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Goodyear launches two new high performance tyres

How important are the four pieces of rubber that keep you on the road? 

We tested several new tyres by United States tyre manufacturer, Goodyear, at the famous Ascari race track in Ronda, Spain. 

The aim? To find out if their new range could handle varying conditions and check out the latest technology they've put into their compounds. 

Tyre: Eagle F1 Supersport R
Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 
As you can tell by the name, this a tyre for performance cars and the company reckons it can further increase grip levels and steering precision on and off track.

The manufacturer says grip levels are enhanced through use of a high-friction compound that provides exceptional dry grip levels, while excellent cornering stability is ensured by bridges in the tread pattern’s inner groove reducing deformation of tread blocks under extreme cornering forces.

We drove the GT3 RS on a difficult section of the track with elevation changes, off camber corners that needed me and the Porsche to concentrate intently despite the enjoyment. 

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                                                                                Image: Supplied

It was definitely a good test for the car and tyre and Goodyear says they've dialled in precise steering and feedback have also been further enhanced by increasing the the tyre's footprint for more consistent pressure distribution. 

Details: 10 Eagle F1 SuperSport R SKUs are slated between February and November 2019, ranging from 18" to 21" diameters, 205 to 305mm widths and an aspect ratio ranging from 25 to 40.

Eagle F1 SuperSport R has been developed for performance-focused vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Golf Club sport, BMW M4 CS and Porsche 911 GT3.

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                                                                          Image: Supplied 

Tyre: Eagle F1 SuperSport  
Car: Ferrari 488 GTB
 

The tyre manufacturer fitted its latest F1 Supersport rubber to one of the world's best supercars, Ferrari's 488 GTB, to evaluate its new product. 

Powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 493kW and 761Nm, the 488 needs serious rubber to keep it safe when the Prancing Horse is galloping ferociously. 

Goodyear says it draws on the company's racing experience where high levels of grip is needed and sharp handling is imperative. Responsive directional changes are ensured through the stiff tread ribs while a massive closed outside pattern, used on the tyre's shoulder, provides control during load transfers in corners.

The F1 Supersport has a super-stiff sidewall design which Goodyear says offers improved handling without compromising ride comfort, says Goodyear.

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Although primarily developed for dry conditions, Goodyear has addressed wet performance through the deployment of a multi-compound combination that sees dry-optimised outer sections paired with three wet-optimised central segments. 

This enables drivers to safely push harder through corners on dry roads while still enjoying an exceptional wet braking and wet handling performance, says Goodyear. 

Details: 25 Eagle F1 SuperSport SKUs will be introduced between February and May 2019, with possible fitments ranging from 18" to 21" diameters, 205 to 305mm widths and an aspect ratio ranging from 45 to 30. 


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Image: Supplied

Tyre: Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (A5)
Car: Volkswagen Golf R 

This test was arguably the most interesting as we put the new tyre through its paces around a tight, wet gymkhana course at Ascari and then a sharp braking test. 

The A5 is the firm's next-generation Ultra High Performance (UHP) road tyre, and conceived as the ultimate all-round summer expression. 

What goes into developing an all-around summer tyre? Well, they've utilised innovative technologies to unlock significant improvements in wet braking and dry handling and tried to not encroach ride comfort or road noise. 

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Image: Supplied 

It uses a highly-refined compound that combines wet weather capabilities without sacrificing endurance or dry handling performance mainly due to a contact patch designed to extend when braking, the tyre’s contact with the road increases to a level more usually associated with a track tyre, resulting in wet stopping distances which are 4% shorter compared to its predecessor, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. 

Why no Asymmetric 4?

In China, the numeral 4 is considered an unlucky number because it is nearly homophonous to the word "death". 

Goodyear’s efforts to optimise performance focused on reducing flex in the tread pattern as lateral forces are transmitted. The resultant crisp, precise turn-in, higher grip levels and efficient, clean acceleration facilitate an improvement in dry handling. 

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Image: Supplied

Goodyear SA says the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and Eagle F1 SuperSport are currently available in select sizes. Additional sizes in these designs and the other new designs will become available over the coming months.

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