The Goodyear brand is setting the cat among the pigeons by launching a new range with four sports tyres. The most popular will surely be the Asymmetric 5 which promises to have a successful career.
Fully aware that the market for large tyre sizes (17 inches or more) is booming, Goodyear has pulled out all the stops to launch a new range of sports tyres, completely redesigned, including the Asymmetric 5 which will be the perfect ambassador.
Already announced by Goodyear, its tyres will now be replaced every four years. For the very emblematic Eagle F1 Asymmetric it will be a little shorter, since we tested the third in the series in 2016.
No Asymmetric 4 for reasons of superstition (the number 4 brings bad luck in certain Asian countries), but the number 5 which will continue to embody the values which have forged the reputation of the F1 Asymmetric.
Indeed, the “ASM3” has always stood out for its strong focus on safety and wet performance. This technical orientation has earned it numerous accolades in tests and comparison tests during its short career.
Logically the ASM5 will continue this legacy and above all, open the way to a new generation of sports tyres within the Goodyear range. The Asymmetric will now be supported by the Supersport, the Supersport R and the Supersport RS. The ASM5 being considered as the most versatile, suitable to be driven on a daily basis, and the RS as the most extreme and mainly reserved for track use.
Technology that changes
Undeniably, the Asymmetric 5 has evolved, striving for more versatility to meet the needs of as many drivers as possible whether in dry or wet conditions.
For this reason, this new tyre inaugurates a tread compound that provides efficient handling whatever the operating temperatures. The objective being not to have an increasing curve for the amount of grip delivered. The tread has also been redesigned so that the contact patch is optimised in all circumstances, particularly in braking phases.
Logically, like any self-respecting sports tyre, special attention has been paid to the structure of the tyre. With the main benefit required being the driving feel, but also the responsiveness and precision of the tyre. A domain in which significant progress has been made, says Goodyear.
A full-scale test
To evaluate the performances of its tyre, Goodyear quickly allowed us to familiarise ourselves with its latest addition. The feeling is quite characteristic of a versatile tyre, offering roundness and progressiveness in the same way it delivers performances. Easy and safe, during this first test drive the tyre reveals performances consistent with its status of leader in its market. It will definitely wreak havoc in comparison tests. There is no doubt about it, the competition has every reason to be concerned.
For who? For what?
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 will be available before the end of the year in 61 sizes, for 17 to 21 inch rim diameters, for 195 to 315 widths and 60 to 35 side profiles. In practice, this means it is designed for passenger cars, compacts and sports vehicles. If it is perfectly suitable for extensive use, it also adapts to use on a daily basis.
