Steer, drive axle fitments added to Conti 2+ range

Continental has expanded its range of second generation long haul truck tyres first introduced in 2010 with the launch of two new products, the HDL2+ and HSL2+. In releasing the new drive and steer tyres, the manufacture shares that they offer greater overall mileage than the previous generation tyres and offer optimised driving properties and handling thanks to new micro-sipes in the longitudinal grooves.

“The new tread on the HSL2+ long-distance tyres perfects the handling and the overall mileage,” commented Bernd Korte, head of Commercial Vehicle Tire Development at Continental. “Four front-axle variants of the successful long-distance tyre will be launched as XL versions for front axle loads up to eight tons.

According to Continental, steer axle tyres account for over 35 per cent of fleet replacement requirements. During development of the HSL2+, a focus was placed on handling and improved wet braking and steering performance. Conti says good wet grip has been achieved with broad drainage channels in conjunction with a new sipe design. Continental’s tyre developers have integrated new micro-sipes into the longitudinal grooves on the HSL2+. These sipes, which are positioned at a right angle to the rolling direction, are said to further improve the handling.

In addition to excellent tracking and precise steering, Continental reports that the HSL2+ offers a high level of ride comfort and, in the sizes 295/80R22.5 (standard and XL) and 315/80R22.5, is equally suited for all axles on coaches. The tyre has a new groove design in the tread base of the outer shoulder area, and Conti states this feature ensures an even distribution of tension across the groove base and improves tread durability.

The XL fitments in the range accommodate increased loads placed on the front axle by the more complex and heavier engines, with new exhaust treatment systems, that are fitted to new vehicles. Second generation Conti XL tyres can carry up to eight tons per axle – thus are, says Continental, well equipped for future Euro 6 trucks with greater front-axle loads. The low-profile size 355/50R22.5 fitment is suited for large-volume vehicles.

Generation 2+ casing structure contains four-ply triangular belts, increased air volume, a new steel cord chafer and Conti’s patented AirKeep technology. The 355/50 R22.5 XL, 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/70 R22.5 steer axle sizes feature the tyre maker’s visual alignment indicator (VAI).

The low-profile size 295/55R22.5 HDL2+ drive axle tyre will be, notes Continental, of particular interest for large-volume trucks. It will be available from May of this year.