Australian launch for evolved Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac

Goodyear has debuted an evolution of the Wrangler DuraTrac 4×4 tyre that it sells in many markets around the world, including the UK. The improved Wrangler DuraTrac RT is now available in Australia; Goodyear hasn’t yet given word about the tyre’s rollout in other regions.

Introducing the Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Goodyear says the tyre features a “series of considered updates” that bring “even higher levels of durability and traction while taking nothing away from the original fan favourite.” Wrangler DuraTrac RT is designed for travellers who typically split their driving 70/30 between off-road/on-road.

“For the last 12 years, feedback from customers and dealers about the original Wrangler DuraTrac has consistently been ‘don’t change anything’,” says Jeremy Hill, senior director sales & marketing, Goodyear Tyres ANZ. “We love that, but just like our customers, we also like to explore the limits. Our evolved Wrangler DuraTrac RT keeps all the qualities that make the original so good and pushes even further.”

Benchmarked at Goodyear’s proving ground, the Wrangler DuraTrac RT is said to boast a ten per cent improvement in wet handling, a ten per cent improvement in dry handling and even better off-road performance in mud and sand than the already accomplished tyre on which it is based.

Goodyear provides the following summary of the enhancements found in the Wrangler DuraTrac RT:

• Tread: A new, optimised tread pattern with solid tread blocks and more biting edges provides superior grip and traction in mud and other rugged conditions. The bold, attractive appearance clearly showcases the RT’s capability.
• Light Truck Construction: More robust construction and the introduction of Tri-Shield Technology – a thicker, three-ply sidewall, increasing strength for greater resistance to abrasions and cuts from rocks and sharp objects.
• Traction: DuraEdge Technology extends deep tread features over the shoulder of the tyre onto the upper sidewall, adding side-biters to enhance traction and delivering greater protection against rocks and extreme off-road hazards, especially when running lower pressures in unpredictable terrain.
• Compound: Wrangler DuraTrac RT retains the proven, durable tread compound of the original DuraTrac, lauded for its hard-wearing characteristics, outstanding traction and resistance to cutting and chipping in extreme conditions. It remains as reliable as ever.
• Protection: Built-in rim protection provides a defensive barrier against scratches and wheel damage in rough terrain to keep rims looking their best.

Light truck construction

Every size across the Wrangler DuraTrac RT range features light truck construction, meaning the casing is even tougher than before. Wrap-around gum strips improve the bond between the steel belts and the tyre compound, creating a greater connection to the tread blocks.

Changes to the tread pattern bring a major increase in the number of sipes, improving traction in wet, muddy and snowy conditions. Blade angle changes on the tread blocks and changes to the angle and depth of tie-bars between tread blocks result in reduced tread squirm and more predictable performance everywhere. Deeper tie-bars also serve to further reduce rubber chipping.

Every size across the Wrangler DuraTrac RT range features light truck construction (Photo: Goodyear)

Go where you please

Prior to the new tyre’s launch, Goodyear offered local off-road enthusiasts the opportunity to get to know the Wrangler DuraTrac RT a little better. Here’s what Tim Bates, owner of YouTube channel Tim Bates 4wd Adventures, thought about the evolved product: “I love taking off to explore the rugged terrain of Australia. Having the right tyre that lets me go where I please is so important, and that’s exactly what the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT has proven to be. The new Wrangler DuraTrac RT gives me even more of the confidence I want in my tyres. It maximises my vehicle and lets me tackle the remote and off-road places I’m always looking forward to.”