Michelin unveils new BFGoodrich UHP tire

The new BFGoodrich brand g-Force Comp-2 A/S comes in more sizes, is more durable and has more all-weather capabilities than its predecessor.

Michelin North America Inc. says the ultra-high performance (UHP) tire will be available in the U.S. and Canada in the most popular fitments beginning April 1.

The Z-rated tire will be released initially in 33 sizes covering two-thirds of the market. A total of 59 sizes will be available by the end of the first quarter of 2016 covering 89% of the market. Michelin is adding 31 new sizes to the Z category.  Rim sizes range from 16 to 22 inches.

“We know that larger rim diameters are the wave of OE offer, and so we want to be able to have that first replacement for those original equipment sizes,” says Marcus Wilson, UHP marketing manager for the BFGoodrich brand.

Michelin plans to discontinue g-Force Super Sport A/S in Z-rated sizes and replace them with the Comp-2 tire. The remaining H- and V- rate sizes within the Super Sport A/S will continue until 2016 and be replaced with the next-generation Advantage T/A.

The new tire will fit a range of vehicles, including American muscle, European and Asian luxury, as well as tuner car options and plus fitments for a wide variety of vehicles.

The Comp-2 tire has a 45,000-mile tread wear warranty compared to the 35,000-mile warranty of its predecessor.

Wilson says the new tire will give drivers the ability to accelerate faster, brake shorter and maintain control in all seasons. “It’s not just an ultra-high performance tire for performance seekers, it’s an ultra-high performance tire for everyone. It boasts high performance in rain, cold, light snow or dry pavement.”

The tire’s key Tier 2 competitors for performance and price are the Yokohama Avid Envigor, General G-Max A/S 03, and Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2. The average MSRP will be $162.00. Wilson says the Comp-2 tire will be less expensive and more profitable than the current Super Sport offering. Improvements in manufacturing processes enable the company to offer the tire to dealers at a lower price.

“There’s greater profitability from a lower price perspective versus the current product that’s on the market. But also because of the technological advancements and the new sizes, we think we can demand a slightly higher retail price, therefore creating more profit opportunity for dealers,” says Wilson.

“This will be our best ultra high performance all season tire ever. It will give you the best wet and dry traction and braking versus leading competitors. You will also have better snow traction than leading competitors. From a performance standpoint it delivers. For a dealer who is looking to carry just one or a few product lines, we have a product offer that will cover 89% of the market. “