"New ActiveBraking Technology helps drivers brake 3 metres sooner in the wet"

26 July 2011 - Goodyear is launching the ultimate performance tyre for luxury sports performance vehicles. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 with ActiveBraking Technology is the successor to the award-winning Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, which three years since its launch is still highly praised by both magazine tests and consumer reviews.

Taking on a best-in-class performance tyre to the next level, the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 enhances the braking performance on wet and dry roads, helping drivers' sense of confidence and control. It is the first Goodyear tyre to use ActiveBraking Technology which helps deliver up to three metres shorter stopping distance on wet roads and up to two metres on dry roads when tested against three leading competitors*.

"Built to meet the needs of customers with Ultra High Performance vehicles, the technology behind the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 allows drivers to take on the open road with confidence and control," said Blake Vincent, Goodyear Consumer Product Manager. "With shorter braking distance in wet and dry, this tyre paves the way for sheer driving pleasure and top performance."

TÜV endorsed: shorter braking on wet and dry roads

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was extensively tested by independent testing organisation TÜV SÜD Automotive at test tracks in France and Germany in December 2010.

The tyre performed exceptionally well, delivering a three metre shorter braking distance on wet roads compared to the average performance of three leading competitors it was tested against. When the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 had come to a full stop, the competitors tested were still travelling at an average speed of 22 kilometres per hour (km/h) or 13.64 miles per hour (mph)+.

The tyre also performed well in dry braking and handling tests, stopping two metres shorter than the average performance of the three leading competitors. On dry roads, the competitors tested were still travelling at an average speed of 24 km/h (14.88 mph) while the Goodyear Eagle F1 had already come to a stop*.

ActiveBraking Technology - Be better prepared for the unexpected

A key feature of ActiveBraking Technology is the 3 dimensional block design which increases the road contact patch of the tyre during braking. While conventional tyre blocks show little or no transformation during braking, the blocks in the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, due to their specially designed shape, generate more surface under braking load and therefore increase the tyre-to-surface contact area. The larger contact patch offers increased grip, which helps lead to shorter stopping distances on dry roads.

Improved dry performance: handling and steering precision with exceptional braking capacities

The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 features an 86 degree crossed plies carcass structure, which contributes to increased torsion stiffness for enhanced steering precision, handling and braking on dry road surfaces. The new tread compound, containing very high levels of a new Silica grade delivers superior grip levels, helping to lead to further gains in dry handling and dry braking performances.

The lower tyre weight also contributes to better dry handling, as it reduces the vehicle's unsprung mass, enabling the tyre to follow the surface contours more closely.

Short braking on wet

The tyre features a new silica tread compound and race inspired resin to bring enhanced levels of adhesion on wet road surfaces.

"Every second counts on the road. When it comes to braking, the consumer can feel better prepared for various driving conditions with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2", said Mr Vincent.

Reduced fuel consumption

The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 also features Goodyear's renowned FuelSaving Technology, which aids reduced fuel consumption.

Three areas have been subject to the attention of Goodyear engineers:

A minimized tyre weight with less rubber and an optimized tyre construction for reduced rolling resistance;A new 'high surface' silica tread compound that helps reduce energy loss;The TÜV SÜD Automotive test also confirmed that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 delivers top-class rolling resistance in its category, with a seven per cent better rolling resistance compared to the average performance of three leading competitors*.

Lower noise emission levels

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 offers a smooth and quiet ride. The tyre's optimized block design and optimized 4 Pitches Sequence with 64 blocks on the outside and 72 blocks on the inside help reduce noise output levels.

Better mileage

The tyre's computer-optimized cavity shape and tread stiffness result in uniform pressure and stiffness distribution across the footprint, resulting in better mileage levels. Goodyear internal performance tests showed the Asymmetric 2 outperforms its predecessor with more than 10% improvement in mileage+.

A winning heritage

The award-winning predecessor, Eagle F1 Asymmetric received the highest recommendation in various independent tests by experts and magazines around the world. Across Asia, these include:

• 2010 MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test Winner (Australia)
• 2010 Best Handling Tyre - Auto Sports magazine (China)
• 2009 MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test Winner (Australia)
• 2009 High Performance Tyre of the Year by XCAR.com (China)
• 2009 Golden Tyre Editor's Choice Award (China)
• 2009 Best Tyre Choice for High Performance Drivers - CARNEWS Magazine (Taiwan)
• 2008 WHEELS Magazine Tyre Test Winner (Australia)

Wide range of sizes available

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 has been designed for a broad range of vehicles, including sporty models of city cars and compacts as well as large, powerful sedans.

Available in 17" to 19" rim diameters and 22 different sizes, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 offers wide market coverage.

* Compared to the average performance of three leading competitors. Braking distance on wet road from 80 km/h (49.6 mph) to 20km/h (12.4 mph), braking distance on dry road from 100 km/h (62 mph) to 0 km/h, measured by TÜV SÜD Automotive in December 2010; Tyre Size: 255/40R19; Test Car: Audi A7; Location: Mireval (FR) & Garching (GE); Report nr: 76244706-1. Your performance may vary based on driving and road conditions, and vehicle and proper tyre maintenance.

+ Goodyear internal tests. Average performance of 3 sizes (225/45R17 - 245/40R18 - 255/40R19) tested in 2010Mireval (FR) and Colmar-Berg (LU) Test period: April to Dec 2010; Test Car pending size: VW GOLF, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi TT, Audi A5 & Audi A7. Results may vary based on driving and road conditions, and vehicle and proper tyre maintenance.