What's in a name? In the case of Continental Tire, quite a lot. The company's ContiSport Contact 2, initially launched in 2001, is considered among the best performance tires in the world. As a result, Continental continues to be a respected and trusted player within the high-performance segment. Designed to balance dry-and-wet weather performance with good ride and quiet running characteristics, it's no coincidence the tires are found as standard equipment on many of the world's finest marques, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and others. Two of our test mules, including a VW Phaeton and a Porsche Carrera, also proudly wear the CSC2.
This same type of quality branding and universal appeal can be said about custom wheel maker Giovanna, whose distinctive line of alloy wheels is recognized around the world. Sharing a common goal, the two companies recently united for an exclusive offering. Enter the Continental ContiSportContact 2 Giovanna edition, the first special-edition tire in Continental history. ec was invited to participate in a special launch of the tire, which called for a lengthy European itinerary and various modes of transport. Think Plains, Trains and Automobiles and you get the picture. In lieu of John Candy, my travel partners were Paul Tecci, Continental brand manager for North America (and mastermind behind the special-edition tire), and Fernando Guzman, marketing director for Wholesale Tire and Wheel (WTW), parent to Giovanna.
Our various stops included Continental's corporate headquarters in Hanover, Germany, its nearby R&D/manufacturing facility in Stoecken and finally the ContiDrom, Continental's awe-inspiring proving grounds in Jeversen, Germany. And since the launch coincided with the Frankfurt Auto Show, we made the rounds there as well (see highlights on pages 14-16).
After a comprehensive product analysis and technical overview, as well as a briefing of Continental's history and its vast product lines and market segments, we were swept away for a personal factory tour to witness the production of the CSC2 Giovanna edition tire first- hand. Watching sheets of raw rubber transform into the makings of a tire was as enlightening as it was entertaining. The lengthy process blends a mix of elements, each enhancing performance in a particular area. Sulfur links give the compound stiffness for good handling and the ability to withstand high temperatures and loads. Stress-reactive links give flexibility for wet and dry grip. A series of various layered material is then interwoven, chopped, spun and bound, continuing along myriad conveyers and related machinery. The finished product, Giovanna logo and all, appeared at the end of the cycle in a bloom of smoke. The whole procedure is quite amazing.
As impressive as the factory was, nothing could prepare us for our road test evaluation at the world famous ContiDrom. For those who aren't familiar with the facility, it is Continental AG's most modern test course and serves as a model for other proving grounds worldwide. It offers a number of varied tracks and test surfaces, including a 1.74-mile high-speed oval with a 58-degree bank. This massive cement wall allows maximum track speeds of 170 to 185 mph and we would do our best to push its limits. A number of cars were on hand for testing, including a Porsche 997 C4S, a few Audis, including a prototype Audi (C6) RS6 (which we were not allowed to photograph) and various 3, 5 and 7 Series BMWs.
Conditions the next morning were dry and cold enough to allow us to enjoy the warm confines of a heated cabin. It was also clear until dark clouds eventually moved in, leading to afternoon showers. Nevertheless, testing continued, providing me an even better appreciation for the rubber spinning beneath.
An aggressive looking tire, the tread pattern on the CSC2 Giovanna edition is asymmetrical, not directional. It resembles a Formula One tire with its five wide, longitudinal grooves. Continental's modeling revealed that a continuous rib provides smoother, more even contact pressure under braking and acceleration forces than individual tread blocks. The grooves provide excellent water evacuation characteristics for hydroplaning resistance. The shoulder tread blocks on both sides of the tire are tied together, giving greater rigidity for quicker, more predictable handling and reduced noise. The tire also makes use of Continental's "Bionic" strategy both in its compound and molding technology. The term Bionic refers to a special elasticity feature engineered into the tire that allows the tread to widen as much as 10% during heavy braking, enabling the vehicle to come to a complete stop quickly and more safely. It also helps maintain a maximum contact patch under extreme cornering.
On a dry surface, the CSC2 Giovanna edition behaved exceptionally, providing grip at least commensurate with the capabilities of the chassis they were mounted on. The ride was predictable and inspired confidence when set in a turn, even at higher slip angles. The result was ultimately fantastically precise steering response.
Driving an autocross set up on a flooded skidpad, the tires were truly amazing. Even in the deep water covering the skidpad, one could turn off traction control and drive at a level that would be about seven-tenths in the dry. When the tires did begin to slide, breakaway was smooth and easy to recover from. I was also impressed with the tire's wet braking ability, allowing me to brake later and harder than I had ever experienced in wet conditions.