When it comes to safe and enjoyable driving, the choice of tyres plays a pivotal role. Goodyear, a renowned name in the automotive industry with a history spanning 125 years, has consistently been at the forefront of tyre innovation.
With a commitment to providing products tailored to various driving needs, Goodyear introduces a range of premium tyre solutions designed to enhance the driving experience for a diverse range of vehicles and preferences in the Asia Pacific region.
Goodyear had just unveiled four new tyres: Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 for Luxury Sports, Wrangler DuraTrac RT for Premium 4×4 Off-Road, ElectricDrive, and Assurance MaxGuard for Mid Passenger. We got the opportunity to put these tyres to the test.
Of course, these tests include grip, handling and performance and have nothing to do with life-span because well, it is impossible to do so in a day.
First, we have the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. According to Goodyear, this premium tire is specifically engineered to enhance the driving experience of luxury sports cars. It integrates state-of-the-art technology to provide outstanding performance and handling, tailored to meet the demands of discerning customers who value both luxury and high-performance driving.
To put this to the test, we had the opportunity to drive a Mercedes-Benz CLA45 S on a portion of the Sepang circuit. Although we couldn’t tackle the entire track, we had enough space to assess the car’s performance. Right from the launch, we could sense the car gripping the track firmly, with no unnecessary wheel spin, making for a promising start. Even when navigating high-speed corners, the car handled them effortlessly. The Eagle F1 tyres complemented the AMG’s already impressive performance. What’s more, these tyres feature radial chamfered grooves, enhancing not only the grip but also the ride comfort, resulting in an elevated driving experience.
Moving on to the wet braking test, we evaluated the Assurance MaxGuard tire. Goodyear emphasises that the Assurance MaxGuard tyre is purposefully designed for mid-sized passenger vehicles, with a strong focus on enhancing safety and durability as its core features. This tire is engineered to provide an extra layer of security and long-lasting performance for this vehicle segment.
In the wet braking test, the objective was to accelerate the car to 70km/h and then apply the brakes within the designated wet zone. Goodyear conducted a demonstration using competitor tyre, and the Honda Civic RS equipped with these tires required a distance of 37.25 meters to come to a complete stop. However, when equipped with the Assurance MaxGuard tyres, the same Civic managed to stop in just 29.67 meters. This significant 7.58-meter difference underscores the potential life-saving benefits of the Assurance MaxGuard tyres, especially in hazardous road conditions where shorter braking distances are critical for safety.
The Assurance MaxGuard tyre benefits from the inclusion of ActiveGrip Technology, which utilises a specially formulated compound to significantly enhance wet braking performance, resulting in reduced stopping distances on wet road surfaces. Additionally, the tyre features DuraGuard Technology, which employs a robust 2-ply construction to bolster impact protection against a variety of road hazards. This engineering enhances the tyre’s overall durability and lifespan, allowing it to maintain its performance and reliability even in demanding driving conditions.
In our assessment, we also evaluated the handling performance of the Assurance MaxGuard tyres using a Mercedes C200 in a wet slalom test. As anticipated, given the performance capabilities of both the C200 and the tyres, the vehicle adeptly navigated through the cones at a speed of 40km/h.
Regarding navigating through obstacles, the Wrangler DuraTrac RT showcased remarkable grip, effortlessly conquering the off-road challenges. We conducted this thrilling off-road adventure using a Toyota Fortuner. The rugged course featured uneven terrain, steep inclines, navigating through deep water-filled holes, and navigating a high hill with a sharp curve.
Its durable build, incorporating DuraEdge Technology, provides the tire with deep treads and a bold shoulder design, rendering it highly suitable for challenging off-road escapades. Additionally, the Tri-Shield Technology, featuring a sturdy 3-ply sidewall construction, guarantees resistance to punctures, abrasions, and damage from rocks and sharp objects. With an optimized tread pattern that improves grip and traction in demanding situations, this tire stands as the perfect selection for individuals in search of top-notch performance off the conventional roadways.
Finally, we delved into the ElectricDrive tires. Why would an electric vehicle (EV) require these tires? Well, Goodyear suggests that since EVs are inherently quiet, these tires can further enhance the tranquility of the ride. Moreover, they are designed to effectively manage the torque produced by EVs without subjecting the tires to excessive stress and can handle the weight of these relatively heavy electric vehicles.
The design of wider ribs, drawing inspiration from Goodyear’s ETCR electric racing tyre, has been incorporated into this tyre. This design enhances road contact, resulting in a solid tread that offers superior grip. This design is particularly crucial to handle the increased torque generated by electric vehicles, ensuring efficient power transmission and optimal performance on the road.
These tyres were displayed and fitted onto a Tesla Model 3. We were not able to test it but we could just imagine how quiet the drive would have been.
