New GT Radial Ultra High Performance Tire Debuts at Firebird

LOS ANGELES, August 18, 2010: A new star performer in the GT Radial roster of ultra high performance tires - the GT Radial Champiro HPY - was turning heads recently at Firebird Raceway near Phoenix and will be getting the attention of drivers across America who want to combine performance with value.

“We believe the GT Radial Champiro HPY is the right tire at the right time for drivers looking for value in this economy but not wanting to sacrifice the performance of their sports cars”

Available in 17 sizes (35 to 50 series) for 17 to 20-inch wheels, the Y-speed-rated GT Radial Champiro HPY is designed to deliver outstanding cornering and traction capabilities for today's sports cars without breaking the wallet. Eleven additional sizes will be introduced in the first quarter of 2011, including some 55 series sizes. The GT Radial Champiro HPY fits many of today's most popular sports cars.

"We believe the GT Radial Champiro HPY is the right tire at the right time for drivers looking for value in this economy but not wanting to sacrifice the performance of their sports cars," said Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI Tire USA, a subsidiary of GITI Tire which manufactures GT Radial tires for worldwide distribution.

A select group of GT Radial dealers experienced the GT Radial Champiro HPY tires first-hand at Firebird Raceway. The new tire features an asymmetric tread pattern design consisting of an inner and outer shoulder area. The open inner shoulder has continuous lateral grooves which disperse water efficiently, providing excellent protection from aquaplaning. The compact outer shoulder ensures optimum road contact and excellent cornering stability. The asymmetric tread design also minimizes noise levels at high speeds.

Additionally, the GT Radial Champiro HPY has a solid center rib for straight line stability and steering response, as well as a full silica tread compound for enhancing grip on wet surfaces.

The GT Radial Champiro 228 performance touring tire was also showcased. While the GT Radial Champiro HPY satisfies the "need for speed," the GT Radial Champiro 228 is designed for low noise and comfort, as well as low rolling resistance for enhanced fuel economy and extraordinary grip in wet and dry conditions.

Available in 15 sizes (50 to 65 series) for 16- and 17-inch wheels, the GT Radial Champiro 228 is available in H and V speed ratings for a wide range of performance touring vehicles.

GITI Tire USA is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. For more information, visit www.gtradial-us.com.