Latest news with #KO3
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sampling the New BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom UHP Summer Tire on Track
BFGoodrich, probably best known for its all-terrain tires, is now selling a new ultra-high-performance summer tire, the g-Force Phenom. The Phenom is designed to provide enough grip for sporty driving while also remaining stable in the rain. We sampled the Phenom on Mustang GT race cars at Sonoma Raceway in California. When you think of BFGoodrich tires, you probably picture knobby, all-terrain rubber like the popular KO2 or the new KO3. But the company also has a series of on-road tires, from the Advantage Control for more mainstream cars to the g-Force Rival S for track driving. It's been a couple of years, however, since BFGoodrich competed between those two extremes in the ultra-high-performance summer tire segment. This year, the company returned to the segment with the new g-Force Phenom T/A, and we traveled to Sonoma Raceway in California to get a feel for the new rubber with the help of Skip Barber Racing School. While BFGoodrich does offer the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus, the new Phenom is meant to be a grippier, more serious set of rubber compared to that all-season tire, with BFGoodrich targeting the modified-car market. The Phenom is not a dedicated track tire, but the company still made sure the tire is suitable for high-performance driving, and we mainly tested it on Skip Barber's prepared 2005 Ford Mustang GTs around the hilly Sonoma Raceway. BFGoodrich says the tire's cornering prowess comes thanks to stiff sidewalls and shallow shoulder blocks, which it says also help provide more feedback in the steering. Although it's not an all-season tire, BFGoodrich still focused on ensuring the Phenom performs well in adverse weather. To accomplish this, BFGoodrich divided the tire into two zones. The outer edge is designed for maximum grip since that is where the contact patch of the tire shifts during high-g cornering. The inner edge, meanwhile, features larger grooves and sipes meant to better dissipate water on rainy roads. The tire compound also now features silica in its blend of nearly 200 components, and the addition of silica is said to improve both dry and wet grip. BFGoodrich asserts that it mixes the silica in its compound more evenly than its competitors, and also claims the g-Force Phenom is capable of stopping a minimum of eight feet shorter from 50 mph in wet conditions versus its rivals, including the Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601, Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, and Hankook Ventus V12 evo2. We drove the Phenom tires in a few skidpad exercises and extensively on track. The Mustang GTs we drove around Sonoma have some light modifications to their 4.6-liter V-8 engines, bumping output to 325 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, with the whole package weighing roughly 3400 pounds. The suspension is reworked for track use, and they're fitted with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission. The brakes are from Stoptech, and the interior is stripped out and featured racing bucket seats and a roll cage. On the other hand, the skidpad exercises took place in new stock four-cylinder Mustangs, where we were able to compare the Phenoms to a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires, another budget summer-tire option. The g-Force Phenoms proved to be confidence-inspiring companions, which we were especially glad to discover when rain hit during our first laps around the track. The tires felt predictable, with understeer coming in gradually when pushed, and the tires gave a fair warning of the approaching loss of grip through the steering wheel. On the skidpad, we found it more difficult to break traction and induce oversteer with the Phenoms underneath us rather than the Firestones. When the Phenoms did let loose, the snap of oversteer wasn't quite as dramatic. Out on track in the rain, the Phenoms exuded a sense of control, and the rear end remained planted. The only time we lost a significant amount of grip came due to over-zealous throttle application on a slick, painted portion of tarmac, and even then it was easy to catch the slide before we got too sideways and ended up in the wall. Braking performance felt fairly strong, and when the track dried out, we felt comfortable leaning on the tires hard, with their squeals and the feedback through the steering wheel providing an accurate sense of just how much grip we had to play with. The Phenom is already on sale since February, currently offered in 20 sizes, and BFGoodrich plans to roll out 30 more sizes soon. The Phenom does not come with a mileage or wear warranty but does have BFGoodrich's six-year standard warranty that covers "defects in workmanship and materials." BFGoodrich aims to undercut most of its competitors on price while providing a sporty tire for both performance driving, and in our on-track experience, we can see the appeal. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Khaleej Times
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Michelin Tyres drives blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability
BFGoodrich, backed by Michelin's legacy of innovation, is well-positioned to lead in delivering tailored products that cater to the needs of diverse needs of the vehicles, ensuring drivers are equipped for both adventure and everyday journeys, its senior official says. Harkesh Jaggi, Vice-President for Michelin Middle East and North Africa, said the Middle East is experiencing a dynamic shift in its automotive and tire manufacturing industries, driven by a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. 'On a global and local level, Michelin is driving forward with advancements in sustainable manufacturing, smart tire technologies, and performance innovation across all its brands,' Jaggi told BTR during an interview. Founded by Dr Benjamin Franklin Goodrich in 1870, the B.F. Goodrich Company, later known as BFGoodrich, was among the first rubber tire manufacturers to be located west of the Appalachian mountain range. It was the first American tire manufacturer to make radial tires. It made tires for the then new Winton car from Winton Motor Carriage Company. Excerpts from the interview: What fascinates you the most about Michelin, especially for the rich legacy it holds in the automotive segment globally? Michelin's commitment to innovation and excellence is unparalleled in the automotive industry. For over a century, it has consistently set benchmarks for quality and performance. From inventing the removable pneumatic tire to pioneering radial technology, Michelin has continuously redefined what's possible in mobility. This legacy isn't just about innovation but also about a commitment to quality, sustainability, and safety that has stood the test of time. BFGoodrich, as part of the Michelin family, shares in this rich tradition, specialising in off-road performance and adventure. Michelin's dedication to pushing the boundaries of tire technology ensures that all its brands, including BFGoodrich, are synonymous with reliability and cutting-edge solutions. This legacy inspires us to innovate, adapt, and meet the needs of drivers in every corner of the globe, including regions like the Middle East, where versatility and durability are essential. We are excited to get a feel of BFGoodrich's latest All-Terrain KO3 tires at the upcoming Khaleej Times Desert Drive. Tell us more about this product. Considering the domination of KO2 series over a decade in the off-roading space, how different is KO3 going to be from its predecessor? The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 builds on the remarkable success of its predecessor, the KO2, which has dominated the off-road tire space for nearly a decade. With the KO3, we've incorporated insights from extensive racing experience, research, and direct feedback from off-road enthusiasts. The result is a tire that exceeds expectations in performance and durability. Key enhancements in the KO3 include improved treadwear, utilising a new tread pattern and advanced compounds to ensure even wear and greater longevity. Toughness has been taken to the next level with CoreGard Technology, originally developed for Baja racing, providing reinforced sidewall protection against the sharp stones and rugged conditions that define the region's landscapes. In terms of traction, the KO3 introduces serrated shoulder designs and Mud-Phobic Bars, which improve grip on loose or uneven surfaces, making it an ideal companion for desert adventures like the Khaleej Times Desert Drive. Whether it's tackling dunes, gravel paths, or navigating urban streets, the KO3 is engineered to deliver the ultimate balance of off-road capability and on-road reliability, ensuring drivers are ready for any challenge. Let's dive into the region. What are the top trends according to you that will shape the future of Automotive/tire manufacturing industry in the region? The Middle East is experiencing a dynamic shift in its automotive and tire manufacturing industries, driven by a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Off-road driving remains deeply rooted in the region's culture, fuelling a growing demand for high-performance, all-terrain tires capable of tackling rugged landscapes and challenging environments. Products like the BFGoodrich KO3 exemplify how tire technology is evolving to meet these adventurous demands while ensuring durability and reliability. Sustainability is also emerging as a defining trend, with governments and consumers increasingly prioritising eco-friendly practices. This has prompted tire manufacturers to innovate with sustainable materials, energy-efficient production processes, and recycling initiatives, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles and hybrid technologies is reshaping tire design, focusing on reducing rolling resistance and enhancing energy efficiency without compromising performance. Technological advancements further highlight the industry's evolution, with smart tires and connected solutions offering drivers real-time data to optimise safety, durability, and fuel efficiency. In a region where driving conditions vary from sandy dunes to urban streets, the need for versatile yet specialised tire solutions is paramount. BFGoodrich, backed by Michelin's legacy of innovation, is well-positioned to lead in delivering tailored products that cater to these diverse needs, ensuring drivers are equipped for both adventure and everyday journeys. How exciting are your growth plans for the company in the next 3-5 years? We are entering an exciting phase of growth at Michelin, where innovation, quality, and performance remain at the core of everything we do. Over the next few years, we're committed to expanding BF Goodrich's presence in the Middle East by introducing groundbreaking products tailored to the region's unique driving needs. BFGoodrich, as Michelin's off-road specialist, will continue to lead in delivering cutting-edge solutions for adventure and durability, reflecting Michelin's broader mission of mobility for all. On a global and local level, Michelin is driving forward with advancements in sustainable manufacturing, smart tire technologies, and performance innovation across all its brands. By integrating these innovations into our product offerings, we're ensuring that Michelin and BFGoodrich remain at the forefront of the tire industry. With a strong emphasis on customer-centricity and partnerships, we are confident in our ability to meet the evolving needs of drivers both regionally and internationally in the years to come.
