First Look: Continental ContiSportContact 5P

The new summer tyre from Northern Germany is designed in such a way that it neatly fits into a new niche created by the vehicle manufacturers. This niche in the tyre market came about through the need for appropriate fitments for the Audi TT RS, Mercedes AMG C 63 and other top class sports cars.

In the past these cars were often equipped with tyres from existing series, which were adapted to meet the manufacturers' high requirements. However, with its new super sports tyre Continental now has a fresh product which is not only designed specifically for the Original Equipment sector, but which also meets the highest demands of the replacement market.

For vehicles with powerful engines and rear wheel drive, having different tyre sizes on the axles provides substantial benefits in terms of accelerating, braking and handling. If the tyres on the drive and steered axle have been specifically developed to efficiently transmit the forces occurring, this can further enhance the vehicles' dynamic driving benefits.

The ContiSportContact 5 P was therefore developed to ensure optimum transmission of the acceleration forces from the rear axle of these high performance cars. This involved designing the tread pattern in such a way that the large ground contact patch ensured maximum transmission of forces. Two rugged central ribs in the asymmetrical tread pattern mean the rear axle tyres deliver optimum grip. These tyres also ensure that no propulsion power is lost, even during harsh acceleration. At the same time the block structure on the tyre outer shoulder means good transmission of lateral forces. This particularly benefits direct handling, as steering commands are implemented quickly and effectively.

To reinforce this effect, the tyre developers dispensed with one of the two central ribs on the front axle tyre to make the block structures for handling even wider. To achieve braking action which is as short and appropriate as possible and to prevent the tread blocks in the tyre centre from caving in, these are interlinked and supported by short ridges.

The designs of the front and rear axle tyres have been perfectly matched to suit each other and their position on the respective axle, thereby ensuring sporty dynamic performance as they have the flexibility to adapt to different road conditions.

Credits: wilswong