ZV3 - The Quiet Revolution in High Performance Tyres
Continental Vanco-10 with Increased Load Bearing Capability
The Gentle Giant from Continental

Michelin to Launch New CV Tyre
Avon Venom Range Expanded

ZV3 - The Quiet Revolution in High Performance Tyres

Cooper-Avon Tyres has introduced its new ZV3 high performance tyre. The tyre, which replaces the ZV1 is instantly recognisable by its distinctive asymmetric tread pattern. This tri-sector design is the key to the ZV3's cocktail of dry and wet weather grip, on-the-limit predictability and ear pleasing noise levels.

The three sectors work in the following ways:

The inside shoulder has been designed to efficiently disperse water from the ZV3's contact patch, the tread pattern being optimised to reduce noise levels to a minimum.

The middle section combines diagonal grooves with an unbroken circumferential ring to sharpen steering response and resist aquaplaning

The outer shoulder employs tread blocks designed to promote stability during cornering, which in turn adds to the ZV3's predictability at the limit.

In addition to these qualities, the overall design of the ZV3's tri-sector tread pattern, plus its use of a specially formulated high silica content rubber compound, ensure even wear characteristics and improved wet surface braking. Other attributes include a rim flange protector on certain sizes and an asymmetric tread pattern, which means the spare can be fitted to any corner of the car when needed.

The ZV3 is available in 55 sizes spanning 14 to 17 in diameters and comes with H, V and W speed ratings.

Continental Vanco-10 with Increased Load Bearing Capability

Continental Tyres have expanded their Vanco 10 tyre range for mobile homes and heavy vans to include a new tyre size - 195/75 R 16 C 110/108 R.

Continental says it is currently the only tyre manufacturer to offer this tyre size with a load bearing capability of up to 1,060 kg. It is this capability, which makes the new Vanco-10 tyre size a particularly safe option for owners of heavy mobile homes, who might encounter problems with overloading should they fit tyres with a lower carrying capacity.

Mark Hopkins, Product Manager, Continental Tyres, comments: "This is an exciting addition to the Continental Vanco 10 tyre range. So far, there have been few options available to owners for heavy mobile homes with size 195/75 R 16 tyres. This tyre will allow them to increase the tyre pressure thus reducing the risk of under-inflation.

" The new Vanco-10 tyre size offers not only higher inflation pressures, but also additional load reserves. The Vanco-10 size 195/75 R 16 C 110/108 R offers 85 kg more load bearing capacity than the standard tyre. Theoretically, with balanced axle loads a vehicle can then carry up to 340 kg more load; with twin tyres the figure would be 470 kg. The Vanco-10 size 195/75 R 16 C 110/108 R is suitable particularly for mobile homes on Iveco Daily, Fiat Ducato and Citroën C25 bases. It can however also be used as a refitment size for vehicles with other bases.

The Gentle Giant from Continental

Continental has announced the launch of its new SVT (Super Volume Tyre) range, including the mighty 900/60 R 32, the largest agricultural tyre Continental has ever made. Andrew Mabin, General Sales Manager for agricultural tyres at Continental, explains the name of the new tyre range:

"Super Volume Tyres are tyres with a larger volume than standard tyres." In the SVT range, the 900/60 R 32 tyre is specifically designed for use on harvesters and tractors working 'onland', i.e. travelling alongside the furrow made by the plough. Mabin emphasises that the main point of the new super tyre is that it is far gentler in ground handling than conventional standard tyres: "The reduced ground pressure means that the pore volume in the ground is maintained, so the ground can absorb more water. As a result there is no adverse effect on plant growth." And the savings made through tyre technology make life easier for the farmer later in the season, as working the land would otherwise require far greater effort.

Explaining the reason for the gentler ground handling effect, Mabin comments: "The larger volume is achieved via a greater tyre width or a smaller rim diameter whilst maintaining the same outer diameter. Consequently, the tyre can carry high loads at comparatively low inflation pressures." As regards its technical details, the 900/60 R 32 SVT weighs in at 325 kilograms and is the largest tyre Continental has ever built. Its load bearing capacity at 25mph (40 km/h) is 7,100 kg wheel load at 2.4 bar.

Michelin to Launch New CV Tyre

Michelin is using the occasion of the Commercial Vehicle Show to launch its new XTA 2+ trailer tyre, the latest evolution of its popular Energy trailer tyre. Available in 385/65 R 22.5, the new XTA2+ tyre is ideal for trailers being used on long distance domestic and international routes and benefits from a 2.5mm increase in tread depth compared with the XTA2, which it replaces, coupled with the use of new more durable tread rubbers. this allows the XTA2+ to offer greater mileage potential than its predecessor, as well as improved casing durability resulting in increased suitability for the Michelin RemiX process. A reduction in fuel consumption of up to 6% is also achievable for operators switching from standard tyres to Michelin's Energy range on all axles, thanks to the reduction in rolling resistance available across the Energy portfolio.

Avon Venom Range Expanded

Planned for general release in February 2004, the 300/35R18 Avon Venom is set to take the custom bike world by storm with its ultra low profile and modern looks. Designed for rims between 10 and 11 inches wide, the new Venom has one of the lowest sidewall profiles yet seen on a motorcycle tyre. In addition, a 17 inch version of the tyre will be making its debut in February in the form of a 300/40R17 90H AM42 Venom-R, also suitable for rims between 10 and 11 inches wide. Both new tyres are H-rated for speeds of up to 130mph/ 210 kph and are of radial construction with aramid belts for added stability.

The two 300s also boast special 'rim protectors' to help prevent damage to wheels from pot-holes. Usually only seen on top of the range car tyres, the Avon rim protection system will be a welcome safety feature for riders investing in expensive custom wheels. The Venom-R range also provides a range of fronts to match the new fat look. These include the Venom-R AM41 120/70R19 60W, 120/70-21 62H, 130/70R18 63H and 150/80R17 72H.