Michelin North America Inc. has released 16 new sizes of the BFGoodrich brand All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire.
The tire, which was launched with 12 initial sizes in November, is now available in 28 sizes. An additional release will occur this summer and ultimately there will be 61 total sizes available.
The company says the KO2’s three key features are:
1. Tougher sidewalls: The KO2 CoreGard technology developed in the Baja T/A KR2 for split and bruise-resistant sidewall rubber and a thicker, extended shoulder to prevent sidewall failures. Computer modeling was used to predict object paths and create a sidewall designed to deflect protruding objects, reducing the chances of splits and snags. Compared to the current KO tire, the new KO2 is up to 20% stronger in this critical off-road performance area.
2. Longer treadlife: The KO2 has a new tread design and rubber formulation that helps it last twice as long on gravel and 15% longer on asphalt than its predecessor tire. The tread rubber has been optimally blended to reduce chips and tears on gravel. A new footprint shape and interlocking tread design provide more uniform wear over the long haul. Special stone ejectors push objects out of the tread to reduce drilling into the tire.
3. Aggressive traction: The KO2 also provides better mud and snow traction. The improvements include 10% greater traction in the mud compared to the previous-generation KO tire. Side-Biter lugs in the sidewall improve traction in mud, snow and rocks. Raised bars in the shoulder help release compacted mud for better traction in soft soil. 3-D sipes create biting edges for better snow traction.
The KO2 is an all-season tire that carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol.
The KO2 fits a range of vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota and Nissan pick-up trucks and SUVs as well as Plus Fitments for a wide variety of vehicles. The MSRP for the tire starts at $222. Additional sizes will be released in 2015.
Tire sizes available as of March 1:
* 37X12.50R17 LT 124R LRD
* LT275/65R20 126/123S LRE
* LT275/70R18 125/122R LRE
* LT285/70R17 121/118R LRE
* LT305/70R16 124/121R LRE
* LT325/65R18 127/124R LRE
* 34X10.50R17 LT 120R LRD
* 35X12.50R17 LT 121R LRE
* LT265/70R17 112/109S LRC
* LT265/70R17 121/118S LRE
Tire sizes available as of April 15:
* LT225/75R16 115/112S LRE
* LT235/85R16 120/116S LRE
* LT265/65R18 122/119R LRE
* LT275/70R16 119/116S LRD
* 30X9.50R15 LT 104S LRC
* LT215/65R16 103/100S LRD
For more information, visit www.BFGoodrichTires.com.
