Hercules rolls out Avalanche R G2 studless winter tire

FINDLAY, Ohio (Oct, 21, 2014) — Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. has unveiled its studless Avalanche R GS, the newest addition to its winter tire offerings.

Designed to deliver versatile reliability in severe and unpredictable winter conditions, Hercules said, the Avalanche R G2 provides grip on any winter road surface—wet or dry, ice or snow—due to Hercules' exclusive AWC2 compound.

The Hercules Avalanche R G2 is available in 38 SKUs with rim diameters from 14 -18 inches, the Findlay-based firm said. All SKUs featuring an R speed rating, and SUV sizes are constructed with extra-durable, cut-resistant sidewalls.

“The high quality construction of the Avalanche R G2 is very sophisticated,” said Joshua Simpson, vice president of marketing for Hercules Tire. “Both the design and the compound can accommodate any weather condition, so the tire is especially effective in areas that have highly variable winter weather. Versatility and value are the cornerstones of the Avalanche R G2.”

Hercules' AWC2 compound uses silica and clean oils to provide lateral and linear grip at low temperatures and maintain performance in all temperatures and weather conditions. An EcoFT-designated tire, the company said its Avalanche R G2 has very low-rolling resistance and is manufactured using purified oils for cleaner, non-harmful use.

Other features include:

• "Vacuum" siping on shoulders;

• advanced siping, which uses the interaction of wide and narrow sipes to maintain a firm grip on quickly changing winter surface conditions;

• tread blocks that feature a jagged edge to aid in deceleration and create bite; and

• precise tread block geometry and overall structural design for responsive steering and handling.

“With the addition of the Avalanche R G2, we have created a winter lineup that gives dealers the opportunity to recommend a Hercules tire to almost any customer putting winter tires on their vehicle,” said Mr. Simpson. “Our offering covers a broad range of fitments including commercial and light truck, has studless and studdable options, and provides road hazard protection—all at a value that is unmatched in the industry.”