Continental introduces ExtremeContact UHP tires

March 9, 2009

The biggest year-long launch in the history of Continental brand tires in North and South America continues with the introduction of the ExtremeContact DW and DWS.

(In February, Continental Tire North America Inc. introduced its Continental ExtremeWinterContact tire. For more information, see "CTNA promotes its best winter tire to date," Feb. 19, 2009, on www.moderntiredealer.com.) 

The new ExtremeContact DW is an ultra-high performance summer tire featuring dry and wet traction. It features the following:

* chamfered edges and a solid outer shoulder, designed to enhance dry performance;

* dynamic temperature distribution, which is engineered to reduce distortion for enhanced energy delivery, lower rolling resistance and improved tread-life; and

* a high void-to-tread ratio with enhanced groove curvature that improves water evacuation for handling on wet road.

The ExtremeContact DW has "Tuned Performance Indicators" -- visible letters built into the second rib of the tread. As the letters wear, they alert drivers to the tire's optimal performance levels. "D" indicates the tire is at optimum tread depth for dry conditions, while "W" indicates the tire is at optimum tread depth for wet conditions.

As the tire wears and the indicators disappear (at 2/32nds inch and 4/32nds inch, respectively), the tire is no longer tuned for optimum performance in that particular road condition.

"This tire delivers extreme levels of performance on both wet and dry roads, while still maintaining ride comfort and improved gas mileage," says Joe Maher, product manager for performance tires.

By the end of the fourth quarter, the ExtremeContact DW will be available in 69 16- through 21-inch sizes; 20 more will be added in 2010.

The third member of the ExtremeContact line is the DWS all-season UHP tire. It is fine-tuned to deliver extreme grip in dry, wet and snow conditions.

"The ExtremeContact DWS is slated to outperform when it comes to dry and wet conditions in both handling and braking, tread life, snow traction, noise, ride comfort and fuel efficiency," says Maher.

Like the DW, it features chamfered edges, dynamic temperature distribution and a high void-to-tread ratio with enhanced groove curvature. It also has traction grooves and increased pattern edges designed to improve performance on snow-covered roads.

The DWS has an additional Tuned Performance Indicator. The "S," which indicates optimal performance in snow, disappears when the tread depth wears to 5/32nds to 6/32nds inch.

By the end of the year, the ExtremeContact DWS will be available in 88 16- through 24-inch sizes.

Continental is backing the DW and DWS lines with a 60-day "Customer Satisfaction" ride guarantee; a 72-month Manufacturer's Workmanship Limited warranty with free replacement up to 12 months; and road hazard coverage for 12 months. The DWS also has a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty.

"More than 60% of our products are younger than three years old," says Andreas Gerstenberger, executive vice president of PLT replacement sales and marketing.