The new Terra Grappler G2 and the Exo Grappler AWT bring a tread wear warranty and severe snow service certification to the Grappler line of all-terrain tires from Nitto Tire USA Inc.
The Terra Grappler G2 light truck and SUV tire is the first Nitto all-terrain product to be backed with a mileage warranty. The tire uses a new rubber compound unique to Nitto’s current Grappler line to significantly improve tread wear. The limited tread wear warranty for the Terra Grappler G2 covers 50,000 miles for LT-metric sizes and 65,000 miles for hard-metric fitments.
Although the G2 visually resembles the original Terra Grappler, the tire has been re-engineered inside and out, according to Nitto. Coupling joints between the outer and center tread blocks are reinforced to increase block rigidity to promote even wear across the tread.
Full depth siping is a new feature that helps maintain the appearance of the tread design as the tire wears. Wet traction is also augmented by continuous lateral grooves, which help expel water and also decrease braking distances.
To minimize the highway hum inherent in some aggressive tires, Nitto gave the Terra Grappler G2 noise-canceling variable-pitch tread blocks. Handling is improved both on- and off-road with balanced void ratios. For uneven terrain off-road, traction is improved by alternating “hill and valley” shoulder blocks to create more biting edges.
One signature Grappler feature that carries over to the Terra Grappler G2 is bold sidewall designs that are different on each side. The company says one G2 sidewall pays homage to the original Terra Grappler with a thunderbolt pattern, though the G2 version is raised to look more aggressive than the original. The G2’s flipside has a “blade” design, which integrates the sidewall lugs and shoulder tread blocks.
Stephen Leu, assistant manager, brand publishing-digital for Nitto, says one of the most compelling selling points of the G2 is the mileage warranty.
“To have that kind of mileage warranty on a true all-terrain product that delivers that an excellent balance of on- and off-road performance is something that’s very unique. A lot of all-terrain purchasers never see a trace of off-road. They really focus on street driving and really care about the appearance of their tires.
"On that end, two features incorporated in the Terra Grappler G2 will really help out. The full depth sipes have an aesthetic benefit meaning that as the tire wears down the sipe patterns will still be there so the appearance of the tire will not change. The other feature is the dual sidewalls.It doesn’t get more visual than that. The dual sidewalls allow them to have a choice between a more conservative type versus a more aggressive, radical type.”
The Terra Grappler G2, which is the second generation of Nitto’s Terra Grappler tire, is available in both OE-replacement and plus-size fitments covering everything from standard SUV applications to leveled and lifted pickups. The Terra Grappler G2 will launch on Oct. 1, 2014, with 20 sizes, and ultimately be available in 55 sizes for 17-, 18-, 20- and 22-inch fitments.
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Terra Grappler G2 sizes to launch on Oct. 1 are:
265/65R17 116T XL
285/70R17 116T
275/65R18 116T XL
305/60R18 116S XL
265/50R20 111S XL
LT265/70R17 E 121S
LT285/75R17 E 121S
LT275/70R18 E 125S
LT325/60R18 E 124S
LT285/55R20 E 122S
265/70R17 115T
LT305/70R17 E 121R
LT285/60R18 E 122S
LT325/65R18 E 127R
305/50R20 120S XL
LT285/70R17 E 121S
LT275/65R18 E 123S
285/60R18 120S XL
35x12.50R18LT E 123R
35x12.50R20LT E 121R
The new Exo Grappler AWT delivers year-round traction for trucks and SUVs on and off the road, according to Nitto. Designed to deliver consistent traction on dirt trails, gravel and farmland, the Exo Grappler AWT provides driving comfort when cruising at highway speeds. A new chip-resistant all-weather compound, three-ply sidewall construction and large, thick sidewall lugs contribute to superior puncture resistance.
The tire is certified for severe snow conditions and bears the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake winter tire emblem. Aside from dedicated winter tires, it is the only tire certified for severe snow service in Nitto’s lineup.
Nitto says the a number of advanced technologies give the Exo Grappler superior off-road and on-road capabilities, even in freezing temperatures. Off road, its staggered shoulder blocks provide increased traction in loose dirt while the integrated stone ejectors reduce stone retention and drilling.
Additionally, the tire’s three-ply sidewalls with large sidewall lugs add strength and guard against unwanted punctures. On pavement, the Exo’s gear-shaped block edges work to reinforce the tread blocks and provide a more stable contact patch for better control and the computer-designed variable-pitch tread blocks reduce tire noise at highways speeds.
The studdable tire uses a new rubber compound that is a mix of natural rubber, high-strength polymers and wear-resistant materials. The compound adds durability and allows for traction in freezing temperatures. Specially designed sipes also help create better biting edges and water evacuation on icy surfaces while the tire’s large lateral groves help evacuate snow and slush. The tire also has molded stud holes that are compatible with TSMI #15 sized studs.
The Exo Grappler is aimed at consumers who drive on the highway but have significant recreational, utility or agricultural off road uses, as well as people who want winter traction. Off-road gravel driving conditions found in mining, oil and shale fields and refineries served as a benchmark in developing the tire’s durability and function. But the tire is not limited to heavy-use applications. Leu says the Exo Grappler fills a dealer’s product screen in multiple ways beyond heavy-use applications.
“There are some of the more traditionalists that want the all-terrain as it exists today with better tread wear. But some of the more aggressive enthusiasts are looking for something more aggressive than all terrain but not as crazy aggressive as mud terrain, and I think the Exo Grappler is a nice unique fit between those two zones.”
Exo Grappler AWT tires are available in 11 sizes in the 17-, 18- and 20-inch diameters. Sizes available now are:
LT235/80R17 E 120Q
LT275/70R18 E 125Q
LT275/65R18 E 123Q
LT305/55R20 E 121Q
LT275/65R20 E 126Q
LT265/70R17 E 121Q
LT245/75R17 E 121Q
LT285/70R17 E 121Q
Sizes available Oct. 1 are:
35x12.50R17LT E 121Q
35x12.50R18LT E 123Q
35x12.50R20LTE 121Q
For more information on the new products, visit www.nittotire.com.
