Tyre KO for supercars

Ultra-wide high-performance tyres could be axed under new European laws – and it may spell disaster for fast cars!

The European Commission plans to restrict tyre rolling resistance to 10.5kg per tonne by 2014, in a bid to cut vehicle CO2 emissions by five per cent.

Currently only half the tyres on sale would comply. But with advances in technology, by 2012 just the fastest cars would face the chop, as big rubber is needed to cope with their power. The law would see tyre resistance reduced to 12kg/tonne in 2012, and then 10.5kg/tonne in 2014.

Five models facing axe

Model / Tyre width
Bugatti Veyron / 365mm
Ferrari Enzo / 345mm
Lamborghini Murciélago / 335mm
Porsche Carrera GT / 335mm
Maserati MC12 / 325mm