In the coming days, the first new Continental CrossContact H/T tyres will be arriving at specialist dealers and garages across the UK, offering improved on and off-road traction and a 20 per cent increase in mileage. At the same time, its safety-related properties are similarly as advanced as those of its predecessor, and its low rolling noise is gentle on vehicle occupants and the environment.
Continental’s tyre developers have designed the multi-purpose tread pattern of the new CrossContact H/T (highway/terrain) to handle the daily challenges of a passenger car, crossover and SUV tyre – with conventional or electric drive systems – just as well as a product developed for use on asphalt.
Simultaneously, the tread, rubber compound and structure are designed to be robust enough to handle rides on mild off-road terrain. The engineers have added so-called grip teeth, which are small protrusions in the tread grooves, to provide additional grip when driving on loose stones and uneven tracks. And the tyre shoulders have been strengthened, to prevent damage from stones and scree.
The tread compound on the new CrossContact H/T is especially durable – with a novel composition and polymer network – and provides around 20 percent higher mileage than its predecessor. Small rubber strips added to the outer tread ribs – known as the alignment verification system – allow the driver to spot any uneven wear and address potential wheel alignment issues to prolong the tyre’s life further. Another advantage of the tread compound is its high resiliency, which prevents cuts to the tread caused by stones.
For added robustness and comfort in the cabin when driving on scree and uneven trails, a rubber layer has been inserted under the tread to dampen driving noise inside and outside the vehicle by around 10 per cent. Beneath it are two layers of cap fabric, which prevent the carcass from being damaged by stones, and underneath those are two extra strong steel belts and double carcass plies for even more durability.
In the EU tyre label classification, the new CrossContact H/T achieves values between “C” and “D” in the rolling resistance test and is classified as “C” in wet braking distances. Its noise emission is 71 dB. And as a tyre suitable for off-road use, the summer tyre also bears the M+S marking. For the launch of the product, Continental will produce 43 variants between 15 and 21 inches in diameter, with speed approvals of 118 to 168 mph.
A large number of cars can be fitted with the CrossContact H/T, from Alfa Romeo, Ford and Lexus to Mercedes, Toyota, Volvo, VW and more.
The new CrossContact H/T is set to replace the ContiCrossContact LX2.
