Vredestein UK managing director Stuart Jackson explained that the company is aiming its latest tyre at the kind of high mileage, high performance motorists that drive Mercedes, Audis and other 16- to 17-inch, 45 to 55 series fitments.
The Centro is 20% lighter than its predecessor and has been developed with compliance to the new EU noise, wet grip and rolling resistance regulations that are scheduled for introduction in 2012. Therefore, as you would expect, it includes a –SW (noise and wet grip) mark on its sidewall signifying this. It is Y-rated, indicating that it can cope with speeds up to 300 km/h, and is already available in 13 sizes. This includes two run-flat fitments – 225/50 R17 94Y and 225/45 R17 91Y.
According to the company, the tread features a “less is more” philosophy, with a minimalist and primarily functional tread, while shading in two of the tyre’s four central circumferential grooves underlines its streamlined design. The Ultrac Cento’s tread compound features 20 different types of rubber and a unique “high silica” mix that is free of PCA – again ahead of legislation banning these chemicals.
The latest in Vredestein’s line of Ultrac-branded products, the addition of the word Cento to the tyre’s name is both a reference to the tyre manufacturer’s centenary (which was last year) and the fact that the company has once again employed the creative skills of famed design house Giugaro Design. In this case, Giugaro has literally left his mark in the form of an autograph on the tyre’s sidewall, while the tread features the stylish “dolphin” logo that has become synonymous with Vredestein emblazoned on the tyre’s reinforced central spine.
The new tyre was driven the equivalent of millions of kilometres in laboratories and field tests during its development phase before Vredestein engineers gave the green light for the actual production. As a result of this development phase, the new tyre reportedly has low rolling resistance characteristics, which are said to make it quiet as well as fuel-efficient. According to company representatives, this low resistance can be partly attributed to its “intelligent tread compound” that guarantees a low heat production. In addition the tyre contour and groove depth were developed with the aim of reducing rolling resistance. Its shoulders are shallower and thus firmer, which improves performance, decreases rolling resistance and lessens wear. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)
