First SAV/SUV Tyres form Continental with runflat capabilities on the BMW X5

Continental has developed its first 4x4 tyres with runflat capabilities for BMW. The new tyres are tailored specifically to meet the requirements of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The new BMW X5 will be the first vehicle to be factory fitted with Continental's new ContiContact UHP SSR. BMW approved this tyre following extensive tests and the ContiContact UHP is to be manufactured in two sizes for BMW's new X5.

Copyright BMW

The ContiContact UHP SSR has optimum handling characteristics even when driving on the limit with high grip during acceleration and short braking distances on wet and dry roads. This is all combined with good traction even on poorer road surfaces. The ContiContact UHP has an asymmetrical tyre design. This allows the tread pattern to be sub-divided according to the functions it carries out, thereby achieving the best possible performance across a range of criteria.

The inner and outer shoulder sections of the ContiContact UHP differ in design, with a closed outer shoulder to ensure best cornering stability. Asymmetrical edge angles on the outer circumferential grooves increase lateral support and enhance the self-cleaning properties of the tyre. Circumferential ribs in the tread centre provide the stiffness required for optimum traction during accelerating and braking and wide drainage channels between the tread blocks ensure good water dispersion when driving in the rain helping to prevent aquaplaning.

Continental will be supplying the ContiContact UHP SSR for the new BMW X5 either as an all-round fitment in size 255/50 R 19 XL or combined with the 285/45 R 19 XL on the rear axle for additional grip on more powerful models.

To ensure maximum safety, Continental has incorporated its SSR (Self Supporting Runflat Tyre) technology into the ContiContact UHP, which is approved for speeds of up to 168 mph (270 km/h), for the first time. The SSR technology means that should the driver experience a puncture and lose pressure in the tyres then they can continue driving at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) for a distance that is dependent on the vehicle load. By this autumn, Continental will also be supplying cold weather tyres with SSR runflat technology for the new BMW X5