COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 2, 2013) — Goodyear gave some of its dealers and members of the media a chance to test out its Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, made with a DuPont Kevlar aramid belt, during a ride-and-drive event in Colorado Springs on July 31.
Sara Vacha, Goodyear brand marketing manager, said the tire is targeted toward consumers who live for the weekend, but still need a reliable tire during the week. She added that these consumers "have high expectations" and they "expect the traction both on highway and off."
"They want tires to be dependable so this is the perfect fit for their needs," Ms. Vacha said.
The Akron-based tire manufacturer said the layer of Kevlar adds a rugged toughness over pavement, gravel and dirt, plus superior traction through rain and snow.
Goodyear said it is "has an exclusive agreement" with DuPont to use Kevlar in its tires, which "resonates very strongly" with consumers.
The all-terrain tire became available in August at Goodyear retail outlets, and a full lineup of 44 sizes will be available by the end of 2013. Goodyear said 20 sizes are designated as "Pro-Grade" fitments — those that are load range E tires with two layers of Kevlar and a heavy-duty steel belt package.
The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure carries a 60,000-mile/96,000-kilometer limited tread life warranty on standard load and LT sizes. Goodyear said this warranty is 20 percent longer than other Wrangler lines.
Features of the tire include open shoulder blocks in the tread to help clear mud and snow for versatile off-road traction, and traction ridges for traction on soft road surfaces. Biting edges and a rubber compound also contribute to the traction capabilities on wet and icy roads.
Goodyear said the new tire also contains its exclusive Durawall technology, which offers toughness and helps to resist cuts in the sidewall area.
The ride-and-drive event allowed attendees to get a feel for the tire in both a wet and dry field course, along with an off-roading course in the mountains of Colorado Springs.