Marangoni SpA has been showing off its tire technology of late. While its winter tires feature sodium, its tuning engineers see red.
Winter tires
Marangoni Tyre, a division of the Marangoni Group, recently developed SPE (for Solid Particles Encapsulation) technology. SPE improves performance by encapsulating billions of sodium-based "microcrystals" in the compound.
The microcrystals separate in a controlled manner to create microscopic holes that, compared to its previous technology, improves grip, traction and control when braking and accelerating on snow, according to the company.
Two new 2009 winter tire lines feature SPE: the 4Winter for small and compact cars, and the 4ICE E+, a studdable tire. Marangoni also has added sizes to its Meteo HP high performance winter tire line, now 20 sizes strong.
Marangoni 4Winter. The tire was developed for small A-segment cars, such as the Citroen C1, Opel Agila, Suzuki Splash and Toyota Aygo, and compact B-segment cars such as the Citroen C3, Ford Ka, Peugeot 107, Renault Clio and VW Lupo.
It features a directional tread pattern, with three wide, longitudinal grooves. The sequence of side blocks has been optimized for low noise performance in both wet and dry conditions.
The Marangoni 4Winter will be available in nine 14- and 15-inch sizes (five are available immediately).
Marangoni 4ICE E+. The other new addition to the Marangoni 2009 range is the 4ICE E+ studdable winter tire. It also features a directional tread pattern, and has exclusive "dovetail siping" designed for maximum grip on icy roads and maximum stability on snow-covered surfaces, even at very low temperatures.
There are seven sizes of the 4ICE E+, ranging from 14 through 16 inches.
Meteo HP. Two sizes have been added to Marangoni's high performance winter tire line: 225/40R18 and 215/60R16. The 20-size lineup ranges from 195/55R15 to 225/40R18.
Marangoni's winter tires are available in Canada. The company says it is looking for distributors in the United States.
Red tires
Marangoni's interest in tuning will again be on display at the upcoming Essen Motor Show. The company will showcase special fire-red 18-inch tires on the Alfa Mito M430. (The Essen Motor Show will be held in Germany Nov. 27 through Dec. 7.)
The Italian show car will be on display at the leading European tuning shows over the remaining months of 2008 and in 2009 -- more than 10 events in all.
