26.08.2010
ECO-PLUS XL tyre takes the weight at Continental Tyres
In line with changes in legislation and increasing requirements from operators, Continental’s new HSL 2 ECO-PLUS XL long distance tyre has been designed to deliver considerably higher load-bearing capacity on front axles while retaining its low rolling resistance.
The strict Euro 6 emissions standards, which come into force at the beginning of 2013, demand that truck engines use more complex exhaust gas treatment technology. Catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation, particulate filters and larger cooling systems will all greatly increase the load over the front axle.
To combat these greater load pressures, Continental has increased the load rating of the XL tyre by two load indexes or around 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of weight per single tyre axle.
Newly designed steel-cord beads made from special high strength steel and a revised casing structure allows the forces caused by the additional weight and increased temperatures to be absorbed in the most effective way. The tread compound, which runs cooler thanks to the specially developed material composition, also guarantees a very low rolling resistance even when heavily loaded.
In addition to being important for forthcoming truck design, the newly developed long distance tyre HSL 2 ECO-PLUS XL, is an important innovation in vehicles where the load over the front axle is higher. This includes, for example, car transporters, tankers and mixers as well as vehicles carrying containers and swap-bodies. These applications currently account for a fifth of all long distance road traffic and the weight distribution characteristics of the truck and trailer place a particular burden on the steering axle tyres.
The new Continental long distance tyres have an ideal configuration combining increased load rating, economy and comfort with the particularly low fuel consumption characteristics of the new second tyre generation.
The HSL 2 ECO PLUS XL is the first tyre from the second generation to have an upgraded load index and is available in sizes 315/70 R 22.5 for standard applications with a maximum axle load of 8 tonnes and 315/60 R.22.5 for volume-optimized vehicles with an axle load of 7.5 tonnes.
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