Tyre makers in test spat
Dunlop and Goodyear start tit-for-tat row over who won Autocar's tyre test
Goodyear has come top in an Autocar test of tyres -- according to Goodyear. Oh no it hasn't, Dunlop has -- according to Dunlop.
An independent tyre test compared the five leading tyre brands in the UK, across two categories of car. Shopping car tyres are compared on a VW Golf 1.6, and high performance tyres are compared on the Vauxhall Monaro 5.7 litre V8.
Goodyear won both categories, said Goodyear. The new Goodyear HydraGrip tyre (first pic) was declared as 'exceptional' by Autocar's testers, and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD-3 won the high performance tyre test, adding to its victories in the recent 'Auto Express', 'Which?' and 'evo' tyre tests.
The tests covered handling, road noise and aquaplaning performance, but it was in wet braking tests that really showed the importance of choosing the right tyres -- said Goodyear. These tests showed a ten metre difference (more than the length of two VW Golfs) in stopping distance between the Goodyear tyres in each category and the worst performing of the well-known tyre brands. The tests involved braking from a mere 50 mph, a speed at which, if hit, nearly all pedestrians would suffer fatal injuries.
"Relate these distances to potential accidents and you will appreciate how significant they are" stated the Autocar test team, led by road test editor Chris Chilton.
On the other hand, Autocar declared the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx (second pic) to be the fastest in its handling test. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx uses a race-inspired Multi Radius Tread construction, which, according to Dunlop, gives the maximum contact patch on the road surface, even when cornering at high speed. "The Dunlop turned in not only the quickest laps, but, subjectively, the most satisfying performance" stated Chris Chilton, Road Test Editor, Autocar.
The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx performance advantage in the dry was not a result of compromised wet weather performance, said Dunlop, adding that the Dunlop was also in the top three of all brands tested in wet handling, wet braking and curved aquaplaning tests.
In a battle of the pull-quotes, Goodyear's Lisa Faulkner said, "The Goodyear Hydragrip has a massive performance advantage in wet weather conditions as a result of its innovative DynamicDrain-TRED technology. A unique tread design improves road contact under braking and gives optimum aquaplaning resistance on even the wettest of roads. We claim it reigns when it pours – and Autocar agree."
Meanwhile, Dunlop's Geraldine McGovern said that the tests highlighted why Dunlop are a favourite choice for keen drivers: "Dunlop tyres are proven in touring car championships and sports car racing around the world. The lessons we learn from racing are applied to our road tyres, and the latest Sport Maxx is no exception."
The latest Dunlop SP Sport Maxx may be the quickest of all the leading brands' everyday high performance offerings, but for enthusiasts who use their cars for track days or motorsport, Dunlop said it offers a more extreme alternative. The Dunlop Formula-R, a road legal tyre used by many racing teams, was also tested by Autocar on the Monaro. Cutting a dramatic 3.4 seconds off the average lap time for the car, the Formula-R set the pace at Mireval.
Goodyear counter-claimed that the test also proved the importance of grip over horsepower. The 1.6 Golf on Goodyear HydraGrip tyres lapped the wet test track as quickly as the Monaro (with three times the power) on the worst of the leading brand tyres. However, once a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres were bolted onto the Monaro, it showed a four seconds a lap improvement. Had the test had been a 20 lap race, the Goodyear-shod Monaro would finish a whole lap ahead of an identical car fitted with the worst performing of the leading brand tyres, reckoned Goodyear.
"The result of the Autocar test certainly dispels the myth that all tyres are the same" added Lisa.
As if PHers would believe such nonsense.
I'm sure a few high performace tyres are better in the dry, but the F1's are superb in the wet. And after all, I do spend 99% of my miles in wet old England...!
The Re040's on my 8 need changing soon, and I want something thats going to be better in the wet and snow/ice, but not compromise summer performance to much, and last for ever too! No road noise either!
Was looking at S03's but thees so much choice.
And I want them practicaly free, or £150 a corner max anyhow :P
fq300 said:
I've preached about Goodyear F1's for the last few years and the latest GSD3(?) were put on my EvoVIII as soon as the Yokohama's wore out - after approx 10 miles or so!
I'm sure a few high performace tyres are better in the dry, but the F1's are superb in the wet. And after all, I do spend 99% of my miles in wet old England...!
Ah just the man then, I've asked on another thread before now and not got an answer, perhaps you could help 
. What's the differnce between GSD2 and GSD3 on the F1, only ask as my standard 205/55/15ZR requirement is only met by the older GSD2's
. I've heard a lot of good noise about the GSD3's but not the GSD2's. Harry
daydreamer said:
I'm even worse - I have Dunlop Formula R on the race car - 'cause I have to, and Bridgestone S02's on the Honda as I believe that the manufacturers probably know a thing or two about tyre choice when they decide to fit them - so OEM all the way I'm afraid
Whilst thats nice to think, I've been given the impression that commercial pressures can impact things. Remember reading that one of the big performance car makers used several different brands depending on what they can get hold of/current contract (was it Porsche?).
HarryW said:
What's the differnce between GSD2 and GSD3 on the F1... I've heard a lot of good noise about the GSD3's but not the GSD2's.
GSD2s are an older design and slightly better looking IMO!
I assume GSD3s must be "better" as other wise GY wouldn't have bothered to change the design?
Danh said:
I'm even worse - I have Dunlop Formula R on the race car - 'cause I have to, and Bridgestone S02's on the Honda as I believe that the manufacturers probably know a thing or two about tyre choice when they decide to fit them - so OEM all the way I'm afraid
Whilst thats nice to think, I've been given the impression that commercial pressures can impact things. Remember reading that one of the big performance car makers used several different brands depending on what they can get hold of/current contract (was it Porsche?).
And just look at TVR, they went from Bridgestone, to Toyos, and now Goodyears. Its got nothing to do with perfromance and everything to do with economics/politics.
The differences are in tread design and size availability:
GSD2:
GSD3:
And this is what Goodyear have to say:
Now, thanks to Goodyear's unrivalled expertise in world championship motor racing - including 368 Grand Prix victories - the new Eagle F1's unique tread design combines the characteristics of dry "slicks" with those of wet race tyres.
The result is a product which is perfect for high performance vehicles and custom/tuned cars - providing drivers with superior grip and agile handling, both on dry and wet roads.
This successor to the award-winning Eagle F1 - firmly established as a landmark tyre in the high performance sector - was actually designed by Goodyear's former chief engineer of Formula 1 Racing tyre development Andy Weimer.
Top of the list of innovations featured in the new tyre is what Goodyear call their OneTRED technology. This extends the familiar V-shaped directional tread design of the old Eagle F1 to provide continuous channels from the solid centre rib right through to the shoulder block.
Goodyear's communications manager Ron Pike explained: "If you look on conventional tyres, the horizontal grooves in the tread are usually interrupted by cross groove patterns. This means the contact between the tyre surface and the road is broken at regular intervals.
"But with the new Eagle F1, the tread runs uninterrupted from shoulder to shoulder - like a racing slick - and this ensures that in both straight driving and cornering, there is always a very large contact area with the road."
Another benefit of the tread design is the advanced anti-aquaplaning characteristics created by the wide drainage grooves.
The centre section - which also runs continuously - ensures a very direct and "sporty" steering behaviour. The large shoulder area ensures vehicles can cope well with aggressive cornering.
What's more, the tread pattern reduces road noise.
Another great feature of the new F1 is the rim flange protector. A rubber lips protrudes over the edge of the wheel rim to protect it from curbstone damage.
"I'm sure this feature will be much applauded by motorists with expensive alloys wheels on their vehicles," added Ron.
The Eagle F1 is immediately available in 34 sizes for 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 inch rims - to serve the majority of high performance vehicles in the UK. More sizes will be available later, including a run-flat (EMT) version.
Ron pointed out: "The former Eagle F1 is still held in the highest regard by high performance car drivers throughout the UK.
"But all I can say is, if you think that tyre's impressive, wait till you experience the new Eagle F1. It outperforms its predecessor in every area - performance, handling and even treadlife."
>> Edited by JamieT on Thursday 21st October 10:41
He also said another difference between F1 GSD2's and 3's is that the edge of the GSD3 tyre is more rounded giving superior grip in the dry than the GSD2. He said the tread design also makes the GSD3 better in the wet. However, he told me directly that becasue they still sell the GSD2 they have been instructed not to say officially that the GSD3 is a better tyre (although it certainly is and thats why he telephoned me rather than replying to my email).
On my 1994 Griff I'd have to have 15" GSD2's on the front and 16" GSD3's on the rear. He didnt think it would have any adverse effect on the handling but couldnt say for sure. I have spoken to 2 TVR owners with this set up and neither reported any problems.
I know this is a lot of info but I am trying to make the same tyre decision and I couldnt find much concrete info on GSD2/3's. I'm hoping this info may help someone else.
>> Edited by jam1et on Thursday 21st October 12:09
robdickinson said:
Ak more tyre info - and now I'm more confuzed than ever.
The Re040's on my 8 need changing soon, and I want something thats going to be better in the wet and snow/ice, but not compromise summer performance to much, and last for ever too! No road noise either!
Was looking at S03's but thees so much choice.
And I want them practicaly free, or £150 a corner max anyhow :P
try Toyo Proxes T1S. I Changed from Pirreli P Zero Rosso's (excellent) no loss of grip especialy in the wet ( and perform well even when almost shot as a trip down a streaming wet A1 yesterday proved to me , I had new ones put on today) and they last significantly longer than the Pirrelis +reasonable price.... sorted
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