Continental has recently launched one of its newest ultra-high performance tyres, the SportContact 7. With a selection of 42 different sizes for rim diameters between 19 and 23 inches, it is set to be one of Continental’s top performers. The SportContact 7 has been engineered to provide high mileage with exceptional handling and safety at its core.
An undoubtable evolution on its sixth-generation predecessor, Continental claims it has improved wet braking distances by 8% and dry braking by 6%. This shows a continued progression in the right direction for Continental, who have so far managed to make clear improvements with each installment of their SportContact series. Furthermore, with the 7th iteration of the SportContact, Continental claims that track performance has also improved by 10% while mileage has increased by 17% (according to tests done with the size 245/30 R20).
When compared to other tyres in the U-UHP bracket, the SportContact 7’s C-grade for rolling resistance puts it among the best, making it a serious contender for any motorist looking to get the absolute most out of their vehicle. As well as this, it is said that the tyre shows significant improvements in both handling and grip in wet and dry conditions, according to Continental.
When developing the SportContact 7, the prime objective was to provide “absolute driving pleasure with maximum safety and sustainability in the U-UHP segment.” An important factor which made this possible is the tyre’s unique BlackChili compound which was formulated to compliment the characteristics of the SportContact7’s asymmetrical tyre profile. As well as this, the tyre’s stiff outer tread blocks lead to an improvement in cornering which further enhances its handling capabilities.
As a testament to Continental’s confidence in their latest flagship tyre, it also took first place in popular tyre review website Tyre Reviews’ 2022 UUHP Tyre Tests. It surpassed the likes of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, Bridgestone Potenza Sport among 7 other highly-regarded UUHP tyres. Of the results, Tyre Reviews said that the SportContact 7 was “The best for wet braking and handling, as well as the fastest in the dry tests.”
While Continental has specified that it is aimed at the U-UHP segment, it is aiming at a wide range of vehicles. This includes models such as the BMW M series and the Audi RS series as well as cars like the Mini Cooper S Clubman and the Ford Focus III RS, without forgetting supercars such as the Porsche 4 S GT and an assortment of Lamborghini, McLaren and AMG models.
When speaking of the latest installment of the SportContact series, Enno Straten, head of strategy, analytics and marketing tyre replacement EMEA at Continental said “The new generation SportContact allows us to offer motorists who love high performance a safe product, oriented towards handling and high mileage. The new product will be the flagship and the first representative of our seventh generation of summer tyre expected to be launched in the coming years.”
“The goal of our development was to have the best summer sports tyre on the market for each vehicle class,” claimed Burkhard Wies, head of research and development for passenger tyre replacement at Continental. “This has allowed us to obtain a much more effective driving style on dry and wet roads or on the track, and at the same time an exceptional mileage that improves by 17% that of the previous model. As regards fuel efficiency, thanks to the C category of the European label, we make an effective contribution to sustainability.”
To view our range of the SportContact 7 line, click here.