The main target conflicts when reducing rolling resistance relate to the safety-relevant characteristics of a tire. This means that the conflict between rolling resistance and handling can be influenced via the design, whilst the tire compound can assist in the problem area of low rolling resistance and short braking distances in the wet; changing the tire contour allows mileage performance to be enhanced, and the tread pattern can have a positive effect on braking characteristics in the wet.

The sum total of the potential improvements helps the new tire to achieve a considerably better overall performance with even more balanced driving characteristics. The engineers at Continental therefore focused on all these areas in order to meet the high requirements made on the new tire for compact cars and large saloons.

The new ContiEcoContact 5 is being produced for 14"-18" rims and is approved for speeds of up to 300 km/h (187 mph).

Highlights:

  • Optimised rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption.
  • High braking safety and short braking distances on wet roads.
  • Best handling on wet and dry roads.
  • For the sake of safety and the environment.
  • Optimised rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption.
 

The ContiEcoContact 5 was developed in close co-operation with Europe’s leading car manufacturers. This is an entirely new tire concept aimed specifically at motorists who drive longer distances, but also at those who are very mindful of both fuel consumption and the environment. The challenge was to reduce rolling resistance on the tire and, at the same time, ensure a high level of safety during braking. This required a completely new approach to all four components of the tire: design, contour, compound and tread pattern. The result was reduced CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption, while still delivering excellent braking performance.

Features & Benefits:

  • High braking safety and short braking distances on wet roads.
  • The combination of special additives and optimised tread lug edges makes for improved grip in the wet, leading to short, safe braking distances on wet roads. Moreover, functionalised polymer chains firmly linked to the silica mean lower rolling resistance. Extra-thin sipes reduce tread deformation, thereby also minimising energy loss.
  • Best handling on wet and dry roads.
  • A higher apex and the use of additional bead reinforcements ensure safer and more direct transmission of the lateral forces occurring when steering on wet and dry roads. The weight-reduced sidewall is more supple in its design, thereby also contributing towards improved rolling resistance.
  • Less lost energy with good handling characteristics.
  • Less deformation movement in the sidewall area above the rim and easier deflection in the sidewall flexing zone by constructive measures. A flat contour with optimal distribution of thread grooves stands for a reduced tread movement and a minimized lateral and longitudinal slip.