Conti CityPlus concept tyre revealed
Continental has used this week’s IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany to unveil its new tyre concept, Conti CityPlus.
Based on Continental’s EcoContact 6 series tyre, the new Conti CityPlus has been specially engineered to offer high mileage and low rolling resistance.
To achieve higher overall energy efficiency, Continental says the concept tyre includes a range of modifications designed to reduce tyre deformation during braking and acceleration. These include a specially designed tread pattern, newly constructed carcass, and modified rubber compound.
The tread strip features a special V-shape pattern, which creates a stiffer pattern structure. In addition, a new construction method results in a stiffer carcass which reduces tyre deformation. The special system of fillers and an optimised polymer network in the rubber compound also contribute to the tyre’s high overall energy efficiency.
According to Continental, this tyre technology increases the total energy efficiency of a tyre by up to 10 per cent. The results are lower CO2 emissions from passenger cars with combustion engines and longer driving ranges for electric vehicles.
This was achieved by optimising the tyre behaviour during stop-and-go traffic in urban driving situations, increasing the range of passenger cars by up to three per cent as a result.
This corresponds to a saving of 0.6 kWh per 100 kilometres for electric vehicles, Continental claims.
UltraContact NXT
At the IAA Mobility, Continental also presented what it claims to be the most sustainable series tyre ever seen in the industry: the UltraContact NXT. With up to 65 per cent renewable, recycled and ISCC PLUS mass balance certified materials, Continental says it has the highest share of sustainable materials ever seen in a production tyre.
All of its 19 sizes were awarded the highest EU tyre label ratings (“A”) in the areas of rolling resistance, wet braking, and external noise. The tyre was designed for both electric and combustion engines, offering the highest label efficiency and optimum mileage performance.
Continental’s most sustainable series tyre to date therefore bears the EV Compatible logo and will be available for various popular vehicles like the Kia Niro, VW ID.3, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 E-Tron, Skoda Octavia, VW Golf 8, Audi A3 and many more.
