Ironically, Ultra High Performance tires are not always capable of delivering ultra-high performance. This disappointing conclusion was made by the experts of the German testing organization TÜV SÜD, who analyzed the results of a test that they conducted together with a group of experts from the Swiss magazine Auto-Illustrierte.
Three 235/35 R19 UHP-models were tested using a Hyundai i30 Fastback N on Goodyear’s test track in Mireval, France, in 2019.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 models were competing with the relatively inexpensive Goodride SA-07 manufactured by China’s ZC Rubber (complete analogue Westlake SA-07), who could not beat its rivals in any of the disciplines. For the expert group, the results of the test became yet another proof of the fact that the UHP term is nothing more than a marketing tool.
«Tires that are marketed as UHP do not necessarily deliver great performance — said Berthold Stöckl, the TÜV SÜD tire expert — The results of the test clearly show this».
The Chinese model fell significantly short in the UHP tire test when it came to wet braking at 80 km/h. These tires were only able to stop the Hyundai after 43.1 meters, while the braking distance of Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 was 33.5 meters, with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport providing an even better result of 33.1 meters. Which basically means that when the car fitted with the SuperSport tires was already standing still, the vehicle fitted with Goodride tires was still moving at a speed of 39 km/h.
Even on dry pavement the braking performance of Goodride SA-07 wasn’t much better. It took the Chinese model 40.3 meters to come to a full stop from 100 km/h, while Asymmetric 5 stopped after 35.4 meters, and SuperSport — after 33.1 meters.
In both handling tests, Goodride SA-07 did not put out the best performance either. And, while during the dry handling test the Chinese tires were somehow able to keep up with the two Goodyear models, on a wet winding track only 1.7 kilometers long they lost more than six seconds to their rivals.
The overall disappointing impression produced by Goodride SA-07 was only slightly improved by the results of the straight hydroplaning test where this tire started floating at 75.4 km/h. But then again, when it came to the lateral hydroplaning resistance test, things got back to normal — the car that was driving on Goodride needed 1.4 seconds more than the Goodyear Eagle F1 and Asymmetric 5 to complete the 260-meter-long circular track.
Here is how Berthold Stöckl of TÜV SÜD comments on this: «If you are expecting to get a high level of safety from your new set of tires, make sure to pay attention to their wet grip label when you buy them. This label is what will help you to get your bearings, while the presence of the Ultra High Performance sign does not necessarily guarantee that the tires will justify your expectations».
We will note here that, unfortunately, the tire’s performance on dry pavement is not indicated in any way on Euro-labels.
In view of the poor performance that it demonstrated, Goodride SA-07 can hardly be considered to be a full-fledged Ultra High Performance tire. The results that this tire showed in the test raise a question — maybe, more rigorous standards must be introduced for Ultra High Performance tires in order to eliminate the possibility of such rubber being launched on the market?
We will remind you that back in 2016 the experts of the TÜV SÜD / Auto-Illustrierte tandem tested semi-slicks and came to a conclusion that such tires have no business being on public roads.
- Great sports tire
- Effective braking performance and handling response in any weather conditions
— Relatively low hydroplaning resistance
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- Well-balanced performance
- This tire is the perfect choice for daily use
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Low price
— Long braking distance and inadequate handling response in any weather conditions
