Front and rear axle – the benefits of having different tread patterns

For vehicles with powerful engines and rear wheel drive, having different tire sizes on the axles provides substantial benefits in terms of accelerating, braking and handling. If the tires on the drive and steered axle have been specifically developed to efficiently transmit the forces occurring, this can further enhance the vehicles’ dynamic driving benefits.

ContiSportContact 5 P mounted on Audi TT RS (Image: Continental)

The ContiSportContact 5 P was therefore developed to ensure optimum transmission of the acceleration forces from the rear axle of these high performance cars. This involved designing the tread pattern in such a way that the large ground contact patch ensured maximum transmission of forces. Two rugged central ribs in the asymmetrical tread pattern mean the rear axle tires deliver optimum grip. These tires also ensure that no propulsion power is lost, even during harsh acceleration. At the same time the block structure on the tire outer shoulder means good transmission of lateral forces. This particularly benefits direct handling, as steering commands are implemented quickly and effectively.

To reinforce this effect, the tire developers dispensed with one of the two central ribs on the front axle tire to make the block structures for handling even wider. To achieve braking action which is as short and appropriate as possible and to prevent the tread blocks in the tire centre from caving in, these are interlinked and supported by short ridges.

The designs of the front and rear axle tires have been perfectly matched to suit each other and their position on the respective axle, thereby ensuring sporty dynamic performance as they have the flexibility to adapt to different road conditions.

A short history – the ContiSportContact tire family

In terms of its name, the new sports tire follows in the tradition and nomenclature of the ContiSportContact family, which has been a success story for over sixteen years. These tires grow with the demands placed on them – the CV 90, the first official SportContact, fell into the 13″ to 16″ tire category common in the 1990s. Its successors, which from 1994 onwards carried the name ContiSportContact, then had to meet the demand for tires up to 20″ in size. The ContiSportContact 2, which was launched in 2001, attained the impressive size of 22″. Its successor, the ContiSportContact Vmax, was optimised for high speeds and in 2004 was timed by the tire developers in Nardò, Italy, at over 360 km/h (225 mph), a speed it surpassed in 2007 when it reached 409 km/h (255 mph) on a Porsche 9ff.

In 2006 Continental introduced the next high-tech sports tire – the ContiSportContact 3. When this tire was launched, its maximum size was also 22″. The ContiSportContact 5 P constitutes a new product line in the UHP segment – with maximum grip for fast acceleration and braking, perfect handling for driving right up to the limit, and fun at the wheel coupled with safety.

Continental is also confident about the expected sales figures for the new ContiSportContact 5 P. In recent years customers in Europe have shown a decided preference for tires approved for speeds from 240 km/h (150 mph) upwards. Between 2005 and 2009 the market share for these tires increased from 12% to 16%. In those European countries with a larger fleet of powerful vehicles – Germany and the UK, for example – their market share is currently 23% and 24% respectively.

This recent rise in the number of ‘fast’ tires is due to the higher performance which new cars are increasingly capable of. Nowadays even medium range cars require tires with Speed Index Z (approved for over 240 km/h – 150 mph), W (approved for up to 270 km/h – 168 mph) or Y (approved for up to 300 km/h – 187 mph). At the same time the demands made by vehicle manufacturers before Original Equipment approvals are granted continue to rise – particularly in the case of fast sports cars, where handling is of the utmost importance. For tire producers it therefore makes good sense to offer car manufacturers, leading customisers and sporty drivers tires which have been developed specifically to meet these requirements, as these products can more easily be adapted to suit individual vehicles.

The ContiSportContact 5 P had therefore already been given the green light long before its official debut, with initial approvals being granted by Mercedes-Benz AMG for the C 63, E 63 and SLS, as well as by Audi for the TT RS and Renault for the Mégane III Sport. Continental’s technology partners in the high-end customising sector are also visibly impressed by the new sports tire from Hanover – Abt, AC Schnitzer, Techart and Lorinser have all praised the good handling, grip and braking characteristics of the ContiSportContact 5 P. From this spring, consumers will be able to order the new super sports tire from their tire dealer. The new ContiSportContact 5 P will be available from the tire trade in the existing sizes at the same price as the previous models.

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Fitted with Goodyears Eagle RS-A: 2011 Toyota Sienna (Image: Toyota)

The Eagle RS-A features an all-season tread and high-performance traction. A unique asymmetric tread design helps provide superb cornering and a quiet ride.

Goodyear tires are original equipment on many vehicles from Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Toyota. Traditionally, more new vehicles in North America are equipped with Goodyear tires than any other brand.

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Bridgestone Turanza EL 400 RFT (Image: Bridgestone)

Buyers who opt for the Sienna AWD model will appreciate this latest innovation from Bridgestone. Like earlier Run-Flat tires, this new tire still provides peace of mind thanks to a reinforced sidewall that allows the tire to be driven up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 mph after a complete loss of air. As an enhancement to earlier Run-Flat designs, however, this latest innovation from Bridgestone provides a more comfortable ride which is comparable to that provided by traditional touring tires.

When Bridgestone began its mass production of Run-Flat tires in 1987, the ride was considered by some drivers to be hard compared to normal tires due to their thick and hard sidewall structure. In 2005, Run-Flat tires advanced to the second generation featuring enhanced ride quality through the improvement of sidewall-reinforced rubber. With the adoption of “heat controlling technologies,” third generation Run-Flat tires achieved thinner and softer sidewalls. This has enabled ride comfort comparable to that of traditional tires. Third generation Run-Flat tires are also lighter than earlier Run-Flat designs. These “heat controlling technologies” also enable the development of Run-Flat tires in a wider range of sizes.

This Image explains how Run Flat Tires differ from standard tires (Image: Bridgestone)

“Premium technology for the whole family makes the Bridgestone brand and Toyota the perfect combination,” said Mike Martini, President, Original Equipment, U.S. & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). “We are proud Toyota has chosen to equip its All Wheel Drive version of the next generation Sienna with a Bridgestone Run-Flat tire featuring our new 3G RFT technology.”

The Toyota Sienna AWD is the first vehicle in the world to be fitted with this new third generation Run-Flat technologies which offer better ride comfort when compared to earlier versions of Bridgestone Run-Flat tires.

Features of TURANZA EL400 RFT

The Turanza EL400 RFT incorporates two new technologies which control the heat generated when running at low or zero pressure: “COOLING FIN” to cool tire sidewalls and “new sidewall reinforcement rubber” to reduce heat generation.

The Turanza EL400 RFT for the U.S. market is an all-season tire which offers better ride comfort while still providing the safety and environmental benefits of Run-Flat technology.

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Goodyear's Assurance Fuel Max for Toyota Prius (Image: Goodyear)

The 2010 Toyota Prius, with its excellent fuel economy and low emissions, now comes standard with Goodyear’s new fuel-efficient tire, Assurance Fuel Max.

The fitment for the popular Prius will be Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires in size P195/65R15. The 2010 Toyota Prius is recognized as one of the top fuel-saving automobiles available in North America.

The Assurance Fuel Max features a fuel-saving tread compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls. In addition, Wet and Dry Tread Zones enhance all-season traction. The Wet Tread Zone features dual Aquachannel grooves to help evacuate water away from the treadface when driving on wet roads. The Dry Tread Zone helps enhance handling and grip for confident maneuvering on dry pavement.

Assurance Fuel Max also is available as a replacement tire choice for many popular vehicles.

The selection of the new Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max as a standard tire for the 2010 Toyota Prius follows earlier announcements of the tire also being chosen for the 2010 Ford Fusion S and the exclusive fitment for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Goodyear tires are original equipment on many vehicles from Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Toyota.

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Porsche approves winter tires specifically for Young and Old Classics in Rovaniemi (image: Porsche)

Well over 70 per cent of all Porsche sports cars ever built still exist today and are still driven actively in most cases – in both summer and winter. Indeed, even classic Porsche models more than 20 years old still offer the kind of performance today one would expect of a modern sports car. But the tires fitted when such old and new classics were still in production have no longer been available for years. Tire treads and rubber compounds have changed in an ongoing process of development, thus influencing the driving behaviour of such old Porsche models.

Conducting elaborate tests, Porsche’s engineers determine which of the tires available today harmonise best with the features of a classic Porsche. The highlight in this testing and approving process is an extensive test programme up north in the Polar Circle. Numerous Porsche models built in former years, among them the 911, 928, 964, 993 and 996, and then all the way to the first Boxsters, have been tested for this purpose on countless laps at the Arctic Driving Center in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi.

The criteria to be fulfilled by the tires tested in order to receive approval by Porsche are so strict that not all tires met the test requirements. The characteristics and features typical of an older air-cooled 911, for example, form an challenge not easy to overcome. Further tests for dry and wet handling on test routes free of snow round off the test programme as such. Information on which tires are recommended for which Porsche model is presented on Porsche’s website and is also available at all Porsche Centers.

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- The Cooper CS4 Touring is a luxury tire designed for drivers who want optimum ride comfort, sporty handling, all-season traction and attractive styling in a touring tire. The Cooper CS4 Touring is now available in a P255/65R18, 225/70R16, 235/60R17 and P255/60R19.

- The Cooper Zeon Sport A/S is a premium, ultra-high performance tire designed for drivers who want year-round traction with responsive handling and high-speed capabilities. The Cooper Zeon Sport A/S is now available in the following size: 265/50R20XL.

- The Discoverer AST II is an all-season, light truck/SUV tire designed for the driver looking for performance at a lower initial cost and is now available in 265/70R17.

- The Discoverer M&S is a studable winter SUV/light truck tire designed for drivers looking for excellent traction on snow and ice and now offers the LT275/70R18 size.

- The Discoverer ATR is a premium, all-terrain SUV/light truck tire designed as an OE replacement for drivers who want increased traction without sacrificing ride comfort and a quiet ride. The Discoverer ATR is now available in the following sizes: 265/65R18 and 265/60R18.

- The Weather-Master S/T 2 is Cooper’s premium studable winter passenger tire designed for drivers looking for excellent traction on snow and ice. The S/T 2 is now offered in 225/65R17 and 225/50R17 sizes.

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“With the recent volatility in gasoline prices, customers are looking for ways to improve their vehicle fuel economy,” said Chuck Yurkovich, Vice President of Global Technology. “Tire rolling resistance has a significant impact on vehicle fuel economy, so Cooper responded with a new tire specifically designed for fuel-efficient vehicles.”

The GFE, Cooper’s first tire to focus on lower rolling resistance, utilizes advanced design and materials technology to maximize fuel economy, saving money at the pump while providing excellent traction and treadwear. The GFE is a touring tire offered in eight sizes targeted for fuel-efficient vehicles, but also includes popular broadline sizes. Key Toyota fitments include the Hybrid Prius, Corolla, Yaris and Echo. Key Honda fitments include the Hybrid Civic and Fit. The size offering also covers several vehicles from Ford, GM, Chrysler and Nissan, as well as many others.

The GFE showcases Cooper Energy Return Technology (CERT), a new innovative tread stock that features a unique silica technology married with a specialized polymer to provide very low-rolling resistance, while maintaining outstanding wet grip and long tread life.

The GFE also employs unique mold technology using traction compensating sipes. These innovative sipes increase in length as the tire wears. The interlocking action of the sipes helps provide more stable handling when the tire is new, then adds length to the biting edges throughout the life of the tire. This technology helps maintain wet and winter traction as the tread wears.

In addition, the GFE has a T speed rating, which meets or exceeds the original equipment requirements of many automobiles, minivans and crossovers. The all-season design also employs a computer-enhanced, sound-quality system that optimizes the tread pattern to produce a quiet ride. The appearance of the GFE is enhanced by the use of engraved segmented molds. The molds use Cooper’s ventless technology, which provides a clean, crisp, premium appearance.

The new GFE features a 60,000-mile treadwear protection warranty, is covered under Cooper’s standard warranty and carries a free 45-day road test.

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Porsche Panamera is fitted with ContiSportContact 3 (Image: Porsche)

The alternative sizes 245/50 ZR 18 (100Y) and 275/45 ZR 18 (103Y) have also been approved by Porsche for the Panamera and carry the special designation ‘N0′.

The sports tires approved by Porsche have to meet the high demands made by Germany’s foremost sports car manufacturer. “Despite exacting requirements in terms of comfort and rolling resistance on the new Panamera, it was naturally important that these were not at the expense of the sporty handling characteristics of a Porsche” commented tire developer Uwe Kachel. “We spent long hours on computer simulations, carrying out trials on test beds and doing thousands of test miles on a range of tracks and racing circuits in Europe to match the tires as closely as possible to the car.”

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