this trend will continue to permeate into other segments of the consumer tire industry, with increasing demand from Europe due to regulations. However, it is unlikely that this trend will extend into the ultra-high performance tire market, as tires used in this application require a different set of performance parameters.

So, while it is likely that we will see tall narrow tires in the market become more common, there will always be consumers dedicated to the aesthetic appeal of “ridin’ on blades.”

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.”

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 series, BMW 5 series, Genesis G90, Cadillac CT6, Hyundai Equus, Acura RLX, Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-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.

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

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.