New regulations in Europe could outlaw ultra-wide high-performance tires and it may be catastrophic for fast cars! There is a plan by the European Commission to limit tire rolling resistance to 10.5kg per ton by the year 2014, in an attempt to reduce vehicular emissions of CO2 by 5%. At present, only half of the tires on sale would meet the terms of the new law.
The law would like to reduce tire resistance to 12 kg/ton by 2012, and then 10.5kg/ton two years later in 2014. Since faster cars require larger rubber to accommodate their power, these will be the first to face the restrictions in 2012. To make yourself an idea about what tires supercars use, take a look at this list: Bugatti Veyron / 365mm; Ferrari Enzo / 345mm; Lamborghini Murcielago / 335mm; Porsche Carrera GT / 335mm; Maserati MC12 / 325mm.
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