Continental's latest summer tyre range brings two new models to market - the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S. The tyres mark a step forward in Continental's efficiency-focused design, achieving EU label ratings of Class A for rolling resistance and Class A/B ratings for wet braking and noise performance.

Technical Construction

The core of both tyres uses Continental's new Green Chili 3.0 rubber compound. This works alongside Smart Energy Casing technology, which Continental currently uses in their AllSeasonContact 2 range. The construction includes updated materials across three key areas - the tyre carcass, inner layer, and tyre walls. These changes reduce internal friction within the tyre structure, directly cutting rolling resistance.

Aerodynamic Design

Continental's engineers have taken an interesting approach to aerodynamics, adapting technology from golf ball design. The new Aerodimple structure adds dimples to the tyre sidewalls, similar to the 300-450 dimples found on golf balls. These dimples serve a specific purpose - they cut air turbulence behind the rotating tyre, reducing the energy needed to move the wheel through the air.

Noise Reduction Technology

Road noise gets particular attention in the new range through Continental's Silent Pattern tread design. The pattern focuses on urban noise reduction, specifically targeting common city driving speeds around 30mph. Continental achieved this by carefully calculating both the spacing between tread blocks and their angles. This design choice aims to reduce pass-by noise in urban areas, benefiting both residents and pedestrians.

Model Differences

While sharing core technologies, the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S serve different purposes through their unique compound tuning:

The standard EcoContact 7 maximizes efficiency with a compound focused on minimizing rolling resistance. This makes it particularly suited to vehicles where range and efficiency are top priorities.

The EcoContact 7 S takes a more performance-oriented approach. Its compound puts greater emphasis on wet grip and handling precision, offering more steering feel and grip while still maintaining good efficiency.

Compatibility and Approvals

Both tyres carry Continental's EV Compatible marking on their sidewalls, indicating their suitability for electric vehicles. However, the efficiency benefits work equally well for internal combustion vehicles, potentially reducing fuel consumption.

The range has already secured original equipment approvals from several major manufacturers including BYD, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. These approvals span both electric and conventional vehicle applications, showing the tyres' broad compatibility.

Testing and Performance

Both models have shown strong results in EU tyre testing, with most sizes achieving the top A rating for rolling resistance. Wet braking and noise tests resulted in A and B ratings, demonstrating that the efficiency gains haven't come at the cost of safety performance.

The combination of the Green Chili 3.0 compound and Smart Energy Casing allows these tyres to maintain grip levels while reducing energy loss. This balance of performance characteristics meets the growing market demand for tyres that can deliver safety and efficiency without compromise.

We look forward to testing this new Continental tyre in the near future.