Nexen releases new sports tires with increased durability

Nexen Tire has revealed details about its new summer tires, the Nexen N’Fera Primus UX, in the UHP category, which will initially be available in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, and will later help the company strengthen its position in the global secondary market.

Unlike some other tire manufacturers that have separate lines for electric vehicles, Nexen follows the One Universal Fit approach and produces tires designed to work optimally on vehicles with any powertrains. The fact that the N’Fera Primus UX was designed with electric vehicles in mind is indicated by the EV Root marking on the sidewalls.

Since electric motors increase the weight of cars, the new Nexen tires have a construction with a reinforced shielding layer of the breaker (located under the tread), which reduces deformation when driving at high speeds. This provides stable handling when used on both electric vehicles and other heavy vehicles, such as large crossovers.

The micro-groove walls have beveled edges that increase the contact patch under load and also improve handling characteristics. Additionally, this solution increases the effectiveness of shock absorption when the tire comes into contact with the road, reducing vibrations and noise, making the ride more comfortable.

To make the tires economical and durable, the rubber compound includes functional butadiene-styrene rubber of solution polymerization (SSBR), and the high dispersity of the compound elements reduces energy losses and further reduces rolling resistance. Additionally, the optimized arrangement of the lamellae and transverse grooves makes the distribution of pressure and wear more even.

Aerodynamics were also taken into account, and the tires have sidewalls with a smooth surface that reduces air turbulence around the wheel and improves energy efficiency.

Compared to the previous generation tires — Nexen N’Fera SU1 — the service life has been increased by 20%, while the treadwear index has grown from 300 to 360. The shoulder blocks also feature wear indicators in the form of a twisted arrow, which signal when the tire needs to be replaced.

It is the increased service life that primarily distinguishes the new tire from its predecessor, but other parameters, such as dry road braking efficiency, have also been improved.

Thanks to the optimization of the distribution of silica particles and other fillers in the rubber compound, the grip has been strengthened, and the contact patch area has been increased by 3.3%, which improves handling and reduces braking distance.

Between the blocks, there are bridges that reduce their movement and increase stability, including at high speeds or during emergency maneuvers.

In the upper part of the sidewalls, there are recesses that form the letter N, and this is not just a decorative element, as they dissipate heat and stabilize the tire's characteristics at high speeds and during prolonged operation.

The tires have entered the Korean market in more than 40 sizes with diameters from 17 to 22 inches and speed indices up to Y (allowing use at 300 km/h).