Tyre manufactures are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative ways to enhance tyre safety, performance and durability. Over the past few years, they have been working to increase the overall performance of their motor-sport tyres and have introduced science, research and technology into the mix, with the results also incorporated into commuter vehicles now.
Passing the race test
Michelin has a reputation for all things motor sport. "For the Michelin Group, racing is an investment into research and development and a cradle of innovation. Not only does the company allocate almost €600 million [about Dh2.8 billion] every year to research and development, but it also uses motors-port racing as a laboratory where the most extreme tests can be conducted," says Dominique Aimon, Michelin Group Scientific and Technical Communication Director.
Michelin's participation in motoring events such as the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race served as an ideal platform for the company to test these exclusive technologies. In order to gain maximum performance and control around the bends on a racetrack, Michelin developed tyres that boasted two different compounds. These tyres, which are currently available in the country, evenly distribute two rubber compounds between the inner and outer sides of the tread, resulting in extreme grip even in the sharpest of corners.
"The innovation of new compounds for street tyres can often trace their roots to racing. An example would be the development of dual compounds in performance tyres like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport," says Aimon.
"This ability to reverse transfer technologies between the race circuit and the street allowed Michelin to produce tyres that could last up to five times longer than tyres being used today in Formula 1 racing. Between 2006 and 2009, with the longer life technology, Michelin reduced the number of tyres used at the Le Mans 24-hour race by 20 per cent," he says.
Local availability
With regards to what's available in the country, Michelin recently announced the Middle East launch of its Michelin X Line Tropic truck tyre, which they claim has the ability to last longer and resist extreme heat better than any other competing brands. "The ability to transfer technologies from track to road and back again will give our technical experts the best opportunities to provide the best solutions to increasingly diverse and demanding customer groups," says Aimon.
The 82nd Geneva International Motor Show last month saw a new touring tyre, the Bridgestone Turanza T001, roll up to the plate. The Turanza guarantees enhanced safety, comfort, wear life and fuel economy. When compared to its predecessor, the tyre provides a 2 per cent shorter braking distance in the wet and a 19 per cent improved rolling resistance, which results into a 2.3 per cent superior fuel economy. While UAE-based customers are currently waiting on availability information regarding the Turanza, Bridgestone rolled out its new Potenza Adrenalin RE002 tyres to the country. With the help of former Formula 1 driver and current Bridgestone tyre developer Stefano Modena, the Adrenalin RE002 aims to maximise the pleasure of sports driving while giving drivers confidence in their vehicles.
Other manufacturers are putting out newer, often rather obscure elements into their tyres. The latest advancement in tyre technology over at Yokohama is the use of orange oil during its manufacturing processes. "Instead of depending on petroleum, our BlueEarth series reduces carbon emissions while maintaining the same levels of performance as our other tyres," says Rajesh Puthonveedu, Product Manager, Tyres and Batteries division at Juma Al Majid Establishment, the official distributors of Yokohama in the UAE.
In terms of availability in the UAE, Puthonveedu says that we might have them on our wheels in the third or fourth quarter of this year. However, next month will see Yokohama's Advan Decibel become available in the country. "The Decibel is one of our new series and is an ultra-high performance tyre. These super silent tyres give customers a soft and smooth ride," says Puthonveedu.
Bike on
With the country's four-wheeled vehicles set for newer, faster and greener pastures, their two-wheeled counterparts continue to struggle as the market for motorcycle tyres in the region is limited to a few brands. Last month saw the launch of the Bridgestone Battlax Hyper Sport S20 tyre at the Portimão circuit in Portugal. Marketed as a premium sport tyre inspired by Bridgestone's MotoGP technology, the new compound uses Bridgestone's NanoPro-Tech polymer. The polymer reduces the heat build-up and provides improved grip at low temperatures and wet conditions.
Bridgestone does not sell its motorcycle tyres in the UAE, however, enthusiasts can always order specific tyre brands online and get them shipped to the UAE. "The market for [motorcycle] tyres doesn't come down to choice; it depends on what we can find," says Guy Sinclair, Brand Manager at DusejaMoto, the dealer for Triumph, Aprilia and Vespa. "We would love to try out these new tyres but we don't get to see them. Manufacturers don't just walk in and say, ‘Hey we're Bridgestone!' We have to make do with what we get. We use Dunlop because it's available," he says.
Time manufacturers to step into the breach?
