Hercules debuts all-season UHP tire

FINDLAY, Ohio (July 9, 2015) — American Tire Distributors Inc.'s (ATD) Hercules Tire subsidiary has launched the Hercules Raptis R-T5, an all-season, W speed-rated, ultra-high-performance (UHP) tire.

“The Raptis R-T5 has technology and materials that are found in Tier 1 and Tier 2 products. That's why our testing shows that it can go head-to-head with top sellers in those tiers,” said Jedd Emans, vice president of marketing for Findlay-based Hercules Tire. “We went all-in with the Raptis R-T5. This is a tire that really showcases the value that Hercules delivers.”

The tire carries a 500 AA A UTQG rating and is available in 38 W-rated sizes in 17- to 20-inch rim diameters,ranging from 215/15ZR XL 98W to 275/35ZR20 XL 102W. The fitment range covers sports cars and sport sedans such as: Audi A4; BMW 3-series; Chevrolet Camaro; Dodge Challenger; Ford Mustang GT; Ford Fusion; Infiniti G37; Lexus IS 250; Nissan 370Z; Subaru Impreza; Volkswagen GTi; and Volvo S60.

Features  of the Raptis R-T5 include:

• High-grade silica tread compound and Hercules EvacuTrack grooves for better wet traction;
• 3D UltraWave siping and an asymmetric tread design for greater control and tighter handling;
• CoolCourse temperature control system to optimize performance and enhance tire life; and
• A 45,000-mile/75,000-kilometer limited warranty, road hazard protection and the 30-day Trust Our Ride test drive program.

Hercules said the Raptis R-T5 will be available in the U.S. starting in July. More information is available on the Hercules Tire website. www.herculestire.com/R-T5

The Raptis R-T5 is being made for Hercules by South Korea's Nexen Tire Corp., which gave journalists and ATD officials a sneak peak at the tire recently at the test track near the tire maker's plant in Chang-Nyeong, South Korea.