Michelin North America unveiled its newest BFGoodrich UHP tire – the g-Force Sport Comp-2 – yesterday at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. 
Select media were invited to put the tire through its paces in braking, wet and dry autocross and a road course, comparing the g-Force Sport Comp-2 to competing tires from Kumho, Yokohama and Hankook. In line with the BFG brand’s target consumer – the “adrenaline junkie” – the tires were fitted to a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Chevrolet Camaro 2SS, Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen GTI for the demonstrations.
Available for purchase Apr. 1, the Comp-2 will initially launch in 46 sizes ranging from 15- to 20-inch wheel diameters. It will replace the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport, introduced in 2004. Twelve additional sizes will enter the market in September, BFG said. At its launch, the g-Force Sport Comp-2 will offer 82% market coverage, according to Andy Koury, UHP brand category manager.
“While the tread design remains the same, we simplified the sidewall for a ‘racing’ look,” Koury said. “The new g-Force Sport Comp-2 provides a sleek look and, of course, upgraded performance.”
According to the company, the new tire offers a 30% increase in wet grip and 8% improvement in dry grip compared to its predecessor. “Advancements in compounding technologies enabled us to achieve large improvements in traction in both wet and dry performances,” added Koury. “We added a high horsepower compound and also upgraded the internal tire suspension…We strengthened, optimized and evolved the suspension system to increase steering response, rigidity and control to handle the new advanced compound.”
According to the tiremaker, the 340 AAA UTQG-rated tire also features shallow shoulder blocks for better feedback at the grip limit; a solid center rib for stability at highway speeds; a hooked tread design that provides biting edges for grip at any cornering angle; and an off-set shoulder groove to maximize tread contact.
The “performance racing core” consists of an improved internal structure for increased steering response and control, a sidewall insert to support precise cornering with up to 40% higher sidewall-stiffening structure, MNA added.
The company is holding a separate launch event later this week for select tire dealers, and will also take the exhibit on a seven-stop tour to give dealers throughout the U.S. the chance to experience the g-Force Sport Comp-2, said Duane Thomas, brand communications manager. MNA will support the launch with a $50 Mastercard gift card rebate promo that will run Apr. 9 through May 7, he added.
