Carbon fiber comes to tires in the new Goodyear Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology, a product available to consumers in May.
With thread-like strands of carbon that are strong and flexible, carbon fiber is a substance that weighs much less than steel of similar strength. As a woven composite fabric, it is increasingly used in high-tech race cars and jet planes.
In the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology, the outboard sidewall of the tire is reinforced with a high-tech carbon fiber insert that provides stiffness for responsive handling and steering precision. Combined with conventional tire construction on the inboard sidewall, the ResponsEdge tire delivers a smooth, comfortable ride.
Over the top of the belt package, the ResponsEdge also sports a sound- and shock-absorbing InsuLayer made with DuPont Kevlar, to help provide a smooth, quiet ride, along with promoting even treadwear.
"The unique construction allows our engineers to develop a product we call a performance tire with manners," said Bob Toth, Goodyear’s marketing manager, auto tires.
In the traction area of the tire is a dual-compound, asymmetric tread design. On the inboard side of the tread, an All Season Zone offers an open tread pattern, Aquachutes for water dispersion and a high number of TredLock technology microgrooves. All of these tread features are supported by a special high silica, all-weather tread compound. Combined, the All Season Zone provides all-season traction and handling, which translates into confidence when driving, including in wet and winter conditions.
On the outboard side of the tread, the Performance Zone consists of performance tread blocks and a solid circumferential rib made with a super-grip performance tread compound. This helps provide traction for confident handling and braking.
Additionally, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology offers a Rim Protector, PermaBlack sidewall compound for new-tire appearance throughout the tire’s life, and distinctive on-the-tread branding. "Goodyear Eagle" is stamped in the tread groove as a signature brand styling for the new Eagle tires.
Other branding is found on the tire’s sidewall where an icon proclaims the ResponsEdge Technology tire contains carbon fiber.
According to Toth, "A high-performance tire with carbon fiber and Kevlar offers consumers relevant technologies that enhance the total driving experience for high-performance touring sedans. Those drivers are interested in innovative technology, especially if it provides them with responsive handling, a good feel for the road and a ride that is smooth and quiet."
The new tire includes the Eagle Performance Package, with these features:
• 30-day no obligation trial;
• Roadside Assistance Program;
• Nationwide warranty service;
• Online DOT registration; and
• Goodyear Garage Program (register vehicles at www.goodyeargarage.com to receive tire rotation reminders, new product announcements, valuable savings and more).
Initially available in May 2006 in 24 sizes to fit most popular high-performance touring sedans, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology is targeted at drivers who want crisp, responsive handling and a smooth, comfortable ride. This segment includes vehicles such as BMW, Audi, Lexus, Acura and Cadillac.
Goodyear is supporting the introduction of the new tire with a range of promotions – national television ads, print advertising, a new website, database marketing for retailers, direct mail, point-of-sale materials and more.
For more information about Goodyear’s broad selection of tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit www.goodyeartires.com.