Goodyear unveils UltraGrip Performance 3

Starting this month, Goodyear is rolling out the next generation of its UltraGrip winter tyre range, the UltraGrip Performance 3. The tyre enters the market as successor to both the UltraGrip 9+ and UltraGrip Performance+ and by September 2023 will be available in 94 sizes for 14- to 21-inch rims.

Describing the new tyre as an “innovative product” that “takes a step forward in performance and fulfilling market needs,” Goodyear notes that the trend towards larger and more powerful vehicles such as SUVs and EVs has driven a shift in consumer demand toward “premium tyres with a proven record for delivering high performance and efficiency.”

Addressing consumer priorities, Goodyear shares that a study conducted by market research firm Buzzback on its behalf indicates that the most important perceived benefit a winter tyre delivers is its ability to perform well in all winter conditions, on snow, wet and dry roads. This has driven Goodyear to “deliver a versatile tyre with an even more balanced winter performance” than its predecessors.

Next level performance

Goodyear claims that the UltraGrip Performance 3 “sets performance benchmarks” and points to testing performed by TÜV SÜD as evidence: Compared to four premium competitors – Bridgestone BlizzakLM005, Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, Continental WinterContactTS 870 and Michelin Alpin 6 – UltraGrip Performance 3 leads in snow handling, wet braking and dry braking (tested in size 205/55 R16).

Product launch information published by Goodyear highlights a winter tyre “based on latest technologies” which take “performance to a next level.” These technologies include features that make the tyre “a perfect fit for a wide variety of vehicles, including powerful EVs.” According to the manufacturer, specific UltraGrip Performance 3 features include:

Snow Protect Technology provides increased sipe density offering a multitude of gripping edges for optimal traction and grip. In addition, “snow claws”, longer grooves at the shoulder edge, improve performance on soft and deep snow.

Wet Braking+ Technology with an optimised round footprint provides better water dispersion. Water is pushed to the side rather than to the front, which reduces the risk of aquaplaning and offers excellent performance in wet driving conditions.

Innovative 3D sipes in the shoulder part increase tyre stiffness and improve performance on dry roads.

EV-ready

With rolling resistance up to three per cent lower and weight reduced by as much as ten per cent compared to predecessor tyre the UltraGrip Performance +, Goodyear declares UltraGrip Performance 3 to be “EV-ready.” In addition, a more aerodynamic sidewall shape reduces turbulence and improves airflow while a new noise-cancelling pattern design reduces interior noise by up to 36 per cent (up to 2 dBA) across the range compared with the prior-generation tyre. Goodyear will introduce its SoundComfort Technology into the line-up at a later date; this is expected to result in a noise reduction of up to 50 per cent or 4 dBA, depending on the type of vehicle, its speed and road surface.

To cope with the extreme torque of electric cars, UltraGrip Performance 3 offers a wear-resistant tread compound as well as 3D sipes that provide more stability to stand the stronger forces.

Simplifying the portfolio

“We are excited to introduce the excellent UltraGrip Performance 3 to our trade partners, providing them with an outstanding product for all customers, and which simplifies their product portfolio,” states Sonia Leneveu, Goodyear’s director of marketing Consumer Europe.

UltraGrip Performance 3 fits amongst the latest and most popular vehicles in the market, including the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A6/S6, BMW i4 M50, BMW 4-series Gran Coupé, Cupra Formentor, Tesla Model S Plaid, Smart #1, Toyota Aygo X and Volvo C40/XC40.