GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 29, 2008) — A new BFGoodrich touring tire designed for crossover and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) has hit the trail.
Michelin North America Inc. released the BFGoodrich brand Long Trail T/A Tour tire April 29 during a ride-and-drive event in Greenville for journalists. The latest addition to the BFG touring tire family is available in 35 sizes for 15- to 20-inch wheels. The tire maker said the new tire offers “the perfect solution for drivers who demand better road manners and more control without sacrificing performance.” The Long Trail T/A Tour is targeted to fill a “performance void” in the growing crossover /SUV market.
“We wanted to give crossover and sport-utility owners a better choice for all season handling and control without sacrificing comfort and wear life…,” said Joe Mazur, light-truck brand category manager for BFGoodrich Tires, in a prepared statement. “The Long Trail T/A Tour tire delivers aggressive control mile after mile while accentuating the precise all season handling found in today's CUV and SUV vehicles.”
Drivers of those vehicles “are very demanding,” he continued, and now have a “tire that suits their needs when it comes to hauling more than groceries.”
The new tire, packaged in a two-ply polyester carcass, features a closed shoulder design with contoured tread blocks for crisp handling and precise cornering, according to Michelin. The tread features are melded with a rigid center rib, strategic siping and optimized rib shifting, which the company said translate into a positive on-center feel at highway speeds, exceptional all season traction and a quiet ride.
Company officials told journalists the Long Trail T/A Tour—which was tested against Goodyear Eagle LS light truck tires during the Greenville event—will be released to dealers May 1.