Audi’s ‘Attitude’ Swayed by Dunlops

The 2005 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro has a new sport suspension, electric power steering and Dunlop ultra-performance tyres – the latter of which have been praised by Car and Driver magazine in its recent tests.

The magazine drove the optional sport package and reviewed the car’s tyres, 235/45ZR17 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, on two fronts; comfort level and steering response.

Magazine editors said their “editorial blood is merely warmed, not stirred, by these comfort issues.” But after pushing the car and its tyres on test loops, they said: “Consider our blood to be vigorously stirred.”

Armin Ruscheinsky, Audi’s chassis development chief, said he “particularly likes the way these Dunlops respond to steering inputs. They have an uninterrupted centre rib around the circumference, which he credits for the sharp steering.” Car and Driver editors also added that they too liked the result.

“Since its launch a year ago, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx has built quite a following” said James Bailey of Dunlop. “With Renault choosing this tyre for the re-engineered Renaultsport Megane 225 Trophy, Audi specifying them on a number of new models and tuning companies such as Kleeman relying on the Sport Maxx for their awesome modified Mercedes it proves that Sport Maxx lives up to the name”