CHANDLER, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2010) — GITI Tire (USA) Ltd. picked the perfect spot to introduce its hot new performance tire, the Y speed-rated GT Radial Champiro HPY.
For its first-ever ride-and-drive event Aug. 11, the Rancho Cucamoga, Calif.-based unit of Singapore-based tire maker GITI Tire Co. Ltd. chose Arizona, with temperatures topping 100 degrees, and Firebird International Raceway to show off the performance attributes of its newest HP radial.
The idea was “to bring our dealers and sales force together to experience first-hand the quality of the product and especially in a racing environment at 110 degrees,” said Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI (USA).
The 50 tire dealers and media in attendance put the Champiro HPY through a series of three driving sequences, including a high-speed follow-the-leader event, a slalom course and a quick lane change maneuver.
“We believe the GT Radial Champiro HPY is the right tire at the right time for drivers looking for value in the economy but not wanting to sacrifice the performance of their sports cars,” Mr. McNamara said.
The new tire, which GITI makes at its plant in Indonesia, features an asymmetric tread pattern consisting of an inner and outer shoulder area. The open inner shoulder is designed with continuous lateral grooves for water dispersion, while the outer shoulder provides optimum road contact and aids in cornering stability, the company said.
For straight-line stability and steering response, the Champiro HPY is designed with a solid center rib. The use of a full silica tread compound in both the tread and in the body compounds further enhances wet traction and reduces heat build up, the company said.
Currently GITI is offering the Champiro HPY in 17 sizes from 35- to 50-series aspect ratios for 17- to 20-inch wheels.
The company said it expects to add 11 more sizes in the first quarter of 2011, including some 55-series sizes.
To reach Dave Zielasko: [email protected]; 330-865-6131.