It had far more glitz than a major car launch. There was the World Cup qualifier between Greece and Denmark in the Olympic stadium in Athens. Before that footballers and pundits excitedly speculated on World Cup form and everyone present was photographed holding soccer's ultimate trophy. Andrew Hamilton reports
Black rubber seldom gets days like these. But the giant Continental group, whose business includes braking systems, vehicle electronics and suspension components, saw it all as a smart take-off pad for the Conti Premium Contact 2 summer tyre. The tyre business unit which also takes in brands like Semperit is an official partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
"We're very excited about the sponsorship," said Brian Smith, managing director of Continental for Britain and Ireland. "No other sport comes near in terms of a world audience."
Conti Premium Contact 2 doesn't roll off the tongue, but Continental says it means easier motoring. Some 60 cars ranging from Mini to the Jaguar XJ were hired in Germany, shod with the tyres and transported to Athens for testing on normal roads and on a watered circuit at the Olympic rowing complex.
The tyres were evaluated by motoring and specialist tyre media. It seems that the new Conti is highly competent in manoeuvres such as a quick stop in the wet from 90km/h to standstill - it takes 38.11 metres while the Michelin Pilot Premacy needs 40.94 and the Dunlop SP Sport 42.64.
The tyre's special design characteristic is a 3D groove with steep and shallow sides. The steep flank functions much like a windscreen wiper penetrating the water and ensuring surface contact, while the shallow side stiffens the tread pattern and thus ensures the shortened braking distances.
Conti Premium Contact 2 will come in all shapes and sizes: there are 18 sizes and 35 versions approved for speeds of up to 300km/h (187mph). It could be appearing on new cars as original equipment later this summer, Continental being market leader in the OE tyre scene with a share of over 20 per cent.