Goodyear tires are approved for Audi A5 and S5
Goodyear has prepared tires for the Audi A5 and S5, using virtual simulation technologies. The summer tires Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Eagle F1 SuperSport of UHP and UUHP classes, respectively, as well as the winter UltraGrip Performance 3, which will be supplied for both sedans A5 and S5, and for Avant wagons.
The summer tires for Audi A5 and S5 in one of the sizes were designed at the Goodyear Simulation Center at the plant in Luxembourg, where a driving simulator was installed last year, allowing the development of tires for the primary equipment sector in a virtual environment, accelerated testing and evaluation of their characteristics, and, while saving resources, obtaining approval from automotive customers with a smaller number of physically manufactured tire samples. Previously, a similar center was opened in Akron (Ohio, USA), which allows using a unified approach to tire development.
As noted by Goodyear, during the development of tires for high-performance vehicles, one of the most important parameters is informativeness, which could previously be assessed only during track tests in real-world conditions, but now the company can receive feedback from pilots using virtual tests.
The process of creating a tire for the A5/S5 took ten months, and Goodyear notes that they were able to achieve their goal, namely, to obtain Audi's approval for the first physical prototype, made after two virtual development cycles, during which factors such as handling, mileage, and noise were evaluated. According to Goodyear's calculations, this approach eliminates the need to manufacture thousands of tire prototypes and overcome thousands of kilometers on test sites.
"We are very pleased that the new Audi A5 and S5 are equipped with our summer and winter tires," said Luca Davide Andreoni, Goodyear brand director. "We are especially proud of the new opportunities in the field of virtual tire development demonstrated by our modern Simulation Center. By reducing development time, we were able to meet Audi's requirements faster, and by using fewer resources, we made the UHP tire design process more environmentally friendly."
Peter Knauer, an Audi specialist responsible for chassis and wheel/tire developments, added that when creating components for the automaker, attention is paid to the smallest details. "Each model receives its own tires," he emphasized. "Tires for the A5 are designed with an emphasis on economy and comfort, and for the S5 - on the level of grip."
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is a repeatedly winning tire model in tests, developed by Goodyear to enhance grip on dry and wet surfaces, and it is reported that the main factor for Audi was its low rolling resistance, which allows increasing fuel efficiency without compromising other parameters.
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport has a lot in common with the brand's racing tires but, as the manufacturer claims, differs in its versatility and effectively works on both dry and wet surfaces, and is also optimal for track day enthusiasts, thanks to the reinforced tread ribs and sidewalls, which improve handling sensitivity and informativeness on both regular roads and racing tracks.
In turn, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 tires are the latest model in the UltraGrip winter line, which recently won the ADAC club test due to its high level of safety. According to Goodyear, the tires are distinguished by improved performance on snow and wet asphalt, but also a special "noise-reducing" tread pattern increases the level of comfort.
Previously, Goodyear tires were homologated for numerous Audi models, including the Q6 e-tron, e-tron GT quattro, and RS e-tron GT, and the supply of tires for the A5 and S5 "marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of cooperation between the two cult brands".
Tires for Audi A5/S5 are supplied in the following sizes:
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
235/45 R18
245/40 R19