Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is a summer tire with an asymmetric tread pattern designed to increase the stability of grip on wet pavement, as well as optimizing the passenger car’s fuel consumption. A new model of the summer season 2020. Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 came to replace the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance model, which was put on the market quite a while ago — in 2013. Considering the age difference between the two generations, there is no doubt that the new model with a «2» added to its name is head and shoulders above its predecessor. Currently, however, the tire maker is not disclosing any details, focusing instead on the supremacy of the new model in any of its operational properties over the four High Performance summer models, including Bridgestone Turanza T005, Continental PremiumContact 6, Michelin Primacy 4 and Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue.

Comparison with the rivals

For example, in October-November 2019, the experts of Germany’s TÜV SÜD publication conducted a comparative test, for which the rivals of EfficientGrip Performance 2 were bought retail, while the Goodyear product was supplied directly by the tire maker who in fact commissioned this test. The tires were tested in size 205/55 R16 91V, the test car being a VW Golf VII 2.0TDI/1.5TSI/1.4TSI (Report № 713171748–01).

The chart below shows the braking performance demonstrated by all of the contestants, expressed in percentage, which is based on the average braking distances calculated from several runs. The measurements were made on wet pavement during the braking from 80 km/h to 20km/h with the ABS system on. The braking distance demonstrated by EfficientGrip Performance 2 was 35.2 meters. As we can see, the results demonstrated by all the other contestants are weaker than the leader’s. This is the aspect that Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is putting its focus upon, emphasizing that this model’s grip on wet pavement was improved mostly thanks to the new summer tread compound, which, because of its lower rigidity, facilitated the tuck-under of the tread blocks, and evacuation of the water from the contact area. The new Goodyear summer model also turned out to be the best in terms of lateral stability and wet handling, as well as in terms of dry braking and handling, and resistance to wear. In addition, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 model was among the quietest ones on test, together with Michelin Primacy 4. When it came to rolling resistance, the best result was shown by Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue. However, when it came to adding up the total results, it turned out that the fuel efficiency ensured by EfficientGrip Performance 2 was still higher. The only aspect, in which this tire fell short of its rivals, was the straight hydroplaning resistance. Looking at the results of the presale tests of the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, one gets an impression that it is in for a fair share of success in other tests, just the way it was with its predecessor. Let’s not, however, get ahead of our story: tests performed at a tire maker’s request do not inspire particular confidence. The new model will have been fully tested only by the summer season 2021 because any testing organization worth its salt will only test the tires that were bought anonymously retail.