Gates chose this year’s Automechanika, to launch its new advanced multi-ribbed belt called Micro-V Horizon.

With its distinctive blue stripe, the all-new Micro-V Horizon belt has been engineered to outclass its OE and aftermarket rivals. Its product design specification, guarantees silent running, as well as greater levels of friction stability and flexibility than ever before. The launch of the Micro-V Horizon multi-ribbed belt marks a milestone in automotive belt innovation for Gates.

Lidia Garcia, Product Engineer at Gates says: “..Engineered using the latest materials and compounds, we have rigorously tested the Micro-V Horizon belt to meet the demands of today’s powerful downsized engines.  Silent running together, with improved levels of flexibility, makes this belt a great example of progressive engineering from Gates - in fact we believe our new belt is arguably the world’s most advanced belt ever made”.

Features & Benefits
The Micro-V Horizon belt features a fibre-loaded compound to mitigate noise; its optimal profile and thickness, ensures belt stability is increased and slip minimized, whilst the polyester tensile cords prevent elongation and are flex-fatigue resistant. The new construction ensures that the belt is ideal for smaller pulleys and the shorter span lengths, typical of today’s compact powerful engines.

Achieving a high level of durability was also a key consideration in the product development process. Vega Colom, who heads up Gates’ engineering product development team reports: “Not surprisingly, given the current economic climate, the automotive industry places strong emphasis on durability – so for us at Gates, achieving the required level of parts durability was a key consideration during the product development process”.

Vega Colom explains further: “The Micro-V Horizon uses a fibre-reinforced EPDM compound, for guaranteed optimum performance under high and low temperature conditions.  EPDM is also excellent at protecting against pilling, oil drops and ozone damage.  And we’ve used polyester tensile cords, for high load-carrying capacity at high tensions.”

The introduction of the Micro-V Horizon will be supported by a dedicated after-sales programme, which includes up-to-date cataloguing, tools, technical documents and training, along with comprehensive troubleshooting guides.