Vredestein releases new winter tires

Apollo Tyres has introduced new winter tires Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ for high-performance passenger cars and crossovers, including the latest generation of electric vehicles.

Compared to the previous generation tires - Vredestein Wintrac Pro, presented in 2018 - the new tires have improved traction on snow, slush, and ice, as well as fuel efficiency, which was made possible by an optimized rubber compound recipe, while the tread pattern remained unchanged. The performance on wet surfaces and "one of the best in class" mileage remained at the same level.

To enhance traction on snowy surfaces, a compound with a new polymer and resin blend was developed, which increased the elasticity of the tread lugs at low temperatures, while the tread pattern with inclined channels in the central zone and wavy lamellas in the shoulder sections is designed to improve the predictability of tire behavior during maneuvering in complex winter conditions. Additionally, the uniform distribution of pressure across the contact patch increases traction on snow, and the lamellas in the central part of the tread accelerate acceleration and braking. According to the manufacturer's statements, the effectiveness of acceleration and deceleration on snow increased by 5 and 4% compared to Wintrac Pro, and handling in similar conditions was improved by 20% (in internal tests, tires of size 245/45 R18 were compared).

High durability is ensured by a new combination of polymers and fillers that increase wear resistance, and Apollo says that the tire's durability is more than enough for several seasons. The more economical Wintrac Pro+ also makes rolling resistance, reduced by 7% compared to the previous generation tires (in size 245/45 R18), and low-hysteresis materials helped the new tire become a class better in this parameter in the European labeling system in many sizes.

The development of the tires was carried out by specialists from the research center in Enschede (Netherlands), who, according to the manufacturer, achieved not only an increase in the level of safety but also a reduction in environmental impact. Thus, the proportion of recycled and renewable materials was increased from 20.4 to 26.5%, and the carbon footprint during production was reduced by 4% compared to Wintrac Pro (in the same 245/45 R18 size).

Thanks to the high proportion of silica and special resins in the composition of Wintrac Pro+, they work effectively on wet roads, while low rolling resistance makes the new tire a good option for electric vehicle owners, and in most sizes, they have an XL index, which means that the tires are optimal for electric vehicles with increased weight, Apollo emphasizes.

The Vredestein brand has been present on the winter tire market since the 1960s, when the innovative radial model M&S 187 was introduced. The first-generation Wintrac tires were released in 1996, and since then, the lineup has been significantly expanded with products for high-performance vehicles, such as Wintrac Xtreme and Wintrac Pro, which are designed to provide good handling at high speeds.

"The share of UHP tires in the winter segment continues to grow, reflecting the increasing popularity of more powerful passenger cars, crossovers, including hybrids," noted Ivo Pouliken, head of sales and marketing at Apollo, adding that in this segment, the ability of tires to handle loads caused by high torque and vehicle mass is crucial, and ensuring the necessary level of safety is essential.

Wintrac Pro+ is available in over 120 sizes with a rim diameter from 17 to 22 inches, and most sizes have a speed index of Y, which means they can be operated at speeds of up to 300 km/h.

In honor of the premiere, a game in 8-bit style was launched on the Vredestein websites, where you need to avoid obstacles on the track, competing with the brand's ambassador Giancarlo Fisichella, earning points and winning prizes. You can play, for example, here.