GREENVILLE, S.C. (Feb. 2, 2012) — Michelin North America Inc. has unveiled the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 ultra-high performance (UHP) tire line to replace the g-Force Sport line.
When it launches in April, the new tire will be available in 46 sizes, ranging from 15 to 20 inches in rim diameter, with fitments for classic and modern muscle cars, sports cars, sports sedans, tuner and imports.
Michelin will add 12 more sizes in September to offer complete coverage in the UHP category, the tire maker said. The new tire will increase BFGoodrich Tires' coverage in the UHP market to 82 percent.
“While the tread design remains the same, we simplified the sidewall for a ‘racing' look. It needs to look contemporary and sleek, but not be in the way,” said Andy Koury, brand category manager for UHP for Michelin's BFGoodrich Tires unit. “The new g-Force Sport COMP-2 provides a sleek look and, of course, upgraded performance.”
The newly designed compound and Performance Racing Core—developed using many of BFGoodrich Tires' racing technologies and compounds—resulted in 30-percent better wet grip and 8-percent better dry grip, offering precise control without sacrificing tread life, the company said.
“Advancements in compounding technologies have enabled us to achieve large improvements in traction in both wet and dry performances,” Mr. Koury said. “We added a high-horsepower compound and also upgraded the internal tire suspension to a new level with the Performance Racing Core to make sure all that power could make it to the ground. We strengthened, optimized and evolved the suspension system to increase steering response, rigidity and control to handle the new advanced compound.”
Other features include: a tread pattern with stability and maximum cornering power; shallow shoulder blocks for better feedback at the grip limit; solid center rib helps the tire remain straight and true at highway speeds; g-Hooks proprietary hooked tread design provides biting edges for grip at any cornering angle; and an off-set shoulder groove to maximize tread contact for enhanced cornering stability.
The tire also features: a strengthened ETEC System to optimize the contact patch and traction; dynamic suspension system for increased steering response and control; and g-Control sidewall inserts to support cornering with up to 40-percent higher sidewall-stiffening structure.