GCAPS physical testing expertise has led to research and new modelling methods for improved products delivered to our customers, including global vehicle manufacturers, tyre manufacturers, and championship motorsports teams. These clients have used GCAPS modelling and testing services to elevate their performance in vehicle handling, autonomous vehicle technology, and many other aspects of transportation simulation. The ability to provide these services begins with the LTRe (Figure 1).

The LTRe was purpose-built with motorsports in mind. Infused with highly dynamic positioning rates, a maximum speed range of 320 kph, high force capabilities, and electric drives enabling driving and braking conditions throughout the entire speed range makes the LTRe the most dynamically capable machine globally. High spindle torque capabilities and overall size allow GCAPS to test heavier tyres such as light trucks and some commercial truck/bus tyres.

Until the establishment of GCAPS in 2012, the motorsports industry had been limited to either on-track or low-speed machine tests to quantify tyre response. On-track test methods are adequate for simulation validation but are often not comprehensive enough to measure pure tyre response due to vehicle dynamics interference and inconsistent terrains. Low-speed indoor methods will capture tyre responses, but speed limitations result in data extrapolation in trend analysis and tyre models at higher speed ranges. Increasing speed will affect the growth of the tyre, typically shown in loaded radius measurements, thereby changing the tyre’s contact patch dimensions and directly affecting the tyres force generation. This demonstrates the importance of measuring the tyre’s response throughout the vehicle’s operating domain. A tenth of a second in motorsports can mean finishing multiple positions behind the leader. Capturing accurate data at operating speed allows teams to optimize their performance and improve lap time. The LTRe provides such measurements to reduce speed sensitivity compensations in tyre models and measure the tyre’s response more accurately with a flat contact patch interface.

Another illustration of the LTRe’s dynamic capabilities is completing drive file replays (Figure 2). On-track or simulation data can be used as machine inputs to replicate vehicle manoeuvres. This test method can be used to validate tyre models, inform construction and vehicle setup analysis, or test the tyre’s durability. The LTRe is also instrumented with premium thermal measurement sensors (Figure 3) to capture the tyre’s outer and inner carcass temperatures to monitor the thermal state of the tire, develop thermal models, and improve lap-time predictions in simulation. GCAPS has developed a thermal logic algorithm, using customer-defined locations and temperature setpoints, controlling the tyre’s position in the test sequence until the defined setpoints of the tire are satisfied. This method ensures optimal and consistent temperatures are met before testing continues with the most efficient time, which inevitably reduces thermal variations in tyre response.

Heavy emphasis has been placed on vehicle simulations to improve the performance of handling, ride comfort, and safety. These areas are desired by customers and are required to comply with federal regulations.  GCAPS Simulation group produces commercially available tyre models such MF-Tyre™, MF-Swift™, PAC2002, and FTire™. These models are widely known across the industry and used frequently in vehicle dynamics platforms.  Utilizing their dynamic, thermal, and unique cleat capabilities, GCAPS has internally developed procedure methods aimed at improving the model’s fidelity which have been verified with the tyre model creators. These capabilities ensure and improve the robustness of these tyre models by offering dynamic test data to properly characterize the tyre’s response and match innovative vehicle maneuvers.  GCAPS offers both testing and modeling at the same facility, which will improve modeling results, shorten lead times, and reduce costs.  Additionally, GCAPS simulation team has the experience and industry leading expertise to generate tyre models that improve vehicle simulations and enhance the mobility industry. 

Not all race events have ideal sunny and dry days.  Many series will continue the race as rain occurs.  To gain knowledge of the wet tyre response, GCAPS has developed a water delivery system that can apply a consistent water depth to the tyre for speeds up to 250 kph on its LTRe. Using the water delivery system, GCAPS engineers have developed procedures to not only determine a hydroplaning speed, but also how a tire performs for all conditions a vehicle may encounter on roads or racetracks. Using the LTRe coupled with the water delivery system, changes in tyre force generation are measured at various speeds, loads, cambers, pressures, and even water depth. This information provides insight into the tyre’s force generation differences, which can loop back into the stability and safety assessments in wet conditions of highway vehicles ADS technology, and motorsport vehicles.  The methodologies developed by GCAPS have been used to quantify and improve the compounds and tread pattern designs of motorsport tires. 

Motorsport tyre design requires an in-depth knowledge of tyre response, irrespective of the vehicles their placed on. Pirelli faces a new challenge ahead of the 2022 season relative to tyre design, the new vehicle aero package coupled with a change in tire size from a 13-inch to 18-inch diameter wheel. With overall tyre diameter increasing from 660mm to 720mm (~3-inch difference), a reduction in sidewall height inevitable, requiring structural changes to the tyre to maintain current performance demands and removing the team’s ability to rely on historical data increase the challenges for understanding the tyre.. Teams use historical data through race events, practices, and testing to apply setup configurations to the car. Since there is no historical data for the new tyre designs, teams will rely on testing data from both on-track and laboratory environments. It is imperative that testing be performed at a facility containing the resources and capabilities to match conditions seen on track. GCAPS provides this framework to their motorsport’s customers by removing speed compensations, helping improve vehicle setup decisions, and optimizing overall performance.

Over the years, GCAPS has developed and implemented processes, test procedures, and processing tools to improve quality assurance for their customers. These methods are used to evaluate machine health, repeatability, and data quality, which is the reason GCAPS customers can collect such comprehensive data over the span of almost a decade and trust its validity. Yearly machine calibrations are completed by GCAPS to ensure machine repeatability, giving them explicit knowledge of system components and capabilities. For their global customer’s needs, GCAPS understands the importance of time and accuracy with respect to traveling schedules and deadlines, offering adjustable operating hours and virtual attendance options to remain flexible.

In January of 2013, Goodyear Racing became GCAPS first motorsports customer, and have consistently used GCAPS capabilities to improve tyre development, becoming even more prevalent in Goodyear’s development of the new 18-inch diameter tyre being implemented in the 2022 NASCAR season (Figure 4). GCAPS continues expanding their motorsports customer base, including a variety of racing series’ from IMSA to Formula 1, and notable customers which include Pirelli Motorsports and Alpine F1. GCAPS LTRe provides an asset to the motorsports industry and is used by championship series’ across the globe. So, why shouldn’t you?

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”