Continental launches the new ContiSportContact 2 Vmax: First road tyre approved for speeds up to 225mph

Continental's new ContiSportContact 2 Vmax tyre, which is the first "standard" road tyre to be approved for speeds of up to 225 mph, is now available. The high-tech tyre has been specifically designed for ultra-fast, customized performance sports cars and will be available in four sizes from Spring 2004.

With exclusive high-performance cars now capable of speeds previously only heard of in the domain of Formula 1, Continental's ContiSportContact 2 Vmax has been developed in direct response to the demand for a tyre to cope with such demands.

The new ContiSportContact 2 Vmax super-sport tyre boasts the following unique features and benefits:

• Cooler running when travelling at high speed through additional tread grooves
• Improved handling due to a lower than tread depth of 6.3 to 7 millimetres (standard 8mm)
• Improved performance in the wet through optimised tread pattern

Mark Hopkins, Brand Manager at Continental, said, "The Vmax is a natural evolution in our production of high speed tyres. It is designed with drivers of ultra-high performance cars in mind who want to get the most out of their car. The strengthened carcass also means the tyre is more able to cope with the higher stresses from high-torque engines. The fact that this tyre exceeds all previously approved speed ratingsI believe clearly demonstrates Continental's technological expertise and strength in tyre innovation. I am sure it will quickly prove itself as the indispensable accessory for any serious ultra-high performance driver."

The launch of this new premium high performance Vmax tyre demonstrates Continental's unequivocal commitment and presence in this fast growing dynamic sector of the market.

The emergence of the Vmax onto the market will exceed the tyre speed symbolscale that currently ends with the "Y" index. With a tyre that now surpasses this 187mph upper limit, the classic "ZR" speed category - approved for speeds in excess of 150mph - has been authorised as the service description for the new high-end sports tyre.

The following tyre sizes of the ContiSportContact 2 Vmax are in preparation:

For the Mercedes E Class, the BMW 5 series and customised vehicles:

• 245/35 ZR 19 XL
• 275/30 ZR 19 XL 

For Porsche and customised vehicles:

• 235/35 ZR 19 XL
• 315/25 ZR 19