2005 TIRE BUYERS GUIDE

Class: Max Performance (Wet and Dry)
Tread Depth: 10/32"
Tread Design: Asymmetric
Tread Wear: 280
Traction: AA
Temperature: A
Load Index/Speed Rating: 91W
Price: $151
Contact:www.conti-online.com
Overall Ranking: 7th

WET
Slalom: 4.646sec
Skidpan: 0.783g
Lap Time: 32.598sec
Braking from 50mph: 99.6ft
DRY
Slalom: 4.285sec
Skidpan: 0.873g
Lap Time: 30.387sec
Braking from 50mph: 80.8ft

The ContiSportContact 2 incorporates Continental's Bionic contour and Bionic compound technology to improve braking and dry handling. Thanks to the asymmetric tread design, it can disperse water and has enhanced steering response and precision. The tire also features Continental's Advanced Mold Contour, which increases the contact area as the car begins to brake. Last year the ContiSportContact 2 finished tenth out of 12 contenders, so for '05 they specified an OE Opel spec (available at Tire Rack) and the results were much better, especially in the wet. When looking at tires like these used in high-end OE applications, it's worth considering the different specs because some work better than others.

DRY
Don: This is better than the Bridgestone, with a higher level of grip but it's less controllable at the limit. They also fell away as they got hot, and my third lap was the slowest. They're good under braking and in the slalom but didn't inspire confidence as they went off quickly.
Will: It's well balanced but doesn't have a lot of grip. They were controllable on the throttle but a little squirmy (see tread depth). These were good in the high speed section but weren't stellar overall.

WET
Don: These felt similar to the Bridgestone. There wasn't lots of lateral grip but were controllable. They weren't great under acceleration but braked and turned well, with good feedback. If you were smooth with the hrottle and steering it seemed to pay off.
Will: Similar to the Bridgestone because they could be controlled well but it was difficult to find their limit and I felt I could go faster.