Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 - Technology driving performance
- Newest member of Eagle F1 family now on sale
- Innovations to improve dry performance, wet braking and handling
- EV-ready technology reduces noise and rolling resistance
Following the preview announcement of the latest generation Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Goodyear has revealed more details of the technologies within the new ultra high performance (UHP) tire. Designed to suit a wide range of performance-orientated cars, including hot hatches, sporty compacts, family cars, luxury sedans and sports coupes, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 features a number of innovations to offer superb performance on wet and dry roads.
Dry Contact Plus Technology
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 brings a step forward in dry performance1. This is achieved by Goodyear’s latest Dry Contact Plus Technology. A key feature is an adaptive contact patch and optimised cavity to adapt to load variations. Under standard driving conditions the tire’s contact patch has a normal footprint but this increases when the driver makes an extreme manoeuvre. The contact area therefore adapts to the driving style and increases as needed, giving the driver more grip and reactivity to extreme manoeuvres.
Pierre Jadin, Technical Project Manager, Replacement Consumer, Goodyear, explains: “Dry Contact Plus Technology means Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 can adapt to changes in load so, when a driver makes a fast cornering manoeuvre, for example, they can rely on increased grip and reactivity. This innovation is a key feature behind Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6’s enhanced dry performance.”
Wet Braking Pro Technology
In wet weather conditions, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 cap compound with innovative new resin system allows the tire to have more micro-contact with the road surface, giving drivers better grip on damp or wet roads2. Technology developed for UUHP (ultra ultra high performance) tires designed to perform as well on the racetrack as the road has been transferred to Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. In Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, this technology increases its flexibility to be more resistant to road roughness3. This resin system boosts tire grip on the road4.
The development of a new tire is a true multinational team effort. Laurent Colantonio is Technology Director for Consumer Tires EMEA, based at Goodyear Innovation Center Luxembourg (GICL). “The increasing globalisation of car models meant that we took a global, not just European approach. Our Innovation Centers in Asia and the Americas were involved from the start of the project. This includes work on materials, testing, measurement and predictive tools. The resin system doesn’t just boost performance, it contributes to sustainability as a result of Goodyear's investment in developing bio-based resins.”
EV Ready Technology
Every tire in Goodyear’s range is EV-ready, but Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 has additional innovations to support manufacturers’ EV requirements. Its noise cancelling pattern results in a reduction of 1 dB, shown on the EU tire label. This is aided by a thinner sipe design compared to Asymmetric 5 and the addition of a radial chamfered groove to dampen noise frequencies.
“On some sizes, the reduction is 2 dB. This is significant as a 3 dB reduction would be the equivalent to reducing the noise by half. It is a huge reduction that’s particularly important for drivers of quieter EVs,” adds Colantonio.
Other innovations include a reduction in overall tire weight5 and an aerodynamic sidewall shape that reduces turbulence and improves airflow around the tire and the side of the vehicle. Its new compound technology reduces rolling resistance, to help increase electric range5. These innovations also help reduce fuel consumption on petrol and diesel cars.
Jadin adds: “When we say Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is ready for anything, we mean it’s ready for any vehicle in any conditions. It truly is a balanced tire, combining qualities and performance characteristics across the board. Our challenge in development was to maximise everything; not just one area. A typical OE tire might focus on keeping rolling resistance low, while sacrificing wet weather performance, for example. In Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, we have developed a tire with low rolling resistance, excellent dry and wet grip and low noise. Goodyear’s rigorous development process subjects the tire to more than 50 tests, covering every aspect imaginable.”
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 was rolled out in 28 sizes in Q1 2022, with additional sizes released throughout the year. By 2023, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 will be available in no fewer than 65 sizes from 17 to 22-inch fitments.
To read the rest of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 press kit, click here.
(1) (2) (3) (4) Compared to predecessor Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5. Internal tests, size 225/45R17, test car: Volkswagen Golf 8, test location: Mireval Test Track.
(5) Reduction of rolling resistance, weight and noise compared to predecessor Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5.
