03/31/2009 Continental tyres convincing in UHP test run by 'sport auto'

Short braking distances and dynamic driving fun -

ContiSportContact 3 wins the summer tyre test

Hanover, 31st March 2009. With the ContiSportContact 3, Continental was able to demonstrate its know-how in the development of ultra-high performance tyres. Continental's summer tyre came first overall in the comparative test run by the leading motoring magazine 'sport auto', published by Motorpresse Stuttgart. Ten brands were tested in the sizes 225/40 R 18 (front axle) and 255/35 R 18 (rear axle) and the ContiSportContact 3, which was developed for extremely high-powered cars, also gained top marks for braking characteristics and handling.

The ContiSportContact 3 scored highly for its braking performance on dry roads - from a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), its stopping distance was over six metres shorter than that of the lowest-ranking competitor. The summer tyre's results were equally good for braking in the wet, where it again achieved the best mark; its highly successful aquaplaning performance also highlighted the shortcomings of its competitors.

The relationship between very good braking characteristics and a convincing display in handling and driving performance clinched the overall rating of 'highly recommended'. With 94 out of a possible 100 points, the editors at 'sport auto' felt that "in addition to the best grip", the ContiSportContact 3 also "stood out with its very balanced driving performance...".

The ten sports tyres from different manufacturers were tested on a BMW 325i with 306hp. The tyres tested came in two sizes - 225/40 R 18 on the front axle and 255/35 R 18 on the rear axle. The testers from 'sport auto' paid particular attention to the disciplines handling, steering precision, braking and driving characteristics on both wet and dry roads. Once again, the results proved the point that a balanced tyre has a better chance of winning than a product with too much bias on one particular criterion.

Here you can download the press release as Word doc. (55 KB).

Here you can download the image a jpeg file.

The Tyre Divisions are an Official Sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa^TM. For further details, visit www.ContiSoccerWorld.de.