original equipment

Yokohama Rubber is supplying approved original equipment Yokohama Advan Sport V107 tyres for the BMW X7 and the plug-in hybrid BMW XM. For these SUVs, Yokohama Rubber offers three size combinations: HL275/35R23 108Y (front) and HL315/30R23 111Y (rear) for both the BMW X7 and BMW XM, as well as 275/45R21 110Y (front) and 315/40R21 115Y (rear), and 275/40R22 107Y (front) and 315/35R22 111Y (rear) specifically for the BMW XM.

Alpine worked together with Michelin to develop tailored tyres for its A110, and the two firms are partnering again on fitments for the future electric models of the ‘Alpine Dream Garage’, beginning with the A290. Alpine says that after two years of research, testing and development with Michelin, it will offer three specific 19-inch tyres for its upcoming A290. The two summer tyres and one winter model will feature an exclusive marking that Alpine created for its planned electric range.

Continental is supplying the original tyres to the BMW’s latest 5 Series models, including the all-electric i5. The tyre manufacturer will supply the SportContact 7 for sporty driving, the energy efficient EcoContact 6 Q summer tyre, and the WinterContact TS 860 S winter tyre. The award-winning SportContact 7, WhatTyre’s 2023 Supersports Tyre of the Year and 2022 Tyre of the Year, offers incredible handling and short braking distances. It is also the winner of a wide variety of independent tyre tests conducted in Europe, demonstrating its ultra-high performance.

Hyundai has given its Ioniq 5 the ‘N’ treatment and yesterday announced UK specifications, pricing and technical information. Buyers of this performance-oriented model will receive a car whose electric motors spin up to 21,000 rpm and provide as much as 609PS in normal conditions or 650 PS when N Grin Boost (NGB) is engaged. The 0-62 mph time is an impressive 3.4 seconds and top speed 161mph. The Ioniq 5 N brings this performance to the road via Pirelli tyres.

France’s best-selling car is also a vehicle that has sold over 1.1 million units in the UK during the last 33 years. Renault has now facelifted the fifth-generation Clio to give it a “bold, fresh style and added sportiness.” The freshened model is available in the UK in three trim levels, Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. These are distinguishable by their wheels, for which two tyre sizes and three tyre brands are original equipment.

Deliveries of the latest BMW 5 Series will begin any time now. UK-spec M Sport versions of the eighth-generation G60/G61/G68 model come with 19” alloy wheels as standard equipment, while the M Sport Pro receives 20” alloys. BMW UK says the enlarged diameter over its predecessor’s rims gives the new 5 Series an “even more sporty presence.” Buyers can choose optional 20” & 21” alloy wheels for all versions, and the BMW list of approved rims and tyres for the G60 also includes an 18” fitment.

Yet another crossover enters the fray in the shape of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which in UK spec is exclusively available as a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid model. Continental tells us that it is supplying tyres for vehicles equipped with 18-inch rims, as well as a 17-inch tyre for markets where that rim size is offered. Alfa Romeo will fit the Continental EcoContact 6 to Tonale models built at its Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Naples, Italy in sizes 215/60 R 17 96V and 235/50 R 18 97V.

Brabus is equipping the most powerful car in its range with Continental tyres. The tuning firm has selected Continental SportContact 7 tyres as exclusive fitment for the Brabus 930 and will fit these in the front wheel size 275/35 ZR 21 and rear dimension 335/25 ZR 22.

Aston Martin aims to “create the world’s most thrilling and highly desirable electric performance cars” and says its upcoming BEV models will feature P Zero tyres and Pirelli Cyber Tyre. But it is not planning to depart the combustion engine stage quietly, and in celebration of its 110th anniversary has revealed the Michelin-equipped V12 Valour.