CST Launches Three New Revolutionary Tires: the All-Terrain Sahara AT318, the SALEKS E.X1 for EV’s and CST Ride Scoop Scooter Tires

CST Tires, a global leader in tire manufacturing, known for offering good value as it provides a good balance of performance and price for various vehicle types, launched three new tires this July.

Unveiled at product launches for dealers and mobility media were CST’s new Sahara AT318 tire, an intermediate all-terrain tire (rugged terrain) designed for both on and off-road use; the CST SALEKS E.X1, a revolutionary tire engineered specifically for electric vehicles (EVs) and the CST Ride Scoop, Sport Touring scooter tires designed for performance and control. 

"We are excited to introduce these three tires to the market," said Mr. Ronald L. Ang, Chief Operations Officer of AP Blue Whale Corporation, exclusive distributor of Maxxis and CST tires. “All three are high-performing, innovative and durable tires. All are engineered to provide exceptional performance in diverse terrains, meet specific needs on the road and satisfy drivers’ demands in specific conditions. Both their design and construction deliver the confidence and capability that drivers looks for.”

The Sahara AT318 features wide zigzag grooves for efficient water, mud and stone dispersal while its “tiger-tooth” shoulder delivers extra traction during air-downs and provides great cuts resistance. Its construction and tread design are meant to resist punctures and tears under hazardous conditions and contribute to its longevity. The shoulder area of the tire is reinforced with a special rubber compound that makes it suitable for professional competition in some markets.

With the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market, CST recognized the need for tires that are tailored to the unique demands of EVs. The SALEKS E·X1 is the answer because of its breakthrough technology that addresses the challenges posed by the heavier weight of electric vehicles (primarily due to their battery packs).

The SALEKS E.X1 is designed to elevate the driving experience of EVs because it provides superior handling and stability and ensures a smooth and controlled driving experience even under challenging conditions. SALEKS stands for Silica compound technology, All-around driving performance, Low rolling resistance for prolongiong EV range, Engineered for electric mobility, Kinder to the environment and Souindless driving experience with low noise.

“We are thrilled to introduce the SALEKS E.X1 because it will set a new standard for electric vehicle performance,” said Mr. Jaybee Atanci.o, Director of Prooduct Management of AP Blue Whale Corporation. 

 “Its advanced features and cutting-edge design make this tire provide exceptional performance, efficiency and comfort. It meets the evolving needs of electric vehicle drivers worldwide.” 

Also unveiled at the launch was the CST Ride Scoop, a V-shaped tread pattern tire that provides better road grip and maintains excellent and quick water drainage capability. Using a semi hot melt compound similar to that of track tires, the feature maximizes dry driving performance. A special 4-layer composite material structure allows the tire to dissipate heat well and makes it lighter than normal tires. It saves fuel while maintaining strength and offers a balance of performance and durability.

“We are proud of these new scooter tires that offer excellent stability even at high speeds. It will give riders confidence and control. It’s an easy to handle, very responsive tire that riders who love to push their bikes in corners will surely enjoy,” said Atanacio. 

The tires are available at CST Authorized Dealers nationwide.

CST Tires, a brand of Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd., has a wide range of products for various applications, including bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, and automobiles. CST is committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, with a focus on providing safe and reliable tires for drivers worldwide. For more information, visit www.csttires.com.ph

Maxxis Launches 4 New Tires: the Maxxis RAZR HT780, the Maxxis RAZR AT781 the Maxxis Victra Sport EV and the Maxxis Victra S98 CT Scooter Tire

Maxxis International, a brand known for offering a good balance of performance and value across its tire line, proudly announced the release of four new revolutionary tires at dealer and media launches held recently.

We are thrilled to introduce the RAZR HT 780, the RAZR AT781, the Victra Sport EV and the Victra S98 CT to the market,” said Mr. Ronald L. Ang, Chief Operations Officer of AP Blue Whale Corporation, exclusive distributor of Maxxis and CST Tires. “These tires represent a significant advancement in our tire technology and our response to the continuously expanding electric vehicle market, and we are happy to offer drivers an unparalleled experience on both dry and wet roads, whether for conventional or electric vehicles.”

“We are confident that these tires will live up to, if not exceed, the expectations of drivers seeking the ultimate tire performance. These new tires are a testament to Maxxis’ commitment to innovation and delivering top-tier products to the market,” Mr. Ang said.

The global manufacturer of tires for a wide range of vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs, trucks and buses raised the curtain on the Maxxis HT780, a premium quality highway terrain tire designed for SUV and utility drivers looking for optimal comfort, a quiet ride and prolonged tire life.

Also unveiled was the Maxxis RAZR AT781, a refined All-Terrain tire for crossovers, pick-ups and SUVs that provides excellent off-road traction, improved tread life, dry/wet performance, silence and riding comfort.

Jaybee Atanacio, Director of Product Management of AP Blue Whale Corporation, exclusive distributor of Maxxis and CST tires, introduced the Maxxis RAR HT780 as the Rebel of the Road”. “Part of the Razr family of tires, it is known for its toughness and unrelenting grip that laughs in the face of rain and potholes because of its extraordinary traction. It also delivers an uncommon level of quietness and comfort to 4X4 vehicles and SUVs because of Maxxis Optim-Tech, the brands most advanced pitch arrangement optimization technology ever,” Atanacio said.

The tire’s carcass’ architecture and profile are designed to absorb road vibrations and the sidewall plies ensure improved steering precision. High-reinforced silica nanoparticles guarantee its long life. Keywords for this tire are traction, drainage and comfort. It also provides better mileage and better ROI, he added.

The Maxxis RAZR AT781 meanwhile is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, but adapts well to both on-road and off-road conditions. Designed for light duty vehicles, it combines all-weather traction, hardiness and a peaceful ride for both challenging or leisurely camping activities. A key feature is Maxxis’ latest tread optimization and compound technology that delivers a high level of on and off-road performance.

New chemical fillers in the compound provide maximum tear and chip resistance plus longer tread life. The new pattern features 3D tread blocks and bridge reinforcements for minimized pattern noise and irregular wear. A new armor sidewall design provides extra peace of mind, especially off-road, by maximizing sidewall traction and puncture resistance.

The Maxxis VICTRA SPORT EV was the third product using cutting-edge technology introduced at the launch. It is an ultra-high performance all-season tire for electric vehicles designed to maximize efficiency and grip, lower rolling resistance and noise, enhance durability and improve traction. 

Specifically developed for electric vehicles, it is notable for its high-dispersion nanotechnology and a special tread design that increase range and improve energy efficiency. 

An optimized surface structure and Maxxis Silent Technology uses sound-absorbing foams that reduce rolling noise and enhance comfort inside the vehicle. Its innovative tread makes the Victra Sport EV more resistant to the additional strains placed on electric car tires. Next-generation energy-saving EV compound helps to improve rolling resistance, increases range and mileage and improves tread wear. 

“Maxxis’ new tire for electric vehicles, the VICTRA SPORT EV, has won a SEMA Best New Product Award in the Tire and Related Product category. This ultra-high-performance tire improves upon the OEM fitment, and the Maxxis engineering team focused on improving fuel economy and a longer tread life through a new-generation low rolling resistance EV compound. The VICTRA SPORT EV also offers a quieter, more comfortable ride with help from our new Maxxis Silent technology,” said Jaybee Atanacio, . 

The fourth Maxxis tire to be unveiled was the Maxxis Victra S98 CT – an urban-ready scooter tire, Built specifically for city riding, it offers smooth and stable performance ideal for daily scooter commutes. Its high-grip compound and optimized tread pattern ensure excellent handling and control on both wet and dry urban roads. The tread pattern’s deco groove is optimized to ensure confidence during wet weather. A reinforced casing and long-lasting construction guarantee consistency and extended tire life.

The Maxxis RAZR HT780, the RAZR AT781, the Victra Sport EV and the Victra S98 CT will be available in a range of sizes to fit a wide variety of vehicles at authorized MAXXIS Tires dealerships nationwide. 

For more information about the new Maxxis tires and other Maxxis tires, please visit www.maxxis.com.ph.

Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual: A Compelling Esport Experience for Michelin

The first-ever Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual saw Rebellion Williams [sport claim first place with its N°1 car shared by Deletraz / Marciello / Wisniewski / Brzezinski. Pole-sitters Dillmann / Guerrieri / Simoncic / Pedersen (N°4 ByKolles Burst Esport) were second past the chequered flag, ahead of the N°13 Rebellion Williams Esport foursome (Canapino / Aitken / Arana / Romanidis). The GTE class was won by Porsche Esports Team which emerged as the category's dominant squad in qualifying. The top prize was secured by the W93 Porsche 911 RSR of Tandy / GOven / Rogers / Ostgaard thanks to a surefooted performance. Interestingly, British driver Nick Tandy can now claim to have won Le Mans' GTE class with Porsche and Michelin in both the real world and 'virtually'. Second in class went to the N°95 Aston Martin (Thiim / Westbrook / Sorensen / Biancolilla), while R8G Esports Team's N°80 Corvette (Juncadella /Beche / Jayovski / Kappet) took third. All these cars contested the race on 'virtual' Michelin tyres.

Not only did the realism of the rFactor2 software employed for the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual provide endurance racing fans with a welcome chance to enjoy their favourite discipline once more after the recent halt to real-world motorsport, but it also gave video game fans an opportunity to discover motor racing from a fresh perspective that introduced them to the important role that tyres play in motorsport.

Close, spectacular, realistic racing

Buoyed by a field of 50 cars and 200 topflight racing drivers and sim racers, the show provided by the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual lived up every bit to its promise. Drivers from different forms of racing and top names from the world of endurance racing teamed up with a line-up of sim racing stars to showcase their professionalism not only during their respective pre-race preparations but also in the course of the twice-around-the-clock race itself. The result was a gripping fight between the successive leaders who all chose similar race strategies and the gaps at the end were extremely close.

As expected, the teams with the strongest reputations took turns in front and took the two 'virtual' red-flag interruptions that bunched up the field in their stride. Thanks to the quality of the coverage and the work put into the event by its organiser, the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest), it was easy to forget at times that this wasn't actually the real thing. "The inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual was a resounding success," says Michelin Motorsport Director Matthieu Bonardel.

There is always room for improvement, but I would like to thank everyone at Michelin Motorsport, as well as all the staff at the ACO and the FIA World Endurance Championship who put so much effort into this project. Michelin's business is advancing continuously on the digital front and we are delighted today to have had this opportunity to reach out to a new audience thanks to the Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual."

An even more detailed understanding of our 'virtual' tyres

The drivers were swift to acclaim Michelin's tyres after qualifying and their praise continued during the race as they paid tribute to the realism of the feedback replicated via the steering wheel, and notably the difference between the feeling of the different compound options. As in the real Le Mans 24 Hours, their strategies were based on the use of either hard or medium tyres during the early stages of the race, before switching to the softer option for the cooler hours of darkness. On Sunday morning, as the temperature started to climb to exceed 20°C again, they returned to the medium compound, and then the hard tyre.

In contrast to the real Le Mans 24 Hours, however, where multi-stinting the same set of tyres is commonplace, this tactic wasn't a feature of the virtual race. This was due on the one hand to the fact that the teams didn't have a maximum allocation of tyres for the race, whereas numbers are capped in the real world. On the other, the simulated time allowed for tyre changes was relatively short, so there was little to gain from staying on the same rubber for more than one stint. Meanwhile, the wear-rates factored in by the software were higher than in reality. The game effectively reproduced a cost of two seconds per lap (one stint equivalent to approximately 10 laps) due to wear, whereas — in reality — Michelin's tyres deliver consistent lap times from the start to the end of runs of up to four stints at a time Michelin hopes to be able to work with the rFactor2 platform's designers so that competing teams have a broader spectrum of possible strategies in the future while demonstrating the consistency of its tyres' performance more fully.

A resounding worldwide success and new contacts for Michelin

Given that the Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual allowed motor racing enthusiasts to enjoy the action in the virtual company of video game fans who often have little interest in real motorsport, Michelin saw its involvement in the race as a chance to reach out to a wider audience which was able to discover the importance of the role played by tyres not only in real life racing but also, by extrapolation, on their road cars. The quality of the race's video coverage kept millions of fans captivated across the world, with viewing figures boosted by Michelin's own social media teams who provided live streaming of the race on Michelin and Michelin Motorsport's Facebook pages in 30 countries. Meanwhile, the teaser video posted by the French firm ahead of the race attracted by 1.3 million views on Instagram alone, plus another 450,000 on YouTube and 155,000 on Facebook.

Michelin's involvement in the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual asserts its commitment to eSports and, in September, it will be looking to follow up by extending its current unbeaten record in the real race to 23 victories in a row since 1998.