Premium tyres are an investment, but the automotive industry’s biggest names make the cost more than worth it. As 2020 carries on, which tyres stand out in this already-impressive class?
Bridgestone tyres
Bridgestone recently released a summer tyre meant to replace their Bridgestone Turanza T001 Evo. Nowadays, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 can carry powerful cars down the motorway without so much as a hiccup. These tyres have Bridgestone’s asymmetric tread pattern, which is ideal for protecting drivers from rainy asphalt. Pair that security with the tyre’s low rolling resistance, and you’re looking at a tyre that’ll carry you through the rest of the year.
Bridgestone’s Potenza S001 tyres are also sweeping 2020’s market and tests. Few tyres are able to beat the Potenza S001 in turns of wet handling and braking, suggesting the manufacturer’s thorough commitment to driver safety.
Pirelli tyres
In the realm of summer tyres, drivers can look to Pirelli’s newest release. The Pirelli Cinturato P1 Verde is meant to represent the company’s renewed interest in sustainability. The asymmetric tread, like that on Bridgestone’s release, allows the tyre to better stay in contact with the road.
Thus far, the tyre’s performed well on wet and dry surfaces all while saving drivers money on fuel. While you’ll still want to swap this tyre out when the seasons start to change, it’s clear that Pirelli’s tyre focus has shifted towards a product that’s as green as it is safe to use.
Continental tyres
Continental wants to reduce its tyres’ noise output in 2020. Thus came the release of the Continental PremiumContact 6. This tyre reduces the amount of rattle throughout cars of all makes while also ensuring that they remain safe on the road. Continental boasts that the tyre is 15 per cent more wear resistant than previous models.
If you’ve enjoyed Continental’s previous releases but are looking for a tyre that’s more mid-range than high-end, then the Premium Contact 6 seems to marry the manufacturer’s previous successes into this new product.
Dunlop tyres
Dunlop has yet to fall behind its peers in the tyre industry. 2020 saw the release of the Dunlop Sport Bluresponse. Originally tested in 2019, the Bluresponse allowed for improved dry braking and handling over previous releases while resting comfortably in the middle of the pack, when compared to other premium tyres.
Unfortunately, the tyre’s wet braking still needs improvement. However, its rolling resistance is minimal, allowing drivers to save money on petrol all year round. The Bluresponse is also significantly quieter than previous Dunlop models, allowing for a more luxurious ride while you’re on the road.
The Bluresponse isn’t the only new Dunlop tyre on the road. The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 has proven reasonably safe for drivers, with improved wet handling and aquaplaning over previous releases.
Goodyear tyres
Goodyear’s 2020 release is meant to replace a model that debuted in 2013. This tyre, the EfficientGrip, is meant to take advantage of today’s Active Braking technology. Goodyear’s designed the tyre’s tread blocks to maintain more consistent contact with the road. In testing, this development has allowed the tyre to better retain its grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
The tyre also represents Goodyear’s sustainable focus. The EfficientGrip tyre is said to reduce the amount of fuel drivers need to get from Point A to Point B, especially when compared to the manufacturer’s previous makes.
The EfficientGrip joined the Eagle F1 Asymmetric in this year’s releases. Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric performed admirably in nearly all of late 2019’s tyre tests and now stands to reduce maintenance costs for drivers with its high-resistance tyres.
Michelin tyres
Michelin has not been left behind in the race to produce a quieter, safer tyre. Early 2020 saw the release of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 This release outperforms every other newly released tyre when dry braking, with results that brought cars to a stop nearly a full meter before other tyres. The manufacturer didn’t compromise when accounting for wet braking, either, ensuring that Michelin tyres will continue keeping drivers safe, rain or shine.
Michelin’s newest release is also one of the hardest available in the premium class to date. The tyre is exceptionally slow to wear, beat out only by the Continental Premium Contact.
2020’s premium tyres are all high-performing and represent transitions in the world of tyre manufacturing. It seems that the future of the premium tyre is quiet, safe, and fuel-efficient – but what other developments are set to arise remains to be seen.