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.

Related posts

• The new Porsche Panamera – getting up to speed with ContiSportContact 3 (0)
• The Continental Summer Tire Range 2008 (0)
• Tuner 9ff Porsche GT 9 sprints to 409 km/h (0)
• Hankook Tire e-cube: New economic and ecological concept of commercial vehicle radial tyre range for long-haul purpose (0)
• Continental Executive Board Reorganizes with Strategic Task Allocation (0)

- 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.

Related posts

• Mastercraft Tires Celebrates 100th Anniversary (0)
• Cooper Tire Officially Rolls Out Greater Fuel Efficiency Tire (1)
• Bridgestone Brand Ecopia EP100 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show (0)
• BFGoodrich Tires Brings Racing Heritage to Touring with the Advantage T/A™ H/V (0)
• Yokohama Tire Corporation-Sponsored Off-Road Racers Make Their Mark at SCORE’s Laughlin Desert Challenge (0)

“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.

Related posts

• Cooper Tire Expands Size Offerings in its CS4, Discoverer and Cooper Zeon Lines (0)
• BFGoodrich Tires Brings Racing Heritage to Touring with the Advantage T/A™ H/V (0)
• Uniroyal Laredo AWT II Tire Offers Better Handling And Tread Life (0)
• Rolling Resistance and the Environmental Impact of Tires (0)
• Michelin Enhances Mobility with the Introduction of the Energy Saver All-Season Passenger Car Tire (0)

BFGoodrich Advantage T/A (Image: BFGoodrich)

For people who love to drive, BFGoodrich® Tires offers the new BFGoodrich Advantage T/A™ tire that brings race-proven performance to day-to-day driving. Most people are not going to be drifting their everyday vehicles while driving around town, but for those looking for improved performance out of their tires, the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A is the answer.

Available on March 1, 2009 in 17 different H- and V-rated sizes for touring vehicle fitments, the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire encompasses many attributes from its racing counterparts and is designed with extended tread life and greater control in mind to give driving enthusiasts the performance they demand.

“At BFGoodrich, we are all about pushing our tires to the limit. Our goal is to provide a touring tire with the heart of a race tire, and the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire is just that,” said Tricia Linder, H/V brand category manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “For consumers, the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire is ideally positioned to deliver more enjoyable miles in their everyday car. Thanks to its track heritage, this tire offers a performance advantage to the touring tire segment with new levels of control—and fun—to every mile.”

Sensible family cars can come with quite a bit of power these days, but they only really have GO when all the power can be put to the ground, which is what makes the Advantage T/A tire different. The tires are performance-tested with real world driving in mind and offer a new level of grip designed for aggressive driving and long life.

Performance features for the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire include:

• Non-directional tread design; Provides ease of maintenance and increased tread life, which is backed by a 60,000-mile tread life warranty and allows owners to focus on nothing but miles of fun ahead.
• New g-Grip interlocking sipe design; A first for any BFGoodrich tire, the new g-Grip interlocking sipe design provides excellent all-weather bite and responsive handling, whether drivers need traction in the rain, snow or curves.
• Authentic go-fast looks; The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire’s authentic “go-fast” look and signature aesthetics provide owners with a sense of BFGoodrich Tires’ racing heritage and puts real GO into daily driving.

Additionally, BFGoodrich Tires’ Equal Tension Containment (ETEC) System™ maintains the tread footprint for consistent high-speed control. The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire is also equipped with the g-Wedge™ sidewall stabilizer increasing the sidewall’s strength for additional reinforcement and handling capabilities.

Related posts

• BFGoodrich Tires Adds H and V Speed Rated Sizes to the g-Force™ Super Sport A/S (0)
• Uniroyal Laredo AWT II Tire Offers Better Handling And Tread Life (0)
• Rolling Resistance and the Environmental Impact of Tires (0)
• Michelin Enhances Mobility with the Introduction of the Energy Saver All-Season Passenger Car Tire (0)
• Hankook Tire e-cube: New economic and ecological concept of commercial vehicle radial tyre range for long-haul purpose (0)

Bridgestone ECOPIA EP100 (Image: Bridgestone)

The Chicago Auto Show, North America’s largest consumer auto show, set the stage today for the Bridgestone brand’s official launch of its new environmentally friendly tire, the Ecopia EP100, which provides drivers with improved fuel economy without sacrificing wet handling performance.

“We know consumers are concerned about fuel economy and getting the most out of their tires,” said John Baratta, President, Consumer Replacement Tire, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). The Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 is a natural fit for the consumer and a well-timed option considering the challenges in today’s marketplace. This tire offers our lowest rolling resistance technology which improves fuel efficiency, a direct benefit to consumers.”

The Ecopia tire line incorporates Bridgestone’s latest and best low rolling resistance technology. Ecopia targets fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids and electric vehicles and will be used in original equipment and replacement applications.

The new Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 is the first aftermarket product in the Ecopia tire line for the North American market. The Ecopia EP100 is a summer replacement tire fitment for popular fuel efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles including the Mini Cooper, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla and a selection of other conventional vehicles. Available in H- and V-speed ratings, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 has a UTQG of 400AB and will be offered in six different sizes ranging from 14-16 inch. The tire will be available in March in the first phase of a two-phase rollout in 2009.

“With the Ecopia EP100 we have integrated proprietary Bridgestone technologies to provide low rolling resistance, a smooth, quiet ride, and reliable wet handling and braking. All of these performance characteristics are in response to what the customer has been telling us they want and need,” Baratta added.

The Ecopia EP100 incorporates Bridgestone’s cutting-edge NanoPro Tech Technology which offers consumers improved performance by controlling the interaction between polymers, filler materials and other rubber chemicals used in the manufacture of the tire.

Design elements in the Ecopia EP100 include 3D Cut Circumferential Ribs to help reduce irregular wear and lessen road noise. Consistent Surface Contact, through a special tread block design, improves wet and dry handling and reduces irregular wear. Interconnected Rib Blocks enhance wet performance and help reduce energy loss. High Angle Lateral Grooves are incorporated into the Ecopia EP100 to help avoid hydroplaning.

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 comes with the Platinum Pact 3-Year Limited Warranty, which provides replacement at no charge (excluding taxes and disposal fees) if the tire should become unusable for any reason within the manufacturer’s control for up to three years from date of purchase or four years from date of manufacture.

The tire also comes with the Buy & Try 30-day Guarantee, which allows a consumer to receive a full refund or exchange if he or she is not pleased with the tire for any reason within 30 days of purchase (proof of purchase date is required). Certain restrictions and limitations may apply, so consumers should check with their retailers for complete details and conditions.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations plans to develop technologies incorporated in the Ecopia EP100 into future product lines to address drivers’ demands for low rolling resistance tires and improved fuel economy.

Related posts

• Bridgestone to Supply ECOPIA Brand Tires as Standard Equipment for Toyota iQ (0)
• Bridgestone Europe to launch range of fuel efficient tyres in 2009 (0)
• Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Tires Selected for 2010 Toyota Prius (0)
• Bridgestone Brand Returns For Super Bowl XLIII (0)
• Bridgestone 3rd Generation Run-Flat Technology featured as Original Equipment on Toyota’s New Sienna Minivan (0)

New for Europe: Bridgestone Turanza Er 300 (Image: Bridgestone)

From April 2009, an extensive range of Turanza ER300 Ecopia tyres will be gradually introduced to the European market. Bridgestone has chosen the name ECOPIA to denote those tyres in its range that are highly fuel efficient. In Japan, ECOPIA tyres were first used on electric-powered cars in 1991. In Europe, Volkswagen already mounted Bridgestone’s B381 Ecopia low rolling resistance tyres on the “3-litre” version of the Lupo passenger car back in 1998 At that time, the Lupo was considered as “the most environmentally friendly car in the world”, consuming only 3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Today certain versions of the Opel Insignia and Mercedes S-Class are being introduced into the market on low rolling resistance Ecopia versions of existing patterns and the Toyota IQ is fitted with an all new Ecopia tyre.

The main technology reducing rolling resistance, fuel consumption and thus CO2 output, is the specially developed Ecopia compound. The new compound is based on nano properties control technology, which acts on the molecules in such a way that it permits the achievement of improved rolling resistance and improved wet grip. This is in line with the basic philosophy of Bridgestone product development.
Bridgestone considers safety as the first priority when developing its products, and the new range is designed to have excellent grip performance while further contributing to excellent fuel economy and low carbon emissions.

Gerry Duffy, Vice President, Sales & Marketing said. “We recognise the role that tyres can play in reducing fuel consumption. The introduction of the Ecopia range represents a significant progress in terms of meeting today’s customer requirement for safe tyres that also provide fuel economy”

The Turanza ER300 Ecopia range will be introduced to the market at the Geneva Auto Salon in March.

Related posts

• Bridgestone to Supply ECOPIA Brand Tires as Standard Equipment for Toyota iQ (0)
• Bridgestone Brand Ecopia EP100 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show (0)
• Bridgestone 3rd Generation Run-Flat Technology featured as Original Equipment on Toyota’s New Sienna Minivan (0)
• The WHO to perform during the Bridgestone Superbowl Halftime-Show (0)
• Schwalbe Ultremo with the R-Factor: Radical Racer weighs just 180 grams (0)

Toyota’s “micro-premium” car, the “iQ”, breaks down conventional ideas about size to provide outstanding features in a super compact body. (Image: Bridgestone/Toyota)

Bridgestone has started supplying ECOPIA EP25 tires as standard equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s “iQ”, which is scheduled to be released to the Japanese market on November 20, 2008, and in Europe in the beginning of 2009. The tire size will be 175/65R15 84S.

The Bridgestone Group believes that it can make a significant contribution to addressing worldwide environmental issues such as global warming through the development of tires that provide greater reduction in rolling resistance, and thus improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In calculating carbon dioxide emissions at each stage of the tire lifecycle, from raw materials to disposal, it was discovered that 87%*1 of total emissions occur during the usage stage.

ECOPIA is Bridgestone’s flagship brand of eco-friendly tires that focus on realizing a reduction in rolling resistance. In Japan, ECOPIA tires were first used on electric-powered cars in 1991, setting the stage for the ECOPIA M881 and ECOPIA R221 series of tires for trucks and buses, which were released in the replacement market in 2002. Bridgestone launched the ECOPIA M812 tire for light trucks in 2005, and then the ECOPIA EP100 for passenger cars in April 2008.

Bridgestone plans to further expand its range of ECOPIA brand tires, as well as extend the scope of coverage to the global market and their use on original equipment. Supplying the tire as standard equipment on the Toyota iQ is a major step towards making this a reality. By incorporating technologies used in ECOPIA tires such as NanoPro-Tech*2 into existing product lines, Bridgestone will expand its range of eco-products*3 and plans to make 100% of its passenger car tires for the replacement market in Japan (summer tires) to eco-products by 2014.

Related posts

• Bridgestone Europe to launch range of fuel efficient tyres in 2009 (0)
• Bridgestone Brand Ecopia EP100 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show (0)
• Bridgestone 3rd Generation Run-Flat Technology featured as Original Equipment on Toyota’s New Sienna Minivan (0)
• Rolling Resistance and the Environmental Impact of Tires (0)
• New Battlax BT-023: a “full spec” sport touring tyre (0)

As a successor to the track-proven Ventus R-S2 Z212, and compliment to the Ventus Z214 racing tires, Hankook Tire has applied its latest motorsports technology to improve dry-grip performance by 30 percent; further enhancing the tire’s handling capabilities. The profile has been developed to maximize the footprint contact patch. In addition, based on the great success in 2007-08 of Hankook DOT R Compound tires in competition, the compound technology responsible for winning on the track has been applied in the new Ventus R-S3.

“As drifting, Time Attack and autocross competitions continue to gain popularity across North America and influence the marketplace, Hankook looks to deliver category-leading performance both on the street and on the track,” said Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communication, Hankook Tire America Corp. “The new Ventus R-S3 Z222 will prove to be a great investment for our enthusiast consumers, delivering a high quality UHP street tire that seamlessly meets the demands of on-track motorsports performance.”

The Ventus R-S3 Z222 also features a unique “flame” design which is molded into the tread that will be aesthetically pleasing to consumers looking to show off their vehicle’s “hot” new shoes.

The new tire will be available in seven high-demand sizes ranging from 15- to 18-inches beginning April 2009 for distribution in North America, Europe and Asia. Additional sizes will be developed and are scheduled to debut in the market by the first quarter of 2010.

Related posts

• Hankook Tire Captures 2008 Super Lap Battle Time Attack Finals (0)
• Hankook Tire Empowers Dealers: Online Program Looks to Provide Support on the Sales Floor (0)
• Schwalbe’s Fat Albert is back (0)
• Schwalbe Ultremo with the R-Factor: Radical Racer weighs just 180 grams (0)
• New Pacific F2000 Season Begins This Weekend at Fontana (0)

Developed and manufactured in Germany, the SP Sport Maxx GT tire is a natural choice for supercars and pure sports cars. It helps deliver enhanced dry grip, responsive steering, cornering stability and handling, combined with excellent driver feedback, according to Matthew Neidert, brand manager for Dunlop performance tires.

The new tire features Touch Technology, a system of tire components that interact to offer faster driver feedback and more precise steering response. The Touch Technology package, Neidert said, includes a stiff sidewall to help reduce flex during cornering, rigid tread blocks and a lower tread profile for a larger road-tire contact patch. In addition, a Hybrid JointLess Band helps maintain tire shape at highway speeds. The innovative combination of aramid and nylon fibers in the Hybrid JointLess Band also helps prevent flatspotting when a vehicle is parked for extended periods.

The tire features an asymmetric tread pattern with a performance compound to help deliver outstanding traction through an enlarged contact patch for enhanced stability and cornering. This non-directional tread design also allows for tire rotation on high-performance applications with staggered fitments, which helps extend tread life.
Dunlop’s sophisticated Multi Radius Tread Technology permits the calculation of an exceptionally accurate tread surface with pressure distributed across the treadface. A larger dynamic contact patch enhances the tire’s dry-handling capabilities and smooth handling through all stages of cornering – from entry to the apex to exit.

The SP Sport Maxx GT is available in eight sizes, including: 235/40R18 95Y, 245/40R18 97Y, 255/35ZR18 94Y, 285/35R18 101Y, 235/35R19, 255/40R19, 285/35ZR19 and 295/30R19 100Y. Additional sizes in 18- through 23-inch rim diameters will be available in 2009.

The new supercar tire is also gaining interest among European tuner companies. The tire landed a fitment on a Cargraphic Porsche 997, winner of the Sport Auto Tuner Grand Prix in May 2007.
Outstanding tire tests in England and Germany on the Autodelta J4 2.2C, a specially tuned Alfa Romeo, led to a sophisticated construction for the discerning demands of Autodelta customers worldwide. A new tread compound in the SP Sport Maxx GT is derived from Dunlop’s German touring-car race tires.

Related posts

• Michelin Energy Saver presented at the 2008 Geneva International Motorshow (0)
• Dunlop celebrates 120 years of driving enjoyment (0)
• Continental launches new super sports tire ContiSportContact 5 P (0)
• Bridgestone is selected as a tyre supplier partner for the new Ferrari 458 Italia (0)
• Bridgestone announces Consumer Tire Price increases (1)