In view of the spring tire replacement, tire manufacturers have updated their catalogues for 2022 and tire dealers have already started stocking the new batches of summer tires. Replacing winter tires with summer “shoes” is an important step not only in terms of road safety - with the arrival of warmer temperatures, summer tires are better able to cope with the characteristics of the asphalt - but also in terms of fuel consumption and vehicle performance. The obligation to drive with winter tires, which came into force on 15 November, expires on 15 April throughout Italy. Starting from this date, it is therefore necessary to use tires suitable for the warmer season.
BFGoodrich
Advantage is the summer option in BFGoodrich’s range. A tire suitable for compact cars, sedans and SUVs, in its Advantage Suv version. The innovative compound has allowed the company to take a step forward in the performance of its products, with improved cornering grip and braking distances. The BFGoodirich Advantage's tread has an asymmetrical pattern and external grooves designed to drain water. Starting at 16" all Advantage tires are labelled with the European rating A for wet braking and B for fuel efficiency. The tire is available in 120 sizes for 14" to 20" wheels and 23 sizes for SUVs with 16" to 20" wheels.
Bridgestone
For the summer season Bridgestone bets on its Turanza T005, the object of ongoing investments by the Japanese manufacturer. Developed and manufactured in Europe, Bridgestone Turanza T005 has achieved an A rating in Europe for wet grip and a B for low rolling resistance, which translates in greater fuel savings. Using Bridgestone's proprietary NanoPro-Tech technology, the high percentage of silica in the compound helps to guarantee wet stability while the dense siping in the blocks and the space in the centre section of the tread allows water to drain efficiently. In addition, the use of this technology helps limit tire wear. Bridgestone's in-house testing confirms an increase in performance of the Turanza T005 when compared to the current T001 EVO3: about 10% longer tire life. The Turanza T005 is available in more than 140 sizes for wheels ranging from 14" to 21".
Continental
As the summer season approaches, Continental has expanded its range with the new UltraContact. This is a product designed both for the end customer and fleets. The new tire has been introduced to the market and features characteristics such as long life, robustness, and low noise levels, in line with the needs of consumers and fleet operators, also suitable for electric mobility. To achieve these objectives, a high strength compound called YellowChili has been developed. It contains a special structure of synthetic polymers with a flexible matrix that, thanks to very strong connections, allows for less abrasion and guarantees adequate grip on irregular surfaces at the same time. The newly designed tread is also designed to maximize tire life. The combination of a high number of sipes with strong ribs guarantees rigidity, stability and uniform pressure over the entire footprint. With the goal of maximizing mileage, Continental engineers also developed a new casing. Many of the sizes of the new UltraContact feature the rim-protecting rubber edge, which helps protect the lower sidewall area. Braking distance, even on wet roads, is crucial for any tire. The new UltraContact, as Continental points out, owes its performance level when braking to a high number of oblique sipes with a bevelled profile that ensure water is expelled from the footprint towards the tread grooves and then towards the shoulders. The innovative angle of these sipes (called "bevel-sipe") accelerates water removal, optimizing braking distances on wet roads. To minimize rolling noise, small elements have been inserted in the tread grooves to "break up" the sound wave. Acting as “breakwaters", they reduce noise emission without hindering water expulsion. The newly designed sidewall shows for the first time the new four-area layout, characteristic of future generations of Continental tires. The European label certifies these characteristics: highest level "A" for braking distances, thus for safety, "B" (second out of five) for rolling resistance. Rating "A" or "B" - depending on the size - for noise emission. The new tire is intended primarily for markets in which seasonal tires are not so widespread and will be available from spring 2022. The range, which will be further expanded in 2023, already includes 100 items. The UltraContact is produced for 14- to 20-inch wheels, with tread widths ranging from 155 to 245 millimetres and aspect ratios of 80 to 40 percent. Approvals range from 190 to 300 mph. Versions with increased load capacity are also available.
CST Tire
Adreno AD-R9 is the Uhp summer tire designed by Cst Tire engineers for all sportscars cars. The tread features 3 + 1 longitudinal channels to increase water drainage, thus minimizing the risk of aquaplaning. The transversal grooves on tread and shoulders reduce rolling noise, in addition, the central grooves have a chord-like feature within them with an "S" pattern capable of eliminating the vibrations typically felt on certain types of asphalt and at certain speeds. The first sizes have been presented during 2021, while for this year the Adreno AD-R9 will be available in 15 sizes for wheels from 18" to 19".
Dunlop
The Sport Maxx RT 2 is an ultra-high-performance summer tire developed by Dunlop that stems from a long tradition in motor racing. The large shoulder blocks provide strength and stiffness to increase the footprint in corners and ensure grip. The blocks have been optimized to increase the tire’s stiffness and allows shorter braking distances even at high speeds. The tread compound has been made with innovative resins to ensure maximum grip on both wet and dry roads. Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 sizes range from 17" to 21" inches.
Falken
Falken expands its summer range with the new Falken Azenis FK520 intended for high-performance cars and SUVs. Tests carried out during motorsport competitions, the use of the most advanced materials and simulation technology have enabled Falken to improve the structure of this Uhp tire, allowing it to save up to 10% in weight compared to its predecessor. By doing this, the company explains, rolling resistance has been reduced, thus improving fuel efficiency. Falken's engineers have also developed a new diamond-cut tread, which goes into production for the first time on the Falken Azenis FK520. The already proven 4D nano-simulation of the Japanese R&D centres helped develop the diamond-cut tread edges and integrated noise reduction elements. In fact, the arrangement of these countless noise-reducing “dimples” creates micro-turbulence that reduces rolling noise. In addition, an optimized footprint results in even wear and better ground contact. The Falken Azenis FK520 will initially be available in 81 sizes from 17 to 21 inches. All tires in the series are approved in the W speed class.
Firestone
For the summer season Firestone offers its Roadhawk tire - suitable for both small cars and SUVs – boasting a wide range of sizes from 15 to 21 inches. A key element is the tread pattern, designed by Firestone to offer wet grip, as evidenced by the European "A" class label, the highest in its category. The tire's structure features a lightweight casing that provides low rolling resistance and thus helps reduce fuel consumption. The special compound ensures long-lasting performance as well as comfort and safety throughout the tire's life cycle.
Giti Tire
For 2022, Giti Tire offers the new GT Radial FE2 and GT Radial SportActive2. The first aimed primarily at compact family cars and small SUVs and crossovers. The group's designers have been striving to improve the performance of the tires, focusing particularly on wet grip under braking, energy efficiency and rolling resistance. The GT Radial FE2 features an innovative profile that ensures an even pressure distribution and a consistent wear, the company points out. The casing has been optimized to reduce rolling resistance and fuel consumption. The GT Radial SportActive2, on the other hand, is an asymmetrical tire and was made to meet the demands of the most demanding motorists in terms of performance. The product features GiTi’s latest Uhp compound, which allows for instant grip. Design features include four or five longitudinal grooves, depending on width, for better water drainage, micro-sipes create a suction cup effect that increases grip, and optimized tread blocks reduce noise and increases driving comfort.
Goodyear
To cope with summer conditions, Goodyear offers the latest product in its Eagle F1 tire line-up: the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. Designed to fit a wide range of cars, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 features a tread pattern that adapts to the driver's driving style, as well as sidewalls optimized to accommodate load changes. The tire's contact area with the road has a footprint that increases when the driver performs an extreme manoeuvre, allowing the tire to adapt to any driving style. The compound of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 features an innovative resin system that allows the tire to have a greater grip even on wet or damp roads. Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is distributed in 11 sizes, with additional ones expected later this year. By 2023, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 will be available in more than 65 sizes, from 17" to 22" inches. For the EfficientGrip range, on the other hand, Goodyear offers the Performance 2 version. The EfficientGrip Performance 2 is dedicated to drivers who are looking for high mileage and high levels of braking performance on both dry and wet roads. The EfficientGrip Performance 2’s flexibility helps to reduce tire wear caused by demanding road conditions, without compromising performance. Longer grooves improve water dispersion and reduce braking distances in wet conditions while wide central ribs provide greater stiffness and allow for increased stability in emergency situations.
Michelin
Michelin’s summer offer revolves around its e.Primacy: an eco-responsible tire with low rolling resistance. Available in 56 sizes, from 15 to 20 inches, the Michelin e.Primacy is the result of a design based on a full life cycle analysis, so as to minimize environmental impact. Michelin e.Primacy is rated "A" in energy efficiency and "B" in wet grip. During the design phase, Michelin engineers employed different technologies. Thanks to an innovative compound, the tire sidewalls absorb less energy when bending, thus reducing fuel consumption, and increasing the range of electric vehicles. The U-shaped grooves have been designed to ensure superior wet grip by allowing water to be dispersed effectively. The Passive Energy compound is based on a highly resilient elastomer, while the Maxtouch structure maximizes the tire's footprint with the road and evenly distributes forces during braking, acceleration and cornering. The Energy AirShield is a highly hermetic rubber layer that reduces energy loss and helps to reduce rolling resistance. For electric vehicles, Michelin offers Pilot Sport, developed specifically for vehicles with this type of traction. The Pilot Sport EV benefits from the technological knowhow acquired by Michelin over the course of six seasons in Formula E and introduces ElectricGrip Compound technology, which uses a harder compound in the centre of the tread - so as to offer grip to handle the high levels of torque that characterize electric sports cars - and an efficient compound on the shoulders, which reduces energy consumption over longer distances. The sidewall of the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tire features the same "velvet effect" design found in Formula E.
Nexen
The Korean tire manufacturer confirms its summer range with N'Fera Sport. Intended for cars and SUVs, this tire was designed with demanding drivers in mind as evidenced by a handling suitable for high speed and decisive braking. Thanks to its innovative design and structure, the N'Fera Sport offers adequate performance in both wet and dry conditions as well as aquaplaning prevention capability and low rolling resistance.
Nokian
Nokian Tires continues to invest in its Powerproof and Wetproof summer tires. Both products are made using Aramid Sidewall technology, an extremely strong aramid fibre contained in the sidewall able to make these tires impact and cut resistant. The Powerproof is an Uhp summer tire that features Dual Zone Safety. This basically means two functional zones: the Power Zone on the outer shoulder of the tire - the rigid tread blocks combined with the Slope Groove design ensure safe driving on dry roads -, the Wet Safety Zone on the inner side – specially designed flow grooves divide the centre rib and the rib closest to the inner shoulder to favour aquaplaning prevention. The Nokian Wetproof features the same technological innovations found on the Powerproof with the addition of the Responsive Lock system that supports the longitudinal ribs allowing water to flow more easily from the tire. The grooves interlock against each other when the tire presses against the road surface. The compound, made with advanced polymers and an improved silica structure, helps improve wet grip and reduce fuel consumption.
Pirelli
The Italian tire maker has enriched its range of summer tires with a new tire branded Scorpion. The latest addition to the Pirelli range, unveiled in mid-February 2022, is a high-performance product for SUV applications. Technological development and the use of innovative materials have allowed Pirelli engineers to improve wet performance, mileage and rolling resistance. The new Scorpion is available in sizes from 18'' to 21'' inches. In the P-Zero range, the company proposes, once again, the P-Zero (PZ4) and P-Zero Corsa (PZC4). The former is an Uhp product designed to meet the needs of customization in terms of size, technology and seasonality. The use of innovative compounds improved rolling resistance, wet performance and mileage. As far as the Cinturato range is concerned, Pirelli confirms the presence in the 2022 catalogue of the P7 (P7C2), a high-performance summer tire for premium cars and crossovers, the previous generation P7 - suitable for mid-segment cars and saloons and created to make the most of materials, structures and tread pattern to ensure economy, comfort and safety on all road surfaces - and the Cinturato P1 Verde, designed for urban mobility. Completing the range of summer tires is Powergy, a tire designed for medium-large saloons, crossovers and SUVs. This product is made with a compound that allows for increased performance on both wet and dry roads. The tread pattern with wide central grooves allows for rapid water dispersion. Curved, aligned sipes reduce noise while high-density centre ribs increase tire stiffness allowing for smoother tread wear.
Triangle
For the summer season, Triangle offers two renewed tire ranges. The SporteX TH201 is the product intended for the Ultra-high-performance segment and now boasts a full range of 104 sizes. The asymmetric tread pattern, featuring three wide longitudinal channels, ensures performance on both dry and wet roads while the large footprint provides excellent handling and vehicle control. SporteX is available in 73 sizes for the passenger car segment (for 16 to 22 inch wheels, 30 to 55 series and V to Y speed codes) and 31 sizes for the SUV segment (18 to 24 inch wheels, 35 to 55 series and W and Y speed codes). The most recent news in the summer range is represented by a product dedicated to light transport vehicles, the ConneX Van TV701, a tire created to equip modern vans and to meet the needs of fleets and owner-operators. The ConneX Van has a tread pattern that features a high-block density, offers a wide footprint and rigidity that translate into low rolling resistance and more mileage. The groove design makes the ConneX Van stress-resistant, allowing the tire to work even when overloaded. The new noise reduction technology, based on lateral grooves with noise reduction function, ensure the necessary acoustic comfort. The ConneX Van TV701 range is currently available in 16 sizes from 14 to 16 inches, series 60-80.
Yokohama
Not to be outdone, the Yokohama Group offers its new Advan Sport V107, an Uhp tire that the Japanese giant considers its crown-jewel. Developed for cars and SUVs and tested for use on premium electric vehicles (EVs), this tire will be available in the first 30 sizes, ranging from 305/35R23 111Y XL to 225/40ZR18 92Y XL, in the spring of 2022 and then increase to 80 by the end of 2022. The Advan Sport V107 has undergone a lengthy design and development process with leading manufacturers, and following testing at the Nürburgring racetrack, it has been used as original equipment for super sports cars such as Mercedes-AMG and BMW M. Aiming to preserve the characteristics of its predecessor, the Advan Sport V107 features an asymmetric tread pattern that guarantee superior dry and wet grip which is particularly comforting at high speeds.
