Called the Interstate Winter IWT-2, the new tyres are produced in China to a European design and intended for European conditions, and to maximise the range’s Europe-wide appeal, Interstate will release the Winter IWT-2 in two silica compound variations, a softer compound for Nordic regions and a firmer ‘West European’ compound.
Being designed with winter conditions in mind, the range feature three-dimensional sipes on both the inner and outer shoulders, and these sipes are laid out in an interlocking format that prevent the sipes from sticking to each other when subjected to lateral forces, thus increasing dry road stability and handling while providing grip in snow and ice conditions. The centre tread is laid out in a v-shaped pattern, which Interstate claims serves to direct water from the tread area into the wide circumferential grooves positioned on either side of the centre tread.
This new range complements Interstate’s existing range of summer tyres, the Touring IST-1 and the Sport IXT-1. Eight sizes between and 14 and 17 inches will be included in the initial Interstate Winter IWT-2 lineup.
