Continental introduces tyre range developed specifically for Middle East

Continental has become the first tyre manufacturer to develop a full range of tyres specifically promoted as being for the Middle East market. Officially launched in the GCC last week at a media event in the Dubai Autodrome, Continental’s new Generation 6 range of tyres are said to be designed “to cope with the unique road conditions found across the region.”

The Generation 6 range includes three distinct product lines, namely ComfortContact 6 for smaller cars and city driving, UltraContact 6 for larger sedans with a balance of comfort and performance, and MaxContact 6 for high-performance vehicles.

The new Generation 6 range is said to offer high resistance to damage from hazards such as potholes, debris and kerb impacts, helping to prolong the tyre’s life. Continental says they invested significant resources upon opening its Middle East office in 2014, commencing a detailed programme of research into the market. This was followed by a two-year development and production phase, which has resulted in the creation of 60 different tyre sizes across the three lines.

We tried out the different tyres in a three separate exercises, using a Ford Mustang V6 on a high-speed racetrack run, a VW Golf GTI on an autocross course, and an Audi A3 on a tyre-pressure safety demonstration. The cars performed admirably, with predictable and consistent handling even after a day of multiple runs by several drivers, although we were not in a position to specifically review the tyres with no reference to compare with.

We also did a brief trouble-free run at the Autodrome’s offroad course with a Toyota Land Cruiser. These 4x4s were fitted with General Tire products, Continental’s sister brand that makes a full range of passenger-car, offroad and commercial-vehicle tyres.

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We were also shown Continental’s idea of a future wheel that can change width and tyre pressure at the press of a button, to adapt to different road conditions. It’s a unique idea, although Continental says the carmakers have to be onboard to make it a reality.

The new range of Generation 6 tyres will go on sale across the Middle East early in 2018.