BADEN-BADEN, Germany—Apollo Vredestein B.V. has launched a Vredestein-brand tire line it's calling the first all-weather tire designed for the ultra-high performance segment.
The Quatrac Pro tire will strengthen the company's position in the European all-season segment, officials said at a March 21 press launch near Baden-Baden.
Available initially in 50 sizes covering 17- to 21-inch rim diameters, the tire offers an "advanced level" of handling and braking performance in both dry and wet conditions, Apollo Vredestein said.
The company, a subsidiary of India's Apollo Tyres Ltd., said the line also will be available to dealers in North America starting April 1, in time for a consumer launch in May. The tire is aimed at high-horsepower premium SUVs such as the BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7.
Compared with its predecessor the Quatrac 5, Apollo Vredestein claims the new model provides more than 10 percent better wet grip and 5 percent better snow handling. The tire carries the European snowflake symbol, indicating compliance with European Union winter tire regulations.
Features include wider longitudinal grooves combined with diverging grooves in the shoulder for enhanced water-evacuation during high-speed driving on wet roads.
The tire compound has a high silica- and resin-content, which ensures "excellent" traction on wet and snowy roads, Apollo Vredestein also stated.
Of the tire's 50 sizes, 29 will be Y-speed rated (for sustained speeds up to 180 mph). Apollo Vredestein added that 14 sizes would be "absolutely unique" in the all-season segment, including the 315/35 R20 fitted on a BMW X5 (rear wheel).
"The introduction of the Quatrac Pro allows Vredestein to take a leading position in the all-season segment, with the most number of sizes available on the European market," the company said.
Apollo Vredestein is producing the larger sizes (19-inch rim diameters and larger) of new tire at its plant in Enschede, Netherlands, and the smaller sizes at its plant in Gyonghyoshalasz, Hungary, with some overlap.
The Quatrac 5 will continue to serve as the ideal all-weather tire in the smaller size range.
Apollo is represented in North America by Apollo Vredestein North America in Atlanta.