The release of the directional tread Speed-Life in March has given the Semperit product portfolio a high performance summer tyre for the medium price range category. The manufacturer states that the main considerations adhered to in the design of the new tyre were safety and low rolling resistance, and Semperit is pleased with the results of its development work: Braking distance, compared with that of its predecessor, has been reduced by up to nine per cent, and it reports that handling, rolling resistance and comfort have also benefited.

Designed for powerful vehicles, the Speed-Life features a symmetrical, directionally-orientated tread pattern with four circumferential tread grooves. Explaining the design, Stephan Herbst, developer of the new Speed-Life, commented: “The solid, powerful central rib ensures safe driving stability and best steering response to slight course corrections and when travelling at higher speeds.” The balanced longitudinal and lateral stiffness of the inner tread ribs to the right and left of it, plus the rows of lugs in the shoulder intersected by lateral grooves, are intended to provide a good steering response to medium steering angles and precise handling on winding roads. “The interlinked tread lugs in the outer shoulder are a further benefit in terms of handling,” Herbst added. “They ensure reliable handling even when driving at the limit.”