Winter-weather rubber debuts from Falken and Pirelli

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The new Eurowinter HS449 winter tire from Falken features ten new design improvements. The HS449 incorporates tread, compound and construction changes to improve wet braking, stability and noise. Following a rigorous testing programme in Hokkaido, Japan, the tire will be available in the UK market from September.
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For the Eurowinter HS449, Falken’s engineers have increased the proportion of silica to improve braking on wet surfaces by 11% (compared to its predecessor the HS439). A higher concentration of polymer in the tread compound enhances stability, delivering an increase of 13% over the HS439.

: F  ]# R0 `$ X" w* L, ^# TFalken has particularly targeted improvements to ensure braking is improved on snow. In such conditions, the 45% increase in tread coverage is designed to improve stopping distances. The novel three-dimensional zig-zag lamellar structure was chosen to boost grip on snow and ice, whilst three dimensional fins optimize even wear of the tire. Falken has also lowered tire noise by incorporating five-phase shifted tread bars.
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Meanwhile, the new Scorpion Winter tire developed by Pirelli for SUVs and crossover vehicles, is designed the provide drivers maximum control through downhill bends on every surface. The tire, which was developed in close collaboration with Porsche and Volkswagen, also features improved safety under braking and cornering, and improved reliability and handling.

V-shaped grooves provide an improved tread design, whilst new polymers have been used to form the compound, and the tires modified internal structure offers a more precise response, as well as a lower rolling resistance, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

Scorpion Winter, is available in a run-flat version and will be introduced to the North American market in autumn 2012