Continental 4×4 Tires Approved for Speeds of Up to 300 km/h
March 12th, 2008Continental’s comprehensive range of SUV tires has been further expanded again this season. The leading German tire manufacturer now carries no fewer than six summer tire models for 4×4 vehicles. Many 4×4 manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen, have already issued original equipment releases. Continental has 60 new sizes for 4×4 cars, SUVs and crossovers this year, with releases issued for speeds of up to 300 km/h.
The ContiCrossContact UHP
ContiCrossContact UHP (Image: Continental)
With the ContiCrossContact UHP, Continental has a special tire in its range for especially powerful 4×4 vehicles. Its performance characteristics – including short braking distances and enhanced cornering stability – are geared specifically to the requirements of vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5. To satisfy special tire fitment requirements this tire type is also available in a 23- and 24-inch version. It thus covers the lion’s share of retrofitting and tuning requirements in the speed classes V, W, Y and Z (for speeds in excess of 210 km/h to more than 300 km/h). This tire type has already managed 330 km/h under controlled conditions in a high-speed event at the Nardo Ring.
The Conti4×4Contact, Conti4×4SportContact and ContiTrac SUV
The Conti4×4Contact offers excellent traction on the road and on easily navigable terrain. The tire guarantees short braking distances, prompt steering response and a high degree of directional stability. The staggered tread blocks generate extremely minimal noise, while the tire’s wide longitudinal and transverse tread grooves greatly reduce the risk of aquaplaning. The Conti4×4Contact is admirably suited to fitting compact and standard-size SUVs and crossovers (COVs).
Continental recommends the Conti4×4SportContact for fast and powerful all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its asymmetrically patterned tread with compact outer shoulder area ensures superb cornering stability. And its wide tread grooves efficiently expel water from the tire on rain-slicked roads. The tread blocks are staggered for a quieter roll. The Conti4×4SportContact is factory-mounted on the Porsche Cayenne and other vehicles.
With its computer-optimized tread pattern, the ContiTrac SUV gives medium to heavy 4WD vehicles good grip on the road and on easily navigable terrain. It is geared especially to the size and weight of standard-size and heavy SUVs and crossovers. The tire’s characteristics features are good handling, high mileage performance and minimal rolling noise. What’s more, the tire’s sidewalls are reinforced to provide them high protection from potential damage. The ContiTrac SUV is available in a wide range of sizes for 15- to 17-inch rims. Various models are optionally available with outline white lettered (OWL) tires.
The ContiCrossContact AT
The ContiCrossContact AT has been developed to meet the demand of drivers who intend to use their 4×4 vehicles off-road but still want a comfortable margin of safety in road traffic. The new ContiCrossContact AT’s open shoulder gives it good handling characteristics on rugged terrain. The tire not only bites into loose terrain but also provides safe cornering performance when the going gets rough. The sturdy tread compound prevents the tire from being damaged or notched when used off-road and extends its service life. White sidewall lettering is an option for most ContiCrossContact AT sizes.
The ContiCrossContact LX
With its open outer shoulder, the asymmetric ContiCrossContact LX offers good handling and braking properties even on easily navigable terrain. This is apparent from the tread pattern styling, which incorporates design elements taken from tires conceived for rugged off-road service. On asphalt, the ContiCrossContact LX provides precise steering response and very good straight-line tracking. Three circumferential ribs with staggered block rows and pronounced siping make for good handling characteristics and very quiet tire/road interaction.
