Mickey Thompson will release an off-road tire with a retro design
Mickey Thompson unveiled two new tires at the SEMA show, and one of them caught the special attention of tuning enthusiasts, as its design was inspired by the Baja Belted pattern - "one of the most legendary off-road tires in history", on which the company's founder, Mickey Thompson, won the Baja 1000 desert race in 1982.
As stated by Ben Anderson, senior manager of MT, responsible for the off-road tire segment, "the original Baja Belted was not just a tire: it was a revolution". "The tire had one of the most recognizable patterns of its time and proved that it could handle the toughest conditions," he added. "Mickey Thompson's victory in the Baja 1000 secured its place in off-road racing history, and now we're bringing the legend back to life."
The new tire, called Mickey Thompson Baja Belted II, combines a vintage design with modern technology and features a radial construction with a metal cord breaker in some sizes, which improves handling and reduces tire deformity under load, while the tread pattern has been optimized for improved ride smoothness, reduced wear, and lower noise levels. Additionally, large side lugs of varying heights improve off-road capability while also providing additional sidewall protection, a wide contact patch enhances traction on loose surfaces, and a non-directional tread pattern simplifies tire rotation. In some sizes, the lettering is in a classic style, i.e., in black with a white outline.
The tires will hit the market next spring in sizes with a rim diameter of 15 to 30 inches and will be primarily designed for owners of modified off-road vehicles and pickups, including lifted ones.
The second novelty is the Mickey Thompson Street Comp GHT passenger tire, which belongs to the UUHP (Ultra Ultra High Performance) category and is designed for powerful American muscle cars, both classic and modern. Its release indicates that the company is resuming investments in the street tire segment and "gives a clear signal of where the brand is headed". According to John McDonough, senior manager of MT, responsible for development in this sector, "Street Comp GHT is not just a new product, as it showcases our latest technologies and gives an idea of the future of Mickey Thompson".
For Street Comp GHT, a new rubber compound and reinforced construction have been developed, which are designed to ensure reliable grip on the road, as well as stable handling in any situation, including at high speeds. The compound includes silica and a special resin that increases grip on wet surfaces, while the aggressive tread pattern is designed for quick water evacuation and improved stability on dry asphalt, as well as reduced noise. The lightweight internal structure also improves handling sensitivity. Additionally, the aerodynamic qualities of the tires have been improved, which reduces fuel consumption, although in this segment, the factor of economy is unlikely to play a significant role.
The tires will also go on sale next spring, and initially, the lineup will be small, as only key sizes will be released.