Continental Tire the Americas unveiled its latest winter offering, the General AltiMax Arctic 12, to select dealers and media at a special launch event in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada this week.
The tire joins the Grabber Arctic and Grabber Arctic LT in the General Tire winter portfolio and will replace the current AltiMax Arctic for passenger cars, minivans, crossovers and compact SUVs.
“Our General Tire winter line has built a reputation among our dealer network and consumers as a solid winter tire option with impressive performance. The new General AltiMax Arctic 12 will continue to strengthen that reputation as it takes winter traction and handling to a new level,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire.
The AltiMax Arctic 12 is a studdable winter tire that features innovative compound and tread pattern technologies for superior traction in low temperatures on wet, snow and/or ice conditions, Conti said. The tire is designed with a strong center rib structure within its tread design for superior steering response and maximum dry handling grip. The tire also features high void angled grooves to channel water away for added wet traction and a wider contact patch, the tiremaker said.
Media and dealers had the opportunity to drive on the new AltiMax and full General Tire winter line during a ride ‘n’ drive event at ICAR Mirabel. Courses that tested the AltiMax Arctic 12’s capabilities included an off-road exercise in Jeeps, a snow-covered course in a Ford Focus, a Subaru WRX STI rally car experience, and an ice braking test in a Ford Fusion and rough ice course in a Ford Explorer.
Additionally, the snow-covered course featured a Ford Expedition fitted with Grabber Arctic tires and another snow-covered course with a mix of icy corners featured a heavy-duty Ford truck with Grabber Arctic LT tires.
The majority of the new AltiMax tires were manufactured in Europe and the tire is available in 47 T-rated sizes ranging from 14- to 19-inch wheel diameters. Orders will be accepted starting in March with deliveries in July. Consumers will be offered a 30-day customer trial period to ensure satisfaction after the purchase.
