New BMW iX3
The new BMW iX3 becomes the first production model built on BMW’s highly anticipated Neue Klasse EV architecture, with Pirelli engineering two separate tyre concepts to suit different driving priorities.
The first fitment is a dedicated fifth-generation P Zero focused on sporty handling, steering precision and high-speed stability. Developed to cope with the instant torque delivery of modern EV drivetrains, the tyre uses an AI-developed compound and an optimised structure designed to maintain grip and braking performance under heavy acceleration loads.
Alongside it sits the more efficiency-focused P Zero E, a tyre designed around Pirelli’s “eco-safety” strategy. The P Zero E contains more than 55 per cent natural and recycled materials while also achieving a rare triple-A European tyre label rating for rolling resistance, wet braking and external noise.
Both tyres incorporate Pirelli’s Elect technology, specifically developed for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The technology package focuses on reducing rolling resistance to improve driving range, lowering cabin noise and enhancing tyre durability under the increased weight and torque demands of EVs.
For the BMW iX3 range, Pirelli confirmed:
- 20-inch all-round fitments for the P Zero
- 21-inch staggered fitments – Yokohama Advan Sport V107 and Pirelli P Zero
- 255/40R21 102Y
- 275/40R21 107Y
- 22-inch staggered P Zero E fitments:
- Front: 255/35R22
- Rear: 275/35R22
All tyres carry BMW’s “star marking” homologation on the sidewall, identifying them as OE-approved tyres engineered specifically for BMW applications.
Maserati MCPURA
Maserati has unveiled the new Maserati MCPURA at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, introducing the next evolution of the brand’s mid-engine super sports car platform following the MC20.
Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo Nettuno V6 producing 630 CV, the MCPURA is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in under 2.9 seconds, placing enormous demands on its tyre package. To support the car’s dynamic capabilities, Bridgestone has been named the exclusive tyre partner for the new model, developing a bespoke version of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport specifically for the MCPURA.
The tailor-made tyres were engineered using Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development technology and predictive simulation tools, allowing engineers to optimise the tyre design early in the development phase before extensive on-track validation. According to Bridgestone, the custom asymmetric tread pattern, carcass construction and compound package were all designed to maximise steering precision, cornering stability and high-speed control under extreme lateral loads.
The OE fitment features a staggered 20-inch setup consisting of:
- Front: 245/35 ZR20 95Y Potenza Sport
- Rear: 305/30 ZR20 103Y Potenza Sport
Both tyres carry Maserati’s exclusive “MGT” sidewall marking, identifying them as manufacturer-approved fitments specifically homologated for the MCPURA.
Falken Australia Expands Wildpeak A/T4W All-Terrain Tyre Range
Falken Australia has expanded its popular Wildpeak A/T4W all-terrain tyre range with a number of new sizes aimed at Australia’s growing 4×4, touring and large American pickup market.
The latest additions include new 16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch and 20-inch fitments, with a strong focus on LT (Light Truck) construction sizes designed for heavier-duty applications, towing and off-road touring.
Among the newly added sizes are:
285/50R20 116T
205R16C 110/108R
LT245/70R16 113/110Q
LT265/70R16 117/114Q
LT225/70R17 110/107S
LT275/70R17 124/121R
LT285/65R17 121/118S
LT285/60R18 118/115S
265/50R20 111T
LT295/65R20 129S
The expansion highlights the continued growth of Australia’s dual-cab ute and off-road touring market, where demand for larger diameter wheels and higher load-rated tyres continues to increase. The addition of several LT-specification sizes is particularly relevant for drivers carrying heavy loads, towing caravans or regularly travelling on rough regional roads.
Falken’s Wildpeak A/T4W has quickly built a reputation as a serious all-terrain tyre option, combining aggressive off-road styling with a tread design intended to maintain everyday road comfort and wet-weather usability.
The new 20-inch additions are also notable, reflecting the shift toward factory-fitted larger wheel packages on modern utes and SUVs such as the Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado and RAM pickup range.
For Australian consumers, the range expansion also improves access to more niche fitments that previously may have had limited availability in the market.
Exclusive BRABUS BODO Supercar
Continental has unveiled a new ultra-high-performance tyre variant, the SportContact 7 Force, making its debut as the exclusive original equipment fitment for the limited-edition BRABUS BODO supercar.
This is not a car the average Australian will own, but it certainly is a car most car loving Australians would stop and admire.
The new tyre builds on the already highly regarded SportContact 7 platform, a tyre that has established a strong reputation globally for its balance of dry grip, wet braking and everyday usability in the ultra-high-performance segment.
The BRABUS BODO is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.5-litre V8 producing 735 kW (1,000 hp) and 1,820 Nm of torque, with output electronically limited to 1,620 Nm for road use. Based on the Mercedes-AMG GT platform, the supercar can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed exceeding 320 km/h.
Front: 275/35 ZR 21 (103Y) XL FR SportContact 7 Force BB
Rear: 325/30 ZR 21 (108Y) XL FR SportContact 7 Force BB
Continental is the first manufacturer to carry the OE marking “BB” on tyres for Brabus cars.
The BRABUS BODO itself will be limited to just 77 vehicles globally, making the SportContact 7 Force one of the more exclusive OE tyre developments of 2026 so far.
Hankook Named Control Tyre Supplier for Australia’s APCES Endurance Series
Hankook has been appointed the official control tyre supplier for the 2026–2027 Australian Production Car Endurance Series, strengthening the brand’s presence in Australian motorsport.
The newly launched APCES championship has been created through a collaboration between the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club and Motorsport Australia, continuing Australia’s production car racing legacy.
For the 2026–2027 season, Hankook will exclusively supply the Ventus TD Z221 R-Spec to all competing teams, working alongside official trackside supplier Gary’s Motorsport Tyres. The control tyre format means every vehicle runs tyres of identical specification and performance, creating consistent racing conditions across the field.
The Hankook Ventus TD Z221 R-Spec is a semi-slick circuit tyre developed for high-performance racing. According to Hankook, the tyre uses an optimised tread pattern and advanced compound technology to deliver strong dry grip, stable cornering, effective braking performance, and heat resistance during prolonged high-speed driving.
The APCES season begins at Sydney Motorsport Park on 30–31 May 2026, before moving to other major Australian circuits including Sandown International Raceway and Queensland Raceway. The final round will be held in March 2027 at Mount Panorama as part of the Bathurst 6 Hour, where the overall series champion will be decided.
