Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), the makers of DUNLOP tyres, are pleased to announce the November 19th phased launch of “SP SPORT MAXX 050 NEO,” our new premium run-flat tyres produced using our next-generation manufacturing system: “NEO-T01,” which we developed in pursuit of “ultra-high precision” in tyre manufacturing technology. “SP SPORT MAXX 050 NEO” tyres are available in two sizes at launch and feature open pricing.
Utilizing SRI’s proprietary “NEO-T01” next-generation manufacturing system as well as our “4D NANO DESIGN” new materials development technology, “SP SPORT MAXX 050 NEO” combines high-level driving comfort with superior environmental*1 and safety performance.
In response to growing awareness of climate change, the depletion of fossil resources and other global-scale environmental issues, Sumitomo Rubber Industries has been working to develop environmentally friendly products with the motto: “What tyres can do to contribute to the earth’s environment.”
Run-flat tyres are tyres that, when punctured while driving, can continue to run at a prescribed speed for a certain distance,*2 even when completely flat (i.e. when internal air pressure has dropped to zero). SRI will continue working to promote the widespread adoption of run-flat tyres, which not only achieve improved safety, but also save resources and reduce overall weight by eliminating the need to outfit cars with spare tyres.
1. By reducing tyre weight.
2. A tyre must be able to run for a distance of 80km at a constant speed of 80km/h in order to be considered a run-flat tyre.
Innovative Technologies Incorporated in “SP SPORT MAXX 050 NEO”
1. “NEO-T01” Next-Generation Manufacturing System
NEO-T01 is a groundbreaking manufacturing system that utilizes three key technologies: (1) the “Metal Core Process,” in which all of the various components of a tyre are attached as “strips” one by one to a metal former (core) that has been made in the exact shape and size of an actual finished tyre’s interior; (2) “Fully Automatic Connected Control,” which utilizes a computer control system to control the application of the strip components to the metal core with ultra-high precision, accurate to 0.01mm; and (3) “High-Rigidity Structure,” which allows for the use of harder stiffening materials than had been possible with conventional tyre manufacturing techniques.
Tyres produced using this “NEO-T01” next-generation manufacturing system feature better “High-Speed Uniformity,” “Lightness” and “Lower Deformation during High-Speed Driving” compared with tyres produced using conventional manufacturing methods.
2. “4D NANO DESIGN” New Materials Development Technology
In order to develop new materials scientifically, logically and efficiently with the aim of improving overall tyre performance, we have developed our “4D NANO DESIGN” new materials development technology by combining four separate techniques-(1) Examination, (2) Prediction, (3) Production and (4) Extraction-to allow us to freely control the properties of raw materials through advanced material analysis and simulation that is capable of recreating the molecular behavior of new materials at the nano-level.
Product Features
1. Superior Riding Comfort
Applying each tyre component as “strips” to a metal core formed in the exact shape and size of the finished tyre improves tyre circularity, resulting in smoother rolling for decreased vibration. At the same time, optimizing the rigidity of the tyre sidewall reduces the shock impact from the road to provide superior riding comfort.
2. The Next Step in Handling Stability Performance
Suppressing the deformation that occurs when a tyre is rolling allows the tyre to maintain a consistent road contact area at any speed level, thereby achieving superior handling stability. At the same time, the adoption of a new tyre pattern featuring increased block rigidity also improves sidewall rigidity when cornering to provide the next step in handling stability performance.
3. Improved Environmental Performance
Improving the precision of the tyre component application process allows for an optimal component weight distribution to reduce overall tyre weight while also reducing the amount of raw materials used, thereby contributing to improved environmental performance.
4. Next-Level Wet Grip Performance
The utilization of our specialized compound, newly developed using our company’s proprietary “4D NANO DESIGN” new materials development technology, provides increased road adhesion to improve wet grip performance. In addition, the adoption of a new tyre pattern featuring wider main grooves also improves drainage capacity.