Conti unveils General UHP, updated all-terrain tires

NEW ORLEANS — Continental Tire the Americas has introduced two General-brand tires for two kinds of driving enthusiasts — the brand's first summer ultra-high performance (UHP) tire, the G-MAX RS, and a next generation, all-terrain tire, the Grabber A/TX, replacing the A/T2.

The G-Max RS, designed for performance and muscle cars, is available in 50 sizes covering 16- to 20-inch rim diameters with a UTQG rating of 360 AA A and a 45-day trial for consumers.

"We've designed this tire with the driving enthusiast in mind. Our Smart Technologies offer impressive performance in dry and wet conditions while our visual alerts provide driving confidence. We think this is a tire that enthusiasts will really enjoy," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing.

The G-Max RS features StabiliTread Technology that provides a larger footprint and pattern stiffness for even wear; SmartGrip Technology with a center rib for improved steering response; stable shoulder blocks for grip; and a silica-rich summer compound with directional tread grooves for wet grip.

The tire also features SmartMonitor Technology with a visual wear indicator on the tread that alerts drivers when it's time to replace the tire. The "Replacement Tire Monitor" wording imprinted on the tire's center rib wears down to 2/32 inch of tread depth at which point the indicator wording transforms to read "replace tire."

Meanwhile, the Grabber A/TX, available March 1, is described as an aggressive all-terrain tire that provides off-road capability and durability with on-road performance.

The tire carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol and is studdable. The tire will be available in 40 sizes, including 27 LT-metric sizes in 15- to 20-inch rim diameters; 10 flotation sizes in 14- to 20-inch rim diameters; and three metric sizes in 16- to 20-inch rim diameters.

"The Grabber A/TX is designed for the all-terrain enthusiast who demands off-road capability balanced with on-road performance," Mr. Roffler said. "This tire delivers our bold, aggressive styling with all-new solid white letters and the performance to match. The design provides confidence to the consumer, who requires a year-round solution for all weather conditions."

The Grabber A/TX adopts the Grabber X3's aggressive sidewall styling and the tread elements of its predecessor, the Grabber AT2, Conti said.

The tire features DuraGen Technology for long, even wear with cut and chip resistance; traction notches for added grip in dirt, snow and loose surfaces; stone bumpers to help release stones and debris; Comfort Balance Technology with a tread cushioning system and an acoustic tread pattern for a quieter ride; and Stabiltread Technology with a larger footprint and optimized pattern stiffness to promote even wear and long tread life.