CEASELESS CONTRIBUTIONS
Having started alongside the American automobile pioneers by supplying tyres for the first car on sale in North America, BFGoodrich contributed ceaselessly to car development by carrying out important research into tyres.
This led to the brand being the first in the United States to introduce tubeless tyres in 1940, the first to develop and use synthetic rubber in 1954 and it also introduced the radial tyre to the American market in 1965 under license from Michelin.
It first appeared in Europe in 1997, on the replacement market exclusively, and made a name for itself primarily in the 4x4 sector, thanks to competing in the Dakar Rally and the All-Terrain World Cup.
Rock T/A
Following tests in 2007, Mitsubishi opted for the BFGoodrich Rock T/A: “the tyre that won the 2007 Dakar on the Mitsubishi Pajero of Luc Alphand," says BFGoodrich rally-raid tyre technician Dominique Bravy. "On the Dakar, it’s the casing that bears the brunt of the punishment and the repeated knocks tyres need to soak up. So our work focused on enhancing the strength of the Rock T/A. It’s important to realise that the cars can tip the scales at as much as 2.5 tonnes with a full tank, and individual tyres sometimes have to withstand dynamic loads of up to 3 tonnes, when landing after a jump for example. The rear tyres are also bigger and wider, which is an advantage over sand. The bigger the tyre, the more it spreads out the load," explains Dominique Bravy.
Mitsubishi will also benefit from the latest BFGoodrich-developed ‘All Terrain’ tire (245/80-16), which boasts both versatility and durability. It is ideal for the sort of mixed, hostile terrain and long competitive distances found in cross-country rallying in general, and on the 2009 Dakar in particular. The All Terrain’s characteristics and new dimension ensure low rolling resistance, as well as a more comfortable ride. It is also stronger in regard to shrugging off the risk of punctures.
