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Goodyear has launched what it says is its quietest ever SUV tyre. Based on instrumented interior noise tests conducted by Goodyear Innovation Centre in Luxembourg, under coast down conditions on smooth roads, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV outperformed its predecessor in both noise and driving comfort.
Basically, the tyre is engineered using what the company calls QuietTred technology, which is a combination of a noise-dampening tread design and a shock absorbing carcass. The EfficientGrip SUV also features a high steel belt angle construction that allows for more structural flexibility that reduces vibrations from the road.
Obviously there is a lot more to it than this. In an interview with Goodyear Dunlop Tyres? corporate communications manager, James Peate, tyreMENonline?s Neil Thomas put the following questions.
So James, what elements make up QuietTred technology and what benefits will this bring to the customer?
As you?ve already mentioned, the combination of a noise dampening tread design and shock absorbing carcass provides for improved noise performances as the tire wears, resulting in a quiet ride and luxurious comfort. The noise dampening tread design consists of three elements:
Closed shoulder design that prevents radiating radial noise sound waves to reduce exterior and interior perceived noise level; increased number of pitches in which a higher number of block pitches (from 68 to 72) optimises block characteristics and sequence reducing noise harmonics and rib type design that provides smooth tread geometry into the footprint to lower the impact noise and reduce the radiated noise
The tyre?s shock absorbing carcass features an absorbing breaker arrangement that provides a more flexible structure that absorbs the tyre vibrations and reduces propagation of road irregularities.
Sounds highly technical! So what goes into providing the tyre with what you say is its outstanding grip?
There are two elements that provide outstanding grip performance that helps reducing wet braking distances and improves handling and control on both wet and dry road surfaces. First there are a high number of biting edges-what is known as high blade density-that provides more grip to the road and an optimised contact patch that enables a matched pressure distribution in key areas of the footprint allowing the tread pattern to work more effectively and generate more grip.
The EfficientGrip SUV also features superb handling particularly for heavy SUV vehicles with its unique combination of matching bubble blade sipes in the tread and carcass stiffness provides for a very responsive structure that will allow better reaction to driver steering inputs with high output cornering forces.
OK, so the EfficientGrip SUV looks and rides like a sedan tyre but what makes this product more suitable for SUVs than say the Eagle EfficientGrip sedan tyre?
Simply that the EfficientGrip SUV is designed to match the technical requirements of the SUVs. It has specific tread design geometry to match all road conditions that SUV can encounter, making it robust for even light off road driving and a robust construction that can resist to the higher loads that SUV would be able to carry, providing a durable structure.
The Eagle F1 Directional 5 also includes some SUV sizes, so what?s the difference in performance and application between the two products?
The EfficientGrip SUV is design to match the core consumer requirements of luxury SUV drivers that require low noise, high level of comfort and a responsive and save tyre whilst the Eagle F1 Directional 5 SUV sizes are targeted to SUV drivers that are looking for on road sporty performance and are sensitive to the looks and style of their vehicles where kit ups would provide an appealing solution to their driving requirements.
So how many kilometers can the purchaser expect to get out of an EfficientGrip SUV?
Internal testing, using size 235/65R17 on a Toyota over 32,500km, showed about 40% wear which indicates that we have a very robust performer in treadwear that out performs key competitors and predecessor products. The EfficientGrip SUV treadwear performance is a key performance contributor in selling to the market.
And who are the competitors?
Competitors will vary by markets but the two main ones in the luxury passenger segment are the Bridgestone Dueler D683 and the Michelin Latitude Tour HP.
What about fuel efficiency and dynamic balance?
As you know these are highly specialised areas, but basically when it comes to fuel efficiency it?s about using a high-loaded silica blend compound that reduces intra-molecular friction for a measurable reduction in consumption. With dynamic balance, the tyre manufacturing process has been specifically designed to ensure the best uniformity levels from our world-class latest plants and equipment such as specific component extruders and dedicated building machines, which ensures that the EfficientGrip SUV reaches uniformity and dynamic balance levels to match the segment?s competitor levels.
OK, ok?Sorry I asked! How about something a little less complex: Any OE fitments?
In Europe, EfficientGrip SUV is now an original fitment for Range Rover Evoque (235/55R19 105V XL) and Audi Q3 (215/65R16 98V XL) with plans to expand into more SUV OE platforms in the near future.
Thanks James. Looks like you could be onto a winner here.
We think so and thank you for your interest.
Source: http://www.ausauto.com/?p=3572
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