GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America Inc. has introduced the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 next-generation off-road tire for extreme conditions.
"The KM3 tire is essential equipment for serious off-road enthusiasts. We designed this tire for extreme toughness and traction," Harold Phillips, global general manager of the BFGoodrich brand, said in a statement. "Whether building for off-road fun or for extreme capability to reach outdoor activities, this tire was made to take drivers anywhere they want to go."
The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 has 5 percent better mud traction than its predecessor, the Mud-Terrain T/A KM2.
"Mud-Phobic" bars on the tire's shoulders are designed to release compacted mud for enhanced traction in muddy or soft soil conditions. The tire's Terrain-Attack tread pattern includes massive tread blocks designed to deliver grip from any angle of approach, the company said.
The Krawl-TEK compound in the tire delivers 8 percent better rock traction than its predecessor, while the tire's Linear Flex Zone allows it to envelop objects at reduced inflation for better grip when climbing. The Traction-Armor Sidewall Sculpture and notched shoulder design also help boost traction capabilities in soft soil and mud, the company said.
The tire also features CoreGard Max technology derived from the BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR3 desert-racing tire line that helps prevent splitting or puncturing with increased thickness that protects the critical sidewall failure zone.
The tire is available in North America starting June 1 in 15- through 18-inch rim diameters, and in 20- and 22-inch rim diameters. There are 54 sizes, including 33 additional sizes from the previous generation, for 88 percent coverage of the market.
The KM3 also offers three sizes for tire upgrade options in the UTV sport and UTV multi-purpose segments.