The weather may not show it yet, but in a month, we’ll probably start switching to winter tires. In our last article, we recapped last year’s tests, and next, we’ll introduce a few new models expected to be tested this year. Today, let’s take a look at the first new winter model from Continental that we’re likely to see in testing.
Continental has introduced a simplified naming system for their tires this season, saying goodbye to the decades-old “TS” designation (like TS870). The new naming is similar to what Michelin is using for the past years and now Bridgestone is adopting, showing that tire manufacturers are realizing complex names don’t appeal to customers.
This new model most likely replaces the ContiWinterContact TS 870P and is aimed at high-performance cars with sizes from R19 and up to R22. In a press release, Continental mentioned models like the Audi RS3, Bentley Continental GT, BMW i7, Mercedes GT 63 and EQS 53, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The fact that both gasoline and fully electric vehicles are listed isn’t a coincidence—manufacturers are taking the trend toward electric mobility seriously. Besides the expected great driving performance of premium tires, there’s also a focus on reducing rolling resistance to maximize range, which is especially important for winter tires, as winter range is often cited as a drawback of electric vehicles.
Continental already reports strong sales of the 8S, which is no surprise. Performance car owners who drive year-round want the latest technology to keep their expensive vehicles safe while maintaining a fun-to-drive experience. Continental winter tyres are known for offering a perfect balance between snow, wet, and dry performance.
The new tire from Continental earns a “B” rating on the EU label for rolling resistance, which is impressive for a winter tire. It also has the same rating for wet grip, which is certainly not bad. These ratings are likely thanks to innovative technologies Continental has used, such as the multifunctional directional tread design that ensures maximum grip in both wet and dry conditions. The tire’s focus on high-performance vehicles is also evident in its speed index, with some versions allowing speeds of up to 270 km/h.
Continental has high praise for this new model, and we’re excited to see how it performs in tests.Criticism of the previous generation mainly focused on steering precision and feedback on dry roads, areas where the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 performed better. Some test results also mentioned lower mileage as a downside. While Continental in the press release didn’t specifically mention the improvement of any of these, the lower rolling resistance could mean better mileage. We don’t have to wait much longer to find out as first tests should be released next month.
