Run-flat technology introduced in Falken’s Azenis FK453 high performance tyre
New manufacturing technology delivers improved ride and weight to solve many of the issues associated with Run-Flat tyres
Owners of cars fitted with Run-Flats could benefit from new manufacturing technology, which produces lighter, more compliant tyres to deliver a more comfortable ride. Through the adoption of an innovative tyre production process, known as NEO-T01, Falken’s new FK453 high performance Run-Flat tyre, suitable for cars such as the BMW 3 and 5 Series, offers excellent driving performance, high levels of comfort, improved safety and low weight.
The NEO-T01 manufacturing process developed by Falken’s parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the fifth-largest tyre manufacturer in the world, uses a new assembly method that provides improved quality control. These computer-controlled systems could theoretically produce results within a tolerance of just 0.01 mm. By combining these with upgrades in compound and construction, engineers have improved uniformity at high speed by up to 70 percent and reduced weight by 10 percent compared with conventional run-flat tyres.
As well as the new production process, the Azenis FK453 Run-Flat features a dimple-sidewall. These indents dissipate heat to enable the tyre to drive at least 80km at 80km/h while at zero tyre pressure, allowing drivers to reach a safe destination where the tyre can be replaced. This distance can be achieved through novel construction of the sidewall, which allows the FK453 Run-Flat to achieve this Run-Flat performance despite being 20 percent more compliant than competitors, thereby maintaining ride comfort and countering a criticism made of other Run-Flats to date.
In wet conditions, the Azenis FK453 Run-Flat benefits from large, lateral tread grooves, which improve water dispersion, leading to a reduced risk of aquaplaning. This technology also helps to achieve an ‘A’ rating for wet grip – the highest possible standard – under the EU Tyre Labels.
“We have developed a Run-Flat that eliminates the negative features that are sometimes associated with this type of tyre,” says Falken Product Planning Manager Andreas Giese, “Together, with advances in construction and manufacturing, we believe this is truly a next-generation run-flat tyre.”
The Azenis FK453 Run-Flat will initially be available in 245/45RF18 96Y and 275/40RF18 99Y sizes from summer 2014, making them ideal for the BMW 3 and 5 Series. Further sizes will be released in 2015.
About FALKEN Tyre Europe:
The technology and development of Falken High Performance Tyres and their driving characteristics have, for many years, been derived from motorsport, most recently its participation in the American Le Mans Series and Nürburgring 24 Hours. Tyre technologies developed on track are often transferred to the road, offering improvements in wet and dry grip, efficiency, feeling and control.
Falken Tyre Europe is a brand of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Japan, with European headquarters near Frankfurt. Falken has aggressively expanded its product range, launching new products in new sectors and niches across Europe. Falken’s current products range from the track-inspired Azenis series including the latest FK453 flagship through to the efficient and innovative ZE914 and the rugged all-terrain WildPeak A/T and cold weather HS449.
All FALKEN products fulfil ISO standards 9001 and 14001. For more information visit www.falken-europe.de or www.facebook.com/falkenmotorsports
Falken tyres are produced to the highest-quality standards – all production facilities are ISO9001: 2000 and ISO / TS 16949:2002 certified. Additionally, all factories have certification under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System.
Contacts
Pressekontakt Unternehmen: FALKEN Tyre Europe GmbH, Nadine Cerone Tel.: 069-247 52 52 – 64,
Fax: 069-247 52 52–11, E-Mail: n.cerone-schatz@falken-europe.de
For UK press enquiries: Propel Technology, Nick Bailey, Tel: +44 (0) 1295 770602, email nick@propel-technology.com
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