Conti launches General, Continental tires

Spencer Robinson, supervisor for tire additional performance lab, dismounts one of the tires. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk

Spencer Robinson, Conti's supervisor for tire additional performance lab, checks a flat tire--a ContiSportContact 3--on a Porsche Carrera 4 before Conti's ride and drive event at the proving grounds. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk

A driver puts the Mustang through a circular "lateral test" on the proving grounds. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk

Conti's new tires are put to the test on proving grounds outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk

Tony Talbert, product manager for Continental Tire North America Inc., has been working on the new line for the last year and a half, from "conception through today to make them just right," he said. At the proving grounds outside the Las Vegas Convention Center, Conti let showgoers--driving various high-performance vehicles including the Shelby and Porsche Carrera 4--put the new tires through their paces. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk

The General-brand Altimax HP features wear indicators. The center of the tread initially has the words "Replacement Tire Monitor" showing. When the tire wears to 2/32nds-inch, the center tread displays the words "Replace Tire." Joe Maher, product manager for passenger and performance tires, said 37 sizes of the new tire will be available to dealers in March, and 73 sizes--covering more than 80 percent of the market--will be available by the end of the third quarter. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk

Joe Maher, Conti's product manager for passenger and performance tires, shows off the new General Altimax HP tire, size 235/55R17 99H. The tire is fitted on a black Shelby GT-H Mustang. Conti launched the RT and HP for broadline in 13- to 18-inch rim diameter sizes at the SEMA Show. Mr. Maher called the launch a "big step forward for the General brand." The tires come in a non-directional design for T-rated and directional for H- and V-rated. Tire Business photo by Sigmund J. Mikolajczyk