The editorial board looked at the profiles of winter tyres of European, Asian and American brands and tested them in a total of 13 categories, including handling, rolling resistance and braking. The WinterContact TS 870 P scored 9.4 out of 10 points in the "environment" test criterion and the best result out of the eight winter tyres tested in the "rolling resistance" criterion. “Easy to handle on snow with plenty to spare," wrote the tyre test experts at Auto motor und sport.
WinterContact TS 870 P for mid- and high-end passenger cars and SUVs
With the WinterContact TS 870 P, Continental is gradually replacing its successful TS 850 P model. In WinterContact TS 870 P, Continental relies on the advanced Cool Chili rubber compound and Hydro Groove drainage channels. To improve the safety of drivers who fit wider tyres to their cars, developers have moved away from the commonly used arrow or V-profile. Instead, Continental chose to use a more stable design for the WinterContact TS 870 P, with four wide circumferential channels between the rows of thread blocks. This innovative tread structure, which is also very different from the previous model, has clear advantages especially in wet conditions as it drains water away from the contact surface very quickly, improving handling, helping to reduce braking distances and offering particularly reliable protection against dangerous aquaplaning.
Compared to the proven predecessor model, the developers have achieved a 4% improvement in wet braking and an 8% improvement in aquaplaning performance, without compromising performance in other areas. Other highlights include braking on ice (5% improvement), dry handling (6% improvement) and handling on snow (6% improvement). Continental's new winter tyre is equally convincing from an environmental point of view. It boasts 2% better rolling resistance and even 16% better service life.
Initially, 52 items will be available for wheel diameters 16–21 inches, aspect ratios from series 35–65 and widths 205–255 millimetres; several items will also be available with a wheel protector and/or XL marking for increased load capacity. The tyres will be approved for speeds up to 270km/h. All of this makes the WinterContact TS 870 P the ideal tyre for many saloons, sports cars and SUVs. The tyre is designed to have a very stable structure, making it suitable even for heavier electric vehicles.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company provides safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machinery, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. The company celebrated its 150th anniversary on 8 October 2021.
The Tires sector has 24 production and development sites worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tyre manufacturers with more than 57,000 employees, and the Group's tyre sector recorded sales of €11.8 billion in 2021. Continental is one of the technological leaders in tyre production and offers a wide range of products for passenger cars, commercial and specialised vehicles and two-wheelers. Continental's continuous investments in research and development makes an important contribution to safer, more cost-effective and more eco-efficient mobility. Their Tires portfolio also includes services for tyre trading and fleet applications as well as digital tyre management systems.