Combining short braking distances on wet and dry roads with low rolling resistance has in the past always been considered extremely problematic. Europe's leading tye manufacturer Continental has now launched a product which resolves this problem with apparent ease - the new ContiEcoContact 5. The tyre engineers did, however, have to tread new ground in terms of all the tyre elements involved - casing, compound, tyre contour and tread pattern design - in order to achieve the high level of progress.

The main target conflicts when reducing rolling resistance relate to the safety-relevant characteristics of a tyre. This means that the conflict between rolling resistance and handling can be influenced via the design, whilst the tyre compound can assist in the problem area of low rolling resistance and short braking distances in the wet; changing the tyre contour allows mileage performance to be enhanced, and the tread pattern can have a positive effect on braking characteristics in the wet. The sum total of the potential improvements helps the new tyre to achieve a considerably better overall performance with even more balanced driving characteristics. The engineers at Continental therefore focused on all these areas in order to meet the high requirements made on the new tyre for compact cars and large saloons.

The new ContiEcoContact 5 is being produced for 14"-16" rims and is approved for speeds of up to 300 km/h (187 mph).

Features

• Optimised rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption
• High braking safety and short braking distances on wet roads
• Best handling on wet and dry roads

Optimised rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption

The ContiEcoContact 5 was developed in close co-operation with Europe’s leading car manufacturers. This is an entyrely new tyre concept aimed specifically at motorists who drive longer distances, but also at those who are very mindful of both fuel consumption and the environment. The challenge was to reduce rolling resistance on the tyre and, at the same time, ensure a high level of safety during braking. This required a completely new approach to all four components of the tyre: design, contour, compound and tread pattern. The result was reduced CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption, while still delivering excellent braking performance.

High braking safety and short braking distances on wet roads

The combination of special additives and optimised tread lug edges makes for improved grip in the wet, leading to short, safe braking distances on wet roads. Moreover, functionalised polymer chains firmly linked to the silica mean lower rolling resistance. Extra-thin sipes reduce tread deformation, thereby also minimising energy loss.