Two decades ago, tyres largely fell into two categories: Regular and high-performance. Regular tyres were aimed at everyday drivers who wanted a pliant ride and long service life, while high-performance tyres targeted sports car owners who didn't mind more grip at the expense of comfort.
Later, as environmental issues became more prominent, eco-friendly tyres were introduced. These accorded drivers lower rolling resistance, which boosted fuel economy, thus helping them save money.
As time passed, tyres became more diversified to meet the needs of different drivers and various types of cars. We now have tyres for ultra-high-performance cars, SUVs, and everything else in between.
Electrification to the fore
As electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids grow in popularity, drivers need tyres specifically engineered to cope with an EV's demands, which differ from that of a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE).
Power delivery, for instance, is linear in an ICE car but instantaneous in an EV. Then there is weight - EVs are typically heavier than an equivalent ICE model due to the weight of the batteries. Normal tyres on an EV would wear out quickly compared to EV-suitable ones.
That's exactly why Dunlop - now fully owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries - has introduced not one, but three new tyre models that cater to specific needs and are also suitable for EVs and hybrids.
e.Sport Maxx: The all-rounder
The e.Sport Maxx is aimed at EV and hybrid car owners who are seeking a premium summer touring tyre. Electrified vehicles, whether full electric or hybrid, are quieter than ICE models, so suppression of road noise is important.
To address this, the e.Sport Maxx not only features a low-noise tread pattern, but a Silent Core as well. Silent Core is Dunlop's proprietary noise-reducing foam layer found inside the tyre. It reduces unwanted noise for a more comfortable ride.
Recognising the need to cope with an EV's heavier weight, the e.Sport Maxx's compound has Pressure Control Technology that prevents the formation of cracks due to molecular interaction, resulting in longer service life.
And for an EV with a battery size between 80 and 90kWh, Dunlop says the tyre delivers 11.1% more driving range than its predecessor. The e.Sport Maxx is available in 31 sizes, for wheel diameters ranging from 17-22 inches.
Sport Maxx Lux: The best of both worlds
Is it possible for a tyre to be comfortable yet still deliver dynamic handling? Both characteristics are polar opposites, but the Dunlop Sport Maxx Lux, a premium comfort tyre, aims to bridge the gap between them.
Noise reduction is a key concern for EV drivers, and it's even more important for luxury EV owners, who wish to enjoy the full potential of the car's refinement. Hence, like the e.Sport Maxx, the Sport Maxx Lux also has Silent Core.
In addition, Sport Maxx Lux also incorporates Seamless Groove to temper cyclical noise, and Dual Slope, which sees slopes placed within the main grooves to reduce sound pressure. Both features thus lower the sound generated by disrupting the airflow that would otherwise create noise as it passes through the grooves.
Having addressed these issues, engineers turned their attention to improving handling. They tyre has a flatter instead of a rounder profile, effectively increasing the size of the contact patch.
During cornering, a greater area is in contact with the road, thus increasing grip levels. Grip is responsible for acceleration, braking, and overall roadholding. The Sport Maxx Lux is available in 72 sizes, for wheel diameters ranging from 17-21 inches.
Blue Response TG: Focus on performance
While most car owners are happy with tyres that improve comfort, efficiency and service life, there are those who seek tyres that complement and enhance the performance of their vehicle. These are the drivers that Blue Response TG caters to.
Handling and responsiveness are two key qualities of a high-performance tyre. To ensure both are in abundance, Blue Response TG is both light and rigid. With increased lateral stability, steering feel and feedback are improved.
To assuage any worries about a firmer ride, the tyre's shoulder-to-side profile are slimmer, helping to maintain comfort.
Another key metric for a performance tyre is wet weather grip. Blue Response TG offers high levels of grip in wet conditions thanks to the new polymers used in its tread compound, which also have the advantage of increasing wear resistance, thus prolonging service life.
Blue Response TG is offered in 96 sizes, for wheel diameters ranging from 15 to 19 inches.
A step further
What makes these tyres truly impressive is how they also offer drivers peace-of-mind, as all Dunlop tyres come with a 12+6-month warranty*.
In a world filled with worries, it's good to know that Dunlop makes tyres you can count on.Â
Toyotsu Binter is the exclusive distributor of Dunlop tyres in Singapore.
*Terms and conditions apply.
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