Falken Tyre Europe Launches New Tyre For High-Performance Vehicles

Falken Tyre Europe Launches New Tyre For High-Performance Vehicles

Falken Tyre Europe introduced the new EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO tyre for high-performance vehicles.

The newly launched tyre is available in 46 sizes spanning 17 to 21 inches and cross-sections from 35 to 65 with speed index options including V (up to 240 km/h) and W (up to 270 km/h). 

The EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO features an asymmetric tread pattern designed to offer both grip and a quiet and smooth ride.

Falken’s product development focussed on ensuring the tyre would offer an excellent all-around winter performance. Performance was assessed in wet, wintery conditions with superior grip levels targeted for slushy and snowy carriageways. 

To perform on slushy and snowy surfaces, the company has created a synergistic all-season tread to provide a balanced performance in all driving conditions. Engineers developed an inner running surface optimised for snow and slush, which, when combined with the outer tread, provides optimum performance in both wet and dry conditions. Intelligent interactions between these two tread areas gives the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO’s mix of a sporting driving experience with heightened safety.

The new product’s tread boasts a uniform outer shoulder and two wide tread grooves throughout the circumference of the tyre – which ensure particularly good water drainage and minimise the risk of aquaplaning. 

To ensure good grip and traction when accelerating or braking on snow, step-down tread grooves are arranged on the inside in an offset configuration. In addition to the fine profile recesses, additional grooves ensure both good grip and precise handling by gripping and compressing the snow.

Understanding the needs of high-performance car drivers, Falken has optimised the tyre’s design with an improved contour. The EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO’s construction prevents deformation of the running surface caused by centrifugal forces at high speeds – meaning the contact patch with the road is maximised. As a result, driving stability remains outstanding – even at high speeds – and the response between steering and braking remains high.

In internal comparisons of the AS220 PRO against an internal reference product, the new product not only sets the standard for wet and dry handling – as well as safety at high speeds – but also impresses in terms of its effects on fuel consumption, therefore reducing CO2 emissions.

Falken’s special advanced 4D NANO design technology ensures lower wear rates and a longer lifespan of the tyre. The label values for the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO – which have not yet been fully defined – are B and D for fuel consumption/rolling resistance, B for wet grip and B for noise emissions, depending on the tyre dimensions.

With appearance also an important factor when it comes to high-performance vehicles, the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO boasts an aerodynamic sidewall design and attractive nano-black inscription.

With XL rating, all 46 dimensions have high load-bearing capacities. Eight out of the EU’s top ten dimensions, and eight sizes specifically used for EVs are included in the programme for the new UHP all-weather tyre – with most also equipped with a rim protection strip.

Falken’s tyres are developed and manufactured according to the highest standards of quality. Should the worst happen, Falken’s warranty provides protection and, depending on the residual depth of the tread, this warranty compensates customers for product defects for a service life of five years.

Toyota’s 4Runner SUV To Run On Yokohama Rubber’s GEOLANDAR A/T G31 And X-CV Tyres

Toyota’s 4Runner SUV To Run On Yokohama Rubber’s GEOLANDAR A/T G31 And X-CV Tyres

Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Yokohama Rubber's GEOLANDAR A/T G31 and GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres as original equipment for its new 2025 4Runner SUV. The A/T G31 tyres (245/70R18 110H) will be equipped on Latin American models, while the X-CV tyres (245/70R17 110T and 265/55R20 113V) will be fitted for North America.

The GEOLANDAR A/T G31 combines all-terrain capability with on-road handling, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced noise. Its optimised tread pattern, profile and structure ensure both comfort and steering stability. The GEOLANDAR X-CV, designed for highway performance, delivers improved high-speed manoeuvrability with lower rolling resistance while maintaining stability, comfort and durability in demanding conditions.

These tyres were developed using Yokohama’s HAICoLab, an AI-driven framework that blends human creativity with advanced data processing. Evolutionary computation – a key HAICoLab technology – helped refine the tread design. The development process leveraged real-world and simulated data, with AI aiding prediction, analysis and optimisation to achieve innovative performance breakthroughs.

Michelin Develops Groundbreaking Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 Tyre For Ferrari F80

Michelin Develops Groundbreaking Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 Tyre For Ferrari F80

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 tyre showcases Michelin’s engineering excellence, delivering unmatched dry-surface performance for the Ferrari F80. Developed in just 15 months, this tyre benefited from advanced virtual simulation and Michelin’s proprietary C3M manufacturing process, reducing physical prototypes by 20-30 percent and accelerating production while minimising environmental impact.

Michelin and Ferrari leveraged cutting-edge simulation tools – typically reserved for motorsport – to optimise the tyre’s design before physical testing. Five virtual trials, including dynamic simulations at Ferrari’s Maranello facility, ensured perfect alignment with the F80’s extreme performance demands.

To withstand the car’s immense power, torque and aerodynamic forces, Michelin engineered a breakthrough rubber compound using a motorsport-derived mixing process, now adapted for road use. The tyre also features a reinforced twin-layer radial casing and innovative shoulder belt reinforcement, enhancing grip and stability while reducing centrifugal effects. These advancements make it the first road tyre to combine such high-performance technologies in a single design. Available in unique sizes (285/30R20 front, 345/30R21 rear), the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 is exclusively tailored for the Ferrari F80.

Precision manufacturing is achieved through Michelin’s C3M process, which ensures consistent, high-accuracy production akin to 3D printing. Additionally, Michelin’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the tyre’s development, which prioritised reduced carbon emissions. It is developed at the carbon-neutral Gravanches facility in Clermont-Ferrand, a site recognised for its low water consumption.

The All-New NEXO Hydrogen SUV To Run On NEXEN TIRE’s N’FERA Supreme S Tyres

The All-New NEXO Hydrogen SUV To Run On NEXEN TIRE’s N’FERA Supreme S Tyres

Hyundai Motor Company has selected NEXEN TIRE’s premium comfort tyre N’FERA Supreme S as original equipment (OE) for the all-new NEXO, a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

The all-new NEXO represents its first complete redesign in seven years, featuring groundbreaking hydrogen technology that delivers an impressive 700+ km range while maintaining whisper-quiet operation. This next-generation SUV showcases a sustainability-focused design inside and out. To match these advanced capabilities, Hyundai selected the innovative N'FERA Supreme S tyres, specifically engineered for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

These high-performance tyres feature an AI-optimised structure that ensures exceptional durability and handling stability, crucial for supporting the NEXO's weight. Their advanced Level Keeping Technology maintains consistent performance throughout the tyre's lifespan, while the aerodynamic tread design enhances efficiency without compromising braking or control.

Perfectly complementing the NEXO's silent hydrogen powertrain, the tyres incorporate multiple noise-reduction technologies. These include built-in sound-absorbing materials and an AI-developed tread pattern that minimises road noise in all driving conditions. Together, these features create a harmonious blend of eco-friendly innovation and driving performance, making the new NEXO a true leader in sustainable mobility.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE, said, “This latest supply agreement highlights NEXEN TIRE’s technological leadership in the next generation of eco-friendly mobility. We will continue to broaden our global OE partnerships by delivering optimised tyre solutions for all powertrains – hydrogen fuel cell, electric, hybrid and internal combustion alike.”

Giti Tire And VWCV Team Up For VW ID. Buzz EV World Record Attempt

Giti Tire And VWCV Team Up For VW ID. Buzz EV World Record Attempt

Giti Tire has teamed up with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) to support Challenge4’s ambitious Guinness World Record attempt – visiting the most countries in a zero-emission vehicle using the fully electric VW ID. Buzz.

Spearheading the challenge is Rainer Zietlow, founder of Challenge4 GmbH and an eight-time Guinness World Record holder, known for his focus on endurance, efficiency and sustainable mobility. The journey kicks off on 1 July at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ headquarters in Hannover, Germany, with the first leg covering major European cities. Throughout the expedition, the team will engage with the VW community, media, fans and Giti’s global distributor network. The epic journey will span over 80,000 kilometres across approximately 75 countries in Europe, Central Asia, Oceania, Asia and the Americas, lasting more than eight months.

The ID. Buzz will be equipped with GitiSynergyH2 tyres (235/60 R18 front, 255/55 R18 rear), following Giti’s Original Equipment (OE) agreement with VWCV that began in September 2023. This marks Giti’s first EV tyre nomination in Europe, and the record attempt will serve as a real-world showcase of the company’s advanced EV tyre technology, emphasising durability, safety and sustainability. The AAA-rated GitiSynergyH2 tyres feature an innovative tread compound designed to minimise rolling resistance without sacrificing wear performance or critical safety attributes like wet and dry braking.

Zietlow said, “This is going to be a great adventure and one in which I’m proud to have Giti as my tyre partner of choice.”  

Stefan Brohs, Marketing Director – Europe, Giti Tire, said, “This marks the first joint global EV record tour for Rainer which is supported by Giti Tire and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, reinforcing both brands' commitment to innovation and sustainability. This magnificent opportunity allows us to reinforce Giti's leadership in EV tyre technology and amplify our global brand visibility via high-impact storytelling and brand content across global regions. It also strengthens our OE credentials through visible support in a common project, which in turn will help deepen engagement with distributors, dealers and partners around the globe.”