Sumitomo Rubber Industries is launching a new flagship model of its summer tire line — Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ — designed for powerful passenger cars with high torque. The newcomer will replace the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050+ model, released in 2015, and will be introduced at various markets across the globe, including in Japan, other Asian countries, in the Middle East and Latin America.
To ensure better stability and maneuverability at high speeds, the engineers developed a new asymmetric tread design with optimized stiffness. The width of the contact patch was increased by 14% compared to that of the previous generation tire, and the tread stiffness was also increased, among other things, by adding an extra belt of aramid fibers — a material used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests. The increased rigidity of the outer area of the tread improves cornering stability, and, in addition, while preserving the tread-to-void ratio, the engineers widened the grooves, whose pattern was further improved for better wet performance.
The tread compound was enriched by a dispersing additive of natural origin developed by the Japanese company Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd., which strengthens the bonds between silica and rubber and keeps the silicon dioxide particles from «sticking together», thus improving the uniformity of their distribution in the compound. This boosted the dispersion of silica, making it possible to increase the content of this material, which improved wet grip, at the same time strengthening the tire’s resistance to wear.
The sidewalls are executed in accordance with the Nano Black technology, i.e. the inscriptions and other design elements became even more contrastive. The new technology suppresses the reflection of light, making the black color look richer from any angle, which, according to the designers, «creates a luxury feel».
On the Japanese market, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ will be available in 58 sizes from 205/55 R16 to 295/35 R21.
Quick Take
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+
- This tire replaced Dunlop / SP Sport Maxx 050+
- Year Released: 2022
- Regions for sale: Central & South America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
