Conti Releasing 60 New 4×4 Sizes in 2008

Continental’s 4×4 tyre range has been further expanded this season, with no fewer than six summer tyre models now available in this segment. The German manufacturer is releasing 60 new sizes for 4×4, SUV and crossover vehicles this year, and continues to supply OE for numerous manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen.

The ContiCrossContact UHP is designed for particularly 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 specific tyre fitment requirements the ContiCrossContact UHP is also available in 23- and 24-inch sizes. The range thus covers the lion’s share of retrofitting and tuning requirements for V, W, Y and Z speed ratings (for speeds in excess of 210 km/h to more than 300 km/h). The ContiCrossContact UHP has already managed 330 km/h under controlled conditions in a high-speed event at Italy’s Nardo Ring.

Offering strong traction during on-road use and driving on easily navigable terrain, the Conti4x4Contact is designed to deliver short braking distances, prompt steering response and a high degree of directional stability. The staggered tread blocks generate a minimum of noise, reports Conti, while the tyre’s wide longitudinal and transverse tread grooves are intended to greatly reduce the risk of aquaplaning. The Conti4x4Contact is suited to compact and standard-size SUVs and crossovers.

Continental recommends the Conti4x4SportContact for fast and powerful all-wheel-drive vehicles, and adds that its asymmetrically patterned tread with compact outer shoulder area ensures superb cornering stability while its wide tread grooves efficiently expel water from the tire on rain-slicked roads. The tread blocks are staggered for a quieter roll. The Conti4x4SportContact is factory-fitted to the Porsche Cayenne and other vehicles.

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 tyre’s characteristic features, says Conti, are good handling, high mileage performance and minimal rolling noise. What’s more, the sidewalls on the ContiTrac SUV are reinforced to provide greater protection from potential damage. The ContiTrac SUV is available in a wide range of sizes for 15- to 17-inch rims. Outline white lettered tyres are available as an option on some sizes in this range.

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 tyre not only bites into loose terrain but also provides safe cornering performance when the going gets rough. The sturdy tread compound prevents the tyre 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.

With its open outer shoulder, the asymmetric ContiCrossContact LX offers good handling and braking properties even on easily navigable terrain, and the tyre’s tread pattern styling incorporates design elements from tyres 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 tyre/road interaction.