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Cooper launches winter range for SUVs, crossovers
By Kathy McCarron
Tire BusinessSAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (March 1, 2010)—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. launched a winter tire designed for sport-utility and crossover vehicles during a winter tire ride-and-drive for dealers and the media in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Weather-Master WSC is a studdable tire with directional tread made with a high silica compound that Cooper said makes the tire suited for all winter driving conditions. It will be offered in 10 sizes in 17- and 18-inch rim diameters for fitment on SUVs, crossovers, smaller pickup trucks and some passenger cars
The M+S-rated tire features patented circumferential snow grooves to pack and retain snow better; micro-gauge sipes to stabilize the tread element; high-silica/low-modulus tread for wet, slush and ice gripping; high modulus base to improve tread stability and handling; eight half-worn indicators; a solid center rib design; 132 stud pin locations; and enhanced sidewall aesthetics with ventless technology for a premium tire appearance.
The WSC is an improvement over the Weather-Master S/T2 for most driving conditions, according to Cooper officials, but it won’t replace the S/T2. The initial size range will be 205/50R17XL to 265/60R18. Cooper is looking at adding more sizes in 2011.
The WSC has a less-aggressive, premium-looking tread design compared with typical snow tires, according to Cooper, making it a better option “for metropolitan areas where traditional snow tires may not be ideally suited.”
Cooper did not comment on pricing. 
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