GREENVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 24, 2013) — Michelin North America Inc.'s BFGoodrich brand has unveiled the g-Force Rival, an extreme performance tire designed for drivers seeking extreme performance tires versatile enough to be used in autocross and track-day events then driven home.
"The g-Force Rival helps BFGoodrich fill a growing need in the extreme performance market," said Andrew Koury, BFGoodrich brand manager. "From autocross to road-course events, on street or the track, we want drivers to own it."
The new tire is available exclusively through TireRack.com, BFG said, with pre-orders starting Feb. 1.
BFGoodrich said the tires have a 200 UTQG rating, which allows them to be used in racing where drivers must compete on tires rated at 140+ UTQG, the company said. The Rival will launch initially with 15 sizes in rim diameters from 15 to 20 inches and section widths of 205-335mm.
Performance features include:
- The company's Performance Racing Core technology with a reinforced internal structure, designed to reduce sidewall flex for improved steering response;
- Asymmetric tread with large, solid tread blocks on the outside shoulder to optimize cornering grip;
- Extreme Tread Edge design, which brings tread compound farther down the shoulder for increased grip in hard cornering and predictable feedback; and
- Silica-infused competition compound to deliver more consistent grip from start to finish.
The Rival complements the g-Force Comp-2 ultra-high-performance street tire launched a year ago, BFG said, but is a more tuned for on-track performance.