Many performance car owners are familiar with the need to bed sports cars down for the winter. At best, snow tires are a compromise, sacrificing control for grip on icy days. Goodyear hopes to make winter-time a bit easier, with the new Ultra Grip 8 Performance, which comes to North America for 2014.
The Ultra Grip 8 Performance was developed in Europe, where year-round use of performance cars is common. Goodyear has designed tread with multiple biting edges, directional tread and a deep groove around the tire to improve lateral grip. A saw-shaped central pattern on the tire pushes snow aside during braking, keeping the tire in contact with the road. Additionally, the tire uses a special polymer blend and silica compound to ensure that it remains flexible in cold weather.
The Ultra Grip 8 Performance will be available in eleven sizes to fit the Audi A6, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS250, Mercedes C-Class and more. The new winter tire will be available at Goodyear retail outlets.
“Goodyear developed this innovative tire to help performance drivers prepare for the changing weather conditions of the winter months. Rather than keeping their fun-to-drive cars in the garage during the cold season, they have the opportunity to enjoy them, even in the middle of winter,” said Brandy Gadd, Goodyear brand manager.
