Bridgestone unveiled the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 recently, a cutting-edge radial motorcycle tyre designed for urban road use, set to hit the market in January 2024. 

This tyre represents the newest addition to Bridgestone’s prestigious BATTLAX line of high-end motorcycle tyres, which commemorates its 40th  anniversary this year. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 surpasses its predecessor by offering a range of enhanced performance features. Crafted to meet the demands of spirited rides on pavement, it boasts notably superior dry grip performance when tackling circuits or navigating twisty mountain roads. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 sets quicker lap times in wet and dry track conditions than the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22, ensuring confident traction in any weather.

One of the key innovations of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 lies in its fresh compound design at the tread’s edge. This modification allows for improved road contact during sharp banking and maximises cornering grip, enabling riders to elevate their sports riding prowess. This technological leap and top-tier engineering translate to heightened performance without compromising durability.

The updated pattern, featuring the Pulse Groove Technology, delivers enhanced stability and handling, enriching the riding experience even in challenging road conditions and wet climates. This ensures riders benefit from augmented grip, precise handling, and greater confidence in their journey.

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has announced the expansion of its crane tyre range with the launch of the MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 445/95 R 25, designed for mobile and all-terrain cranes.

The new tyre, which follows an initial size released with constructor Spierings last summer, combines a civil engineering casing with a truck tyre tread and represents over a decade of specialist expertise, according to the French company.

Michelin claims the new product is five percent lighter than its predecessor, the MICHELIN X-CRANE +. It features an improved load and speed index that has shifted from 174F to 178F, allowing vehicles to carry heavier loads at higher speeds.

“MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 can carry 800 kg more per tyre when travelling at 80 kph. This increased load capacity represents an additional load of 1.6 metric tonnes per axle," the company stated.

Safety improvements include enhanced braking performance. Michelin claims comparative tests showed their main competitor needed 27 percent more braking distance, equating to approximately 10.5 metres or “2-3 car lengths."

The M+S-certified tyre incorporates Michelin’s REGENION technology, which utilises metal 3D printing to create what the company describes as "self-regenerating treads". This feature reportedly maintains consistent grip throughout the tyre's lifespan regardless of conditions.

Additionally, Michelin states the technology delivers fuel consumption reductions exceeding 13 percent, potentially saving around 826 litres of fuel and €1,321.60 for cranes travelling 10,000 kilometres.

The new size has been homologated for numerous machines across European and American markets, including models from Liebherr, Grove, Tadano and Linkbelt.

Nexen Tire, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has received approval from Škoda for its N'FERA Sport ultra-high-performance (UHP) flagship summer tyre to be used as original equipment for the new Škoda Karoq SUV.

The Karoq is ideally matched with N'FERA Sport in size 215/50R18 W XL tire, which was created especially for the European market and made in Europe. It offers improved handling and stability even at high speeds. The N'Fera Sport (size 225/40R18) is already recognised by the ADAC Summer test 2025 and earns a strong overall rating for driving safety, comfort and environmental performance. The ADAC rates it as having a very good rating among competitors due to its short braking distance from 100 kmph. It also outperforms the norm in aquaplaning and wet braking.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are thrilled to receive this homologation for the N’FERA Sport on the Škoda Karoq. As our flagship summer product, the N'FERA Sport represents the peak of our tyre technology, designed to deliver outstanding performance and safety. Achieving the most homologations among our products, it is a true testament to the tyre's quality and our dedication to excellence. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Škoda, enhancing the driving experience for their customers worldwide.”

Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd’s DUNLOP GRANDTREK H/T31 tyre as original equipment (OE) in Japan for its recently launched LEXUS GX550 SUV.

In addition to the dependability and durability that the GRANDTREK series has established, the GRANDTREK H/T31 aims for on-road performance. The product uses new tread rubber and a H/T (Highway Terrain) pattern to provide a high level of anti-wear performance, good fuel efficiency and quiet operation. In order to increase visibility and create a more opulent overall design appeal, the tyres also employ the Nano Black design method, which colours brand insignia on tyre sidewalls a darker shade of black.

With its powerful but economical engine and sturdy construction, the new GX550 offers exceptional driving performance. With its unique design, cutting-edge suspension and driving support system, and 18-inch tyres, the OVERTRAIL+ delivers both off-road and on-road performance. Toyota SUVs have long been equipped with DUNLOP's GRANDTREK line of tyres as standard equipment.

Lucid Motors has selected Hankook Tire’s EV-exclusive all-season tyre, the iON evo AS SUV, as original equipment (OE) for its all-new electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity, designed for the North American Market.

Through its partnership with Lucid Motors, Hankook Tire has unveiled the iON evo AS SUV as a high-performance all-season tyre designed especially for big electric SUVs. The tyre's next-generation compound design combines high-performance polymers, environmentally friendly components, and high-concentration silica to provide outstanding grip and improved mileage performance in a variety of driving circumstances throughout the year. Notably, the tyre's stiffness profile has been tuned to support the heavier EV battery packs while maintaining a consistent road contact pressure to improve driving stability.

Its tread shape also permits even wear, increasing the tyre's longevity. The tyres greatly reduce rolling resistance and efficiently reduce noise by carefully balancing the size and quantity of tread blocks. Drivers who want a dynamic driving experience may retain great energy economy thanks to this design's improvements.

The Lucid Gravity, a full-size, three-row SUV and Lucid Motors' second all-electric vehicle model, was just introduced in the US. The Lucid Gravity has a sleek body and an elegant interior. It has a range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds and produces up to 828 horsepower in Grand Touring configuration. Actual results will vary depending on temperature, driving behaviour, battery state and charging.