The latest Falken ultra high performance tyre was in fact on sale locally for the past three months ahead of its launch. It replaces the FK453.
Available in 88 sizes from 17 to 22-inch, prices of the FK510 starts at RM400 but prices could drop as the tyre market is highly competitive.
Produced in Japan, the FK510 is meant for passenger cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with 2.0-litre engines or higher.
Those looking for the SUV and run-flat versions of the FK510 will have to wait until next year, said Stamford Tyres (M) Sdn Bhd CEO Cham Soon Kian.
According to Cham, the FK510 has similar wet performance as the FK453 but has superior comfort and quietness.
Sumitomo Rubber Asia Tyre Pte Ltd managing director Satoru Ushida said the flagship tyre is targeted at people who drive powerful cars, and who are likely to be choosy about tyres.
Cham (left) and Ushida posing with the FK510 in a Shah Alam hotel today.
"Such drivers would like to have good cornering with high stability, and also good grip on both wet and dry roads."
The FK510 has been available in other markets for some time now.
Since its European introduction in March 2016, the FK510 has received top ratings from German car magazine Autozeitung. The German Agency for Technical Cooperation also issued a "Highly Recommended" rating.
The FK510 has "blade sipes" to reduce instances of aquaplaning. Several small incisions in the tread bar optimises the contact area of the tyre when steering and allows more efficient penetration of standing water on the road.
The tyre is equipped with Adaptive Constant Pressure (ACP) technology, and has a tyre tread that maximises consistent pressure distribution across the contact patch. The ACP tread increases braking performance, directional stability and overall driving dynamics.
In addition to its excellent braking properties on wet surfaces, the FK510 is also characterised by long service life. Thanks to 4D Nano Design Technology, Falken engineers were able to develop an innovative rubber compound for the FK510, which provides improved wear life in addition to enhanced grip.
READ MORE: Falken Azenis FK510 demo and experience on Aug 6
The FK510 in 20-inch size.
