The launch program was held at Big Sky, Mont., and included extensive test-driving events at nearby Yellowstone Airport in southwestern Montana.
The first in what Continental officials said would be a series of tires under the Altimax line name, the studdable Altimax Arctic features a combination of unique grooves, multi-angled sipes and a winter-tire-purposed tread rubber. Specifically, the Altimax Arctic features a directional tread pattern with a center stability rib for water evacuation and straight-line stability, Continental’s Reactive Contour technology for optimized contact patch during lateral movement, a multi-angled sipe system that covers 270 degrees for optimized straight-line and cornering traction and an extreme-weather, dual-rubber tread compound for cold-weather flexibility and wet traction.
“We are truly excited about this new endeavor for the General brand and expect a tremendous positive response from the market toward this tire,” said Tony Talbert, CTNA product and brand manager. Talbert said that, with 26 different 13- through 17-inch sizes, the Altimax Arctic will cover more than 72% of the Canadian market and 68% of the U.S. studdable tire market.
Continental introduced the Altimax power line at the 2006 SEMA Show with a preview of the Altimax HP and Altimax RT, both of which will be introduced later this year.
