Azenis FK510 debuts
THE new Falken Azenis FK510 ultra high performance tyre was launched recently, and offers outstanding wet and dry handling, lower road noise levels and shorter wet braking distances.
Produced in Japan, it is aimed at passenger cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with 2.0-litre engines or higher, and is available in 88 sizes ranging from 17-to 22-inch.
Prices start from RM400 and it replaces the Azenis FK453.
Stamford Tyres (M) Sdn Bhd CEO Cham Soon Kian said the FK510 has similar wet performance as the FK453 but gets superior comfort and quietness.
The local Falken tyre distributor also plans to release a run flat variant of the FK510 next year.
The FK510 was designed by Falken engineers using 4D Nano design tread compound, which optimises new high-performance compounds that enhance both wear and wet weather traction.
The new tyre also features Tension Control Technology, which is a proprietary casing mold shape that provides a more flexible middle sidewall area to absorb shock while providing better handling.
The FK510 also has an Adaptive Constant Pressure (ACP) pattern design, which provides enhanced tyre tread to road surface pressure distribution, thus improving both directional stability and vehicle-stopping distances.
Meanwhile, the tyre’s wide shoulder blocks enhance high-speed cornering and lateral grip while its four circumferential grooves efficiently disperse water and enhance hydroplane resistance.
Stamford Tyres also organised a tyre performance session at an open tarmac next to the Shah Alam Stadium, featuring a few Honda Accord cars fitted with the older FK453 ultra-high performance tyre, a competitor tyre and the FK510.
To check out the characteristics of the three tyres, media members were driven by experienced instructors on a cone-filled slalom run at about 40kph, followed by a wet braking test at 60kph and finally, a quick drive on public roads around the Shah Alam Stadium.
The FK510 was easily the more outstanding among the three tyres in terms of cornering grip, shorter braking distances in the wet as well as a quieter ride.