NEWS: Falken Use Earth Simulator Supercomputer For New Sincera SN832 ECORUN Tyre

Falken Tyres have developed a brand new eco tyre called Sincera SN832 – with an impressive 22% reduction in rolling resistance –  using the world’s highest energy synchrotron radiation facility and an ‘Earth Simulator’ supercomputer. Wowzers!  

Their brand new 4D NANO Design process draws on technology from outside the tyre industry to create all new Sincera SN832 ECORUN low rolling resistance energy-efficient tyre.
Falken tyre engineers in Japan have for the first time, employed a super computer normally used for climate simulation, together with the SPring-8 Materials Research Centre and its synchrotron radiation facility, to create a new energy-efficient tyre. These powerful simulation tools, offering the ability to analyse at sub nano level, the effects of compound and construction, form part of Falken’s new 4D NANO Design process. 4D NANO Design has enabled Falken to develop the Sincera SN832 ECORUN tyre with a 22 percent reduction in rolling resistance compared to its predecessor. A further 27 percent reduction in braking distances has led to the new tyre receiving an A rating for wet weather grip, becoming the first Falken tyre to achieve the highest grade.
Falken says: "By combining the SPring-8 materials research centre and its synchrotron radiation technology and the Japanese government’s Earth Simulator super computer to simulate the real world conditions that a tyre experiences, Falken was able to identify how and where heat would be generated and how to minimise it. This is crucial as temperature build up results in higher rolling resistance which ultimately reduces fuel economy. For example, SPring-8’s scientists created a new compound by bonding polymers into ‘functional groups’ with silica. These groups restrict the movement of the elements and the subsequent rise in temperature. The dispersal and reaction of both the bonding and chemical reaction of these groups was simulated at sub nanometre (there are one million nanometres in a millimetre) level to prove the technology. Falken’s resultant calculations suggest the fuel saving benefit could be as much as four percent over its previous SN828 tyre."
In addition to the compound innovations, the Sincera SN832 ECORUN features a more circular cross profile, distributing load more evenly with the driver experiencing more precise handling and better directional stability. Stiffer outer shoulders with wide and straight lateral grooves improve resistance to aquaplaning, increasing the lateral aquaplaning score by 32 percent over that of the SN828.
“To create a step performance gain in a tyre is not easy,” says Markus Bogner, sales and marketing director, Falken Tyre Europe, GmbH. “Being part of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the sixth largest tyre maker, Falken can access some of the best innovations out there. The four key areas of the 4D NANO DESIGN; Research, Simulate, Extraction and Performance feed into our materials development and simulation process and use some of the most powerful research and simulation tools on the planet. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.”
Japan’s Earth Simulator is one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. It has a theoretical peak performance of 131TFLOPS and is typically used to model large scale climate change or to research the effects of tsunamis and earthquakes. SPring-8, the world's largest third-generation synchrotron radiation facility, produces light that is about one billion times more brilliant than conventional X-ray sources and is used by scientists for a wide range of research projects.
The Sincera SN832 ECORUN will be available from Spring, initially in 19 dimensions across 13”-15” sizes and a T speed rating, highlighting that advanced technology need not be the sole reserve of ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres. It will be suitable for cars such as the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Juke, VW Touran and Fiat 500. Find out more here.

Read our N24 story following the amazing Falken GT3 here.

NEWS: Subaru BRZ Buyers Get FREE Winter Wheel & Toyo Tyres Package

We're re-testing the compact, RWD, flat four, big fun Subaru BRZ this week, after our Road Magazine racer and Travis drummer, Neil Primrose tested it earlier this year here. And, we've got to say, we LOVE it… especially for its ability to set you on an impromptu sideways session on the way to the shops. What could be more fun?
The choice to fit skinny, relatively low grip Michelin rubber, rather than fatter, stickier tyres was a masterstroke – letting the car be sliding fun, rather than top of the traction pops (which its chassis is certainly capable of). 

But, much as we love going sideways, with Winter setting in, we did get to thinking… what's the BRZ going to be like in the ice and snow?  Conclusion… a handful! 

But Subaru has the answer – offering a FREE set of Toyo winter tyres AND wheels for new Winter 2013 BRZ buyers, supplied by the dealers (who will also store customers’ standard tyre over the winter). As big supporters of the Winter tyre 'movement' here in the UK (see our Outback Alpine tyre test here), we think it's a great idea and a fabulous buying incentive… worth £1,095!
Toyo's brand new Snoprox cold weather tyres have been designed with special tread patterns to improve braking and provide more stable and predictable handling throughout the colder and wetter winter months. To accompany the 215/45 winter tyres, BRZ buyers can choose between bright Silver or Anthracite Grey 17-inch alloy wheels, which should maintain the BRZ's ace looks.
Customers qualify for the offer by purchasing a new BRZ up until the end of February 2014 and can at the same time have their standard tyre/wheel combination stored free of charge at the local dealer, ready to be re-fitted when the weather warms up.
Darren James, Subaru UK Director for Aftersales explained: “The BRZ has won plaudits from across the industry as a great driver’s car. The offer of a free set of winter tyres will mean new owners can fully appreciate the BRZ’s blend of light weight, usable power and rear-wheel drive handling, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.”
Further information on the Subaru BRZ can be found at www.subaru.co.uk.
Great idea for a great car Subaru. Bravo! 

NEWS: Garry Jennings Crowned Irish Tarmac Champ with Kumho

Congratulations to Garry Jennings and co-driver, Rory Kennedy for nailing the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title in style, in conjunction with tyre sponsor, Kumho.
Garry's second place on last weekend’s (October 4-6) Orchard Motorsport Cork 20 event was sufficient to land him his first ITRC title, after a dominant season on the Irish black stuff – tarmac, not Guinness!
On the Orchard event, Jennings overcame early concerns about the health of his Subaru Impreza’s engine to bring the car home behind Daragh O’Riordan’s Ford Fiesta WRC, and clinch the prestigious seven round series – the first Co Fermanagh resident to do so since the legendary rally God, Bertie Fisher in 1996.
Having finished runner-up in last year’s championship, Jennings was determined not to let the biggest prize in Irish rallying slip through his fingers once more. Following outright victories in the Killarney Rally of the Lakes and the Ulster event he headed the leader board by 20 points from nearest rival Donagh Kelly going into the final round, so only needed a top five finish to get the job done. However, he was determined to add another win to his name and eventually lost out by just 0.22.9 seconds.
Kumho is no stranger to assisting drivers to success in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and has supplied tyres for the Jennings Subaru both last year and this. Said the company’s European Motorsport Manager Steve Thompson: “We were gutted for Garry when he came so close to victory last year, so doubly pleased he has pulled it off this time around. Needless to say we are also delighted to add another major rally series to the long list on which Kumho tyres have outpaced those of rival manufacturers.”
For further information on Kumho tyres for rally stage, track and road, log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk.

NEWS: Top Fuel Saving Tips

As a counter balance to all the red-hot-motorsport and wanton fuel abuse we cover in Road Magazine and with the cost of fuel still sky high and the threat of a triple dip recession hanging over us – here's some top fuel saving tips from road safety charity and award-winning breakdown cover company, GEM Motoring Assist, to eke out those extra miles per tankful.
GEM’s top tips for fuel efficient driving:
1. Engine efficiency: Get your car serviced regularly by a recognised garage to avoid a poorly tuned engine, which can use up to 50 per cent more fuel than a car that is well looked after.
2. Tyre tread: At least every month, check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. If not, even with just one tyre deflated by 20 per cent, fuel consumption could rise by five per cent.
3. Lose weight: For every one per cent of the car’s weight that you add, fuel consumption could rise by one per cent, so take out anything that you don’t need in the car (golf clubs, push chairs, tool boxes etc.)
4. Eliminate short journeys: Cold engines are thirsty engines, so really short journeys will be relatively expensive if driving just a short distance. Opt to walk, or even cycle.
5. Plan ahead: Plan your journey to avoid road works, or getting lost, which causes an estimated 350,000 tons of fuel wastage each year.
6. Slow down: Most cars run at their most efficient at approximately 60 mph, and for every five mph above that you drive, you will lose six per cent of your fuel economy. Slow down to save money.
7. Air con: If not needed, switch the air con in your car off to reduce demand on the engine. However, ensure that it is on for several minutes at least every couple of weeks to prevent a build up of harmful bacteria in the system.
8. Exploring for fuel: Don’t go out of your way to make a saving, as you could spend more on getting to a cheaper dealer, so fill up when you are passing, rather than making a separate journey.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist comments: “We believe that there are simple yet effective steps for motorists to ensure that the fuel they pay for goes as far as possible. Even as petrol prices aren’t currently on the rise, it is always good practice to follow fuel efficient driving and get the most out of a car’s fuel tank.”

Thanks for the image by staff snapper, Neil Denham.

NEWS: Dunlop Debut 2013 Le Mans Tyres @ Silverstone World Endurance Championship

As well as the new Type 991 RSR debuting at Silverstone for the World Endurance Championships (& European Le Mans Championships) later this month, Dunlop tyres will also be debuting their new rubber – following a Winter of "focused development and testing."

Dunlop currently dominates the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMP2 class – with eight of the 10 participants opting for the same brand that claimed the 2012 title and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, the WEC forerunner, in 2011. The World Championship, which has the Le Mans 24h race

as its highlight, starts with a six-hour Race this Sunday 13th and 14th.

Dunlop says; "We have have specifically worked on developing compounds to improve warm-up

properties, which will be important for ELMS teams with tyre warmers now being prohibited. A new tyre shape has also been introduced for 2013, which optimises the tyre’s footprint, allowing lower running pressures and providing additional initial grip and consistency. The tyre improves grip

under braking and turn-in and gives better feedback to the driver. During testing at Aragon and Valencia, over 15,000 kilometres of testing was carried out on the new tyres with Dunlop’s LMP2 teams. Of the three compounds available for the WEC and ELMS races, the ‘medium’ and ‘hard’

slicks will be available for the Silverstone race along with full wets and an intermediate option."

Paul Bryant, Key Account Manager for Endurance Racing said: ""2013 is a big year for Dunlop with our 125th anniversary, our quest for hat-tricks at Le Mans and in WEC, and retaining the ELMS title. We have worked hard to evolve our tyres to make them not only perform better, but to give the drivers better feedback and confidence. We will continue to give our high level of support, working with our teams to give them the best chance of winning possible.”

Sexy slicks