RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.—Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. has developed an all-terrain version of its Falken Wildpeak line, the Wildpeak A/T Trail, that it's targeting specifically at owners of crossover vehicles.
Engineered to match the "dynamic characteristics" of current-generation CUVs, the Wildpeak A/T Trail strikes a balance between aggressive off-road traction and dependable all-weather performance, SRNA said.
"We engineered the A/T Trail to match a crossover vehicle's unibody construction and higher center of gravity to provide enhanced handling year-round," Drew Howlett, product manager, LT/SUV/CUV tires, said.
The tire launches in 30 sizes, covering 16- to 20-inch rim diameters, Falken said, and carries the industry's Three Peak Mountain winter traction designation for severe snow conditions.
The tire derives its performance from an optimized tread design, 3D "Canyon Sipe" technology and increased tread depth, Falken said.
The company lists the Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawk, Subaru Crosstrek and Outback, and Toyota RAV4 as targeted vehicles for the new tire range.
SRNA/Falken is backing the A/T Trail with a 65,000-mile tread-life warranty and offers road-hazard protection, covering free replacement for any damage that occurs in the first two years of ownership, or within the first 3/32nds-inch of tread life, whichever comes first.
The launch ties in with Falken's strategy of developing products for emerging market segments. The new range is produced at Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.'s plant in Rayong, Thailand. Falken did not disclose pricing information. The size range starts at 205/70R16 97H and runs up to 265/50R20 111V.