09/12/2005 Runflat Systems For Sports Cars, Sedans and Vans

Frankfurt/Hanover, September 2005.  With the ContiSupportRing and the Continental SSR the leading German tire maker's range includes two runflat systems for different applications. While the ContiSupportRing (CSR) has been developed primarily for heavy cars and SUVs, the Continental SSR (Self-Supporting Runflat Tire) is intended for cars with lower profile tires. Both systems allow a vehicle to continue its journey after a puncture and can be used on standard commercially available rims. The systems are used as original equipment by leading vehicle manufacturers.

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Continental SSR

Runflat tires provide reliable assistance in case of a loss of pressure, allowing a vehicle to continue its journey safely for a certain distance below a specified maximum speed. Continental's Self-Supporting Runflat Tire (SSR) features special rubber reinforcement in the sidewall, which takes the weight of the vehicle following a loss of pressure, and must always be used in conjunction with a tire pressure control system.

Here you can download or order the picture from the Self-Supporting Runflat Tyre (SSR) ...

The SSR is particularly well suited for passenger and sports cars equipped with powerful engines and tires with an aspect ratio of fifty percent or less. The tire's reinforced sidewall supports the weight of the vehicle in the event of a tire failure, allowing the vehicle to continue for another eighty kilometers at a top speed of 80 km/h. In many cases this enables the motorist to reach the intended destination or at least make it to the nearest workshop. Continental SSR tires are available in summer and winter models. Manufacturers that use the Continental SSR as original equipment include BMW.

Whereas certain systems marketed by competitors require special wheels, the runflat systems from Continental can be used on conventional wheels. This eliminates the need for investments in special wheels and fitting equipment throughout the industry.

It also does away with the need for a spare wheel – which in most cases is seldom or never used anyway – thereby giving motorists much-needed extra storage space and giving automotive engineers additional design freedom.

The ContiSupportRing

The CSR is a metal ring with a flexible bearing mounted directly onto the rim. CSR has no effect on driving properties during normal driving. In the event of a sudden or gradual loss of air, the tire props itself up against the ring and the maneuverability of the vehicle remains intact. Even with no air in the tire, the vehicle can then continue on its way at a top speed of 80 km/h for a distance of up to 200 kilometers – depending on the driving conditions – and vehicle handling remains sufficiently stable and comfortable. This allows the driver to get to the nearest workshop or tire outlet without any problems. The ContiSupportRing protects the rim from damage when the vehicle drives over uneven surfaces, such as curbs. The system is particularly well suited for tire aspect ratios of between 55 and 80.

Here you can download or order the picture from the ContiSupportRing ...

When buying new tires with no previous runflat, the CST does not need to be replaced; it can be used on all standard car rims and in conjunction with all tires. Four ContiSupportRings weigh less than a complete spare wheel, so the overall weight of the vehicle is reduced slightly. Elimination of the spare wheel also frees up extra space in the trunk and thus opens up new design possibilities for manufacturers.

Continental has introduced the ContiSupportRing as original equipment. Maybach offers it as an optional safety feature.

The Continental Corporation is a leading supplier of tires, brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers. In 2004 the corporation realized sales of EUR12.6 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of more than 81,000.

The Tires division is an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup GermanyTM. Further information is available at www.conti-online.com and www.ContiSoccerWorld.com.