After being tested for more than two years on a multitude of circuits, local and national rallies, by amateur drivers as well as by professionals, MICHELIN Track Connect is evolving. MICHELIN Track Connect app has now been upgraded to three different for the users- leisure mode, expert mode and motorsports mode.
All the features introduced in the new version of MICHELIN Track Connect are perfect answers to the needs expressed directly by users, said the company.
The Leisure mode makes its debut in the latest generation of the MICHELIN Track Connect application. In this mode, it is possible to record lap times and speeds, as well as the evolution of tyre inflation pressures between the start and finish, measured manually. It also helps to analyse in detail its runs with the "Replay" mode. It also allows the users to share their results with a community of enthusiasts, as well as on social media. The users can compare their performance to that of other drivers and invite some other drivers to participate in new challenges.
With the purchase of MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect tyres as well as the MICHELIN Track Connect kit consisting in particular of four sensors and the central connection box, sports car owners shift into higher gear for increased driving pleasure.
In addition to the functions of Leisure mode, the MICHELIN Track Connect Expert mode allows you to monitor evolution of tyre pressures and temperatures in real-time and benefit from recommendations to improve lap times, dedicated to the vehicle, the track and the weather conditions.
Through this advice on pressures and temperatures provided by the app, the MICHELIN Track Connect solution in Expert mode allows the user to optimise the handling of its car, for more driving pleasure and better lap times. Tyre wear and consistency of performance on track are also improved, with for example a gain of 7.40 seconds after a series of 15 consecutive laps.
Michelin has always used competition as a development laboratory. On November 2019, during the FIA Formula E Championship, Michelin launched the first connected competition tyres, fitted with integrated sensors, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport with MICHELIN Track Connect.
Today, amateur and professional rally drivers also have access to a connected tyre solution, thanks to the MICHELIN Track Connect in Motorsport mode, in combination with the connection kit and the purchase of MICHELIN Connect ready competition tyres.
The benefits of the new Motorsport mode are optimisation of race performance by preparing the tyres with the correct pressure before the start. The app provides personalised advice according to the car model, use, type of tires fitted and driving conditions. It gives continuous information on tyre pressure on the smartphone screen, thereby limiting manual gestures before each special stage start. It also informs about the exploitation of the full potential of the tyres, by analysing the data recorded during a run and by proposing adjusted pressures for the next one. The automatic slow puncture warning increases safety during competitions.
The use of this innovation has just been validated by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for all national rally championships.
The MICHELIN Track Connect kit is sold in 18 countries in Expert mode, the app is already available in Leisure mode in 26 countries, spread over 4 continents. The app also includes more than 300 circuits recorded. In addition, for users wishing to switch to Expert mode by fitting Connect ready tires, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect is available in a range of 47 sizes which are all Connect ready and therefore compatible. This now represents more than 270 vehicles in Expert mode and more than 6,000 vehicles present in the application in Leisure mode.
Renault Sport Racing and Michelin have joined forces on the new Clio Rally for safer and more efficient connected mobility. The latest Renault Sport Racing car is delivered from the factory with the MICHELIN Track Connect kit in Motorsport mode, consisting of a connection box directly installed in the car, and 4 sensors to be inserted into the tyres. Crews then only have to provide with connect ready MICHELIN rally tires and download the app on their smartphones to take full advantage of the connected tyres solution.
Westlake To Showcase New Generation Truck Tyres At IAA Transportation 2026
- By TT News
- August 14, 2026
Westlake will present a new range of commercial truck tyres at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, as it expands its Gen II portfolio for European fleets.
The company said it would introduce new products developed to improve rolling resistance, fuel efficiency and mileage performance, in collaboration with Interpneu and Pneuhage Fleet Solution .
The latest developments focus on two product lines: the Long Run series, designed to reduce rolling resistance, and the PRO series, aimed at high-mileage applications.
The Long Run range includes the WSL2 steer tyre, WDL2+ drive tyre and WTL2 trailer tyre. Westlake said the WSL2 and WDL2+ achieve EU Tyre Label Class A for rolling resistance. The tyres are designed for long-haul operations, with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and extended service life.
The WSL2 steer tyre is designed to support stable handling and high mileage, using a tread design and compound aimed at reducing heat generation and rolling resistance. The WDL2+ drive tyre focuses on mileage, traction and efficiency, incorporating a wider tread design and low rolling resistance compound.
The WTL2 trailer tyre is intended to provide durability and stability in trailer applications, combining a low rolling resistance compound with a tread design aimed at extending service life.
Alongside the Long Run series, Westlake will showcase its PRO series, developed for fleet operations where durability and mileage are priorities. The WTR PRO trailer tyre features a wider tread design and wear-resistant compound, aimed at improving mileage and ensuring consistent wear.
The four new tyres — WSL2, WDL2+, WTL2 and WTR PRO — will be available for order during the event.
Westlake said it would also present selected Gen II commercial tyres as part of its broader portfolio for European fleet applications.
IAA Transportation 2026 will be held from 15 to 20 September in Hannover, Germany.
Apollo Tyres Launches Truck-Bus Radial Tyre For Mixed-Service Operations
- By TT News
- August 14, 2026
Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new truck-bus radial tyre aimed at mixed-service applications, targeting fleet operators running rigid tippers across highways and off-road terrain.
The company said the Endutrax MD HD tyre has been developed for vehicles operating in demanding conditions, where usage typically involves a combination of on-road and off-road activity . Such applications expose tyres to heavy loads, rough terrain and abrasive surfaces.
Apollo Tyres said the product is designed to improve durability, traction and uptime, with the aim of reducing downtime and supporting fleet productivity.
Rajesh Dahiya, vice-president and business head at Apollo Tyres Ltd, said: “Fleet operators need tyres that can perform consistently under demanding conditions while keeping vehicles on the road. Apollo Endutrax MD HD, the new TBR tyre combines advanced engineering with extensive field validation to deliver higher durability, dependable traction and longer service life for mixed-service applications.”
The tyre features an optimised casing design intended to reduce heat build-up, alongside improvements in bead and belt durability. The company said the product delivers 45 per cent higher bead durability and 25 per cent higher belt durability, while an advanced tread compound offers 10 per cent greater resistance to cuts and chips.
A tread pattern inspired by a bear’s footprint is designed to enhance traction on loose and rugged terrain.
The tyre has undergone validation at the company’s Global R&D Centre, followed by field testing in operating conditions. Apollo Tyres said the results demonstrated performance in durability, traction and load-carrying capability.
The launch expands the company’s commercial vehicle portfolio, with a focus on improving uptime and total cost of ownership for fleet operators.
Nexen Tire will supply its N'FERA Sport tyres as original equipment (OE) for the newly launched Audi A6 premium sedan, expanding its partnership with the German carmaker.
The tyres will be supplied in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes for the latest generation of the Audi A6, the company's flagship premium sedan.
The N'FERA Sport is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre designed for high-performance vehicles. According to Nexen Tire, the tyre uses high-strength internal materials to distribute contact pressure and load evenly, supporting handling and braking performance in both dry and wet conditions.
The tyre received a "Good" rating in the summer tyre test conducted by German automotive publication Auto Bild, with strong scores in dry and wet braking, rolling resistance, pass-by noise and mileage. It also achieved a "Good" rating in the 2025 summer tyre test conducted by ADAC, where it performed well in driving safety and comfort.
Nexen Tire began supplying OE tyres to an overseas vehicle manufacturer in 2012 and has since expanded its customer base to include several global automotive groups, including Volkswagen Group. The company previously supplied OE tyres for the Audi A3 and the eighth-generation Audi A6.
The latest agreement extends that relationship to the redesigned Audi A6 and is expected to support future replacement tyre demand as vehicles enter the aftermarket.
"The supply for the all-new Audi A6 demonstrates that NEXEN TIRE's technology and quality continue to be recognized by the world's most demanding premium brands," said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE. "We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global premium automakers and expand our OE supply capabilities moving forward."
Continental Secures OE Approval For Škoda Elroq With Aerodynamic EcoContact 7 Tyre
- By TT News
- July 30, 2026
Continental has secured original equipment approval for its EcoContact 7 summer tyre on the all-electric Škoda Elroq. The German automotive supplier will supply the SUV with specific front and rear fitments, namely size 235/50 R20 for the front axle and 255/45 R20 for the rear, both designed for 20-inch rims. Each tyre includes the FR marking, signifying an integrated rim protection rib that reinforces the sidewall to guard against curb damage.
To enhance the vehicle's efficiency, Continental incorporated a distinctive aerodynamic feature inspired by golf ball dimples. Small indentations on the tyre surface, branded as the ‘Aerodimple’ structure, are engineered to reduce air turbulence around the sidewalls. This design principle, which mirrors the dimples on a golf ball that minimise drag, helps lower energy consumption by requiring less force to maintain forward motion.
Beyond rolling resistance and aerodynamics, the tyre development focused on acoustic comfort. The tread pattern benefits from optimised block spacing and angles specifically tuned to mitigate noise frequencies generated during low-speed urban driving. This acoustic engineering results in a quieter ride environment for both the vehicle occupants and the surrounding community.
Continental has finalised the tyre lineup for the Škoda Elroq with the EcoContact 7 in specifications 235/50 R20 100H FR and 255/45 R20 101H FR. The summer tyre is also formulated with a specialised rubber compound and construction to deliver low rolling resistance, high mileage and reduced noise levels, contributing to the overall efficiency and refinement of the electric SUV across numerous global markets.
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