Pirelli Tire North America and Hankook Tire America Corp. introduced 26-inch tires at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas last week.
Pirelli´s 26-inch Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico, size 315/40VR26 XL, will be available in January 2005. It is aimed squarely at the SUV and sport truck markets.
The tire, which features Pirelli’s exclusive "Double Z" tread design, has a load-rating of 120. It will be produced in the company´s MIRS (Modular Integrated Robotized System) manufacturing plant in Rome, Ga.
Along with the 26-inch size, Pirelli is adding three 22-inch sizes to the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico line: P275/45R22 XL, 285/30ZR22 XL and 335/25ZR22 XL.
Hankook´s Ventus ST will be available in two 26-inch sizes, including 305/30R26 110V, in January. The company also is seriously considering adding a 28-inch size to the line.
Bill Bainbridge, Hankook´s marketing director, says the size 325/35VR28 tire is in the final design stage. It has a load rating of 120, and will "certainly have a limited application."
