Jan 2012: Falken Launches Azenis FK453CC For European SUV Market

Japanese tyre maker Falken has launched an ultra high performance tyre Azenis FK453CC for the sportier SUVs. The tyre design and technology has been specifically created to complement high end SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes amongst others.

Benefits of the FK453CC

According to company officials, the new FK453CC will offer increased stability at high speeds and during cornering, along with reduced noise levels. The tyre’s unique tread pattern will produce improved hydroplaning resulting in more efficient deflection of water, further enhancing safety and driving comfort. The wet and dry handling features are superior, as compared to competitors in the same range.

Rationale Behind Development of FK453CC

According to Mr. Markus Bogner, Sales Director, Falken Tyres Europe, high performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne are all set to the rule the markets in the coming years and it is necessary that such SUVs get an appropriate tyre that supports them. Mr. Bogner added that the FK453CC has been developed, particularly keeping the high performance SUVs in mind and is one of the sportiest tyres in this category.

It is interesting to note that according to the Kraftfahrtt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany) the SUV market in Germany has grown by 31.3% over the previous year and now accounts for the 4th largest category of motor vehicles on road in Germany. So it makes sound business sense for Falken to invest in tyres that particularly cater to this category.

FK453Cc Technology

The Azenis FK453CC is equipped with the unique “Nur-Spec” design, which is basically an extra nylon reinforced ply cover. As a result, the sidewalls become more rigid, and serve to improve the stability even at speeds as high as 186mph (300kmph).

Secondly, in the construction of the tyre, the casing has been made more warp resistant, which confers greater load carrying ability as compared to competitors.

With respect to design features, the tyre shoulder gets a rounder shape. Therefore, the pressure deployment in the tread area is more even, resulting in improvement in steering stability by as much as 21%.

This also leads to a 15% reduction in the ‘pass-by’ noise levels. The tread compound has been made more silica rich as compared to the predecessor, resulting in improved grip and handling. According to company sources, the dry handling in particular has improved by as much as 14% over the earlier tyres. Also the response to braking under wet conditions has improved by 10%.

The FK453CC has an advanced tread pattern, where water drainage is facilitated through three central grooves. The first tread bar at the tyre shoulder contains staggered sipes that break the water film more effectively. These two factors combine to produce effective hydroplaning resistance. This ability to resist water is extremely critical for the taller and heavier SUVs of today.

Availability and Sizes

The Azenis FK453CC will be available from January 2012 on the markets. The tyres are to be launched in 14 different sizes to cater to the variety of vehicles in the SUV category. The tyres will be available in the following speed rating standards – V, Y and W.