G-FORCE RIVAL S 1.5
The g-Force Rival S 1.5 is BFGoodrich's Extreme Performance Summer tire developed for sports car, performance sedan and sports coupe driving enthusiasts who want their tires tuned to lower their run times in solo, autocross, time attack and hill climb events. The g-Force Rival S 1.5 is designed to raise the limits by delivering extreme grip that's extremely predictable, with improved handling response over its predecessor. However, like all Extreme Performance Summer tires, it is not intended to be serviced, stored nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
A further evolution of the BFGoodrich Rival S, the Rival S 1.5 features an updated construction process aimed at increasing the steering precision and transitional response often demanded by the drivers of smaller, lighter vehicles. The Rival S 1.5 features the same tread compound as its predecessor, which is designed to offer maximum dry and improved wet grip, as well as offer quicker warm-up in competition conditions, yet continues to earn a 200 Treadwear rating in Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) testing. This silica-infused compound is molded into an asymmetric, three-rib tread design. Large, solid outboard tread blocks and BFGoodrich's Extreme Tread Edge (ETE) shoulder design wraps the tread compound farther down the sidewalls for predictable feedback and maximum cornering grip from start to finish. Lateral groove draft angles promote consistent performance and wear, while chamfered block edges resist feathering under extreme cornering and braking.
The tire's internal structure features BFGoodrich's Performance Racing Core reinforced internal structure that reduces flex to increase steering response. The tread is stabilized by twin steel belts and an Equal TEnsion Containment System (ETEC System) of spirally wrapped nylon to optimize the tire's contact patch and traction at speed. g-Control sidewall inserts tune the sidewall stiffening to promote steering response.
Since the sidewall of the Rival S 1.5 is not branded with the "1.5" nomenclature, the easiest way to differentiate between the two versions of the g-Force Rival S is by using the speed rating branded on the sidewall. All Rival S tires feature a W-speed rating, while the Rival S 1.5 tires are V-speed rated. Additionally, the tires can be identified by the Sizing System. All Rival S tires are P-metric, so the tire size will always begin with a "P" (P245/40R18, for example). The Rival S 1.5 tires are all Euro-metric, so their tire size will start with a number (245/40R18).
Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.
Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Extreme Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. While compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.