New Falken FK452 flagship tyre promises unparalleled wet performance

STAMFORD TYRES – official distributors of Falken tyres – recently launched its new flagship high performance tyre, the FK452, specifically developed for performance cars in the 'medium to luxury' range.

While some tyres are designed with particular emphasis on economy or comfort, the FK452 is being touted as having precise handling stability at high speeds, with even stronger performance in wet conditions. According to Wee Kok Wah, President of Stamford Tyres, the FK452 is made for the discerning driver, with demands for better performance and safety. The flagship tyre also has a sophisticated thread design and modern appearance, giving cars the 'tuned look'. Falken coined the term WET3 (to the power of three) to sum up FK452's wet performance. The tread pattern has a quartet of grooves and pockets that work together to increase grip. The 'aqua-twin wide grooves' in the middle flanked by 'aqua-capturing pockets' at intersections are optimally positioned for efficient water drainage, while the 'aqua feather groove' with its Chamfered block edges also aids this function. The 'aqua-slash groove' then complements the water drainage by splitting the big blocks for better water absorption. This is combined to give the FK 452 superior resistance to aquaplaning. A new silica compound, exclusively developed for the FK452, also enhances wet weather grip without compromising wear resistance.

Although wet weather performance is the FK 452's obvious trump card, it also claims similar performance in dry conditions. It features 'optimally arranged' rigid basic blocks and chamfered round blocks, resulting in quick and direct response for the driver. A reinforced steel bead filter creates a stiffer sidewall and together with a high- tension carcass increases the tyre rigidity, which improves high-speed stability.

Compared to its predecessor, the FK451, the FK452 is a quieter tyre. This is courtesy of lateral grooves which are arranged in a phase shifted pattern designed to reduce noise. At the same time, pitch noise is subdued by five optimally arranged pitch variations. The Falken FK452 is available in 74 sizes from 16 to 19 inches (30 to 55 series), and 16 to 22 inches (25 to 55 series).