The Advanced Tread Block

The Advanced Tread Block

Intro
OBJECTIVE: Surpass the current grip limits in
winter driving.

SOLUTION: Reinvent the tread block structure by
combining Micro Pumps, 3D sipes and FlexIce
compound optimized for such a structure

RESULT: The increase in grip is spectacular.

On Ice
On icy or snowy surfaces the specially tuned
rubber compound is flexible enough so that
the tread block breaks the film of water
it absorbs and stocks what’s left of the
water in the micro-pumps.




Thus preparing the action of the sipes on a waterless surface

On Dry
On dry roads this new structure keeps enough
firmness so that the tread block structure
allows for less distortion at the point of
contact with the road.

The pressure distribution is more even
and the contact area larger than X-ICE.
Grip is optimum.

Lug Shoulders
TECHNICAL FEATURES: Lug shoulder edges bite
into snow surfaces

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Safety and mobility

PROVIDES:
- Acceleration in deep snow
- Lateral handling on deep and in soft snow.

Cross Z sipes II
TECHNICAL FEATURES: Sipes are shapes with
radial and transversal undulations.

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Safety and mobility

PROVIDES:
- Traction on ice and snow.
- High-speed stability and driving precision*

* Exceeding the safe, legal speed limits is neither recommended nor endorsed.

Advantage

Advantage

Step Groove
TECHNICAL FEATURES: A step groove creates a
caterpillar effect on snow.

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Better mobility

PROVIDES:
-Traction in deep snow.
- Braking on snowy surfaces.

Supporting Knob
TECHNICAL FEATURES: Small bumps on block
edges get in contact with adjacent block and
contribute to lateral rigidity.

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Driving pleasure

PROVIDES:
- Better handling*
- Stability in wet and dry
- Improved wear shape and mileage†

V-Shape Directional
tread pattern
TECHNICAL FEATURES: V-shape directional
tread pattern allowsimproved water and slush
evacuation.

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Safety.

PROVIDES:
- Improved hydroplaning resistance*

*Compared to the X-Ice® tire.

FLEX-ICE™
TECHNICAL FEATURES: Full silica-based rubber
compound exclusively designed to match the
advanced tread block technology*.

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Safety on ice and roads.
Reduced cost of ownership fostered

PROVIDES:
- Flexibility at very low temperature on ice.
- Firmness at higher temperature for wet/dry performances.
- Better mileage.

Optimized Profile
TECHNICAL FEATURES: Optimized profile
associated with nylon cap.

CONSUMER BENEFITS: Driving pleasure

PROVIDES:
- Higher speed
- T-rated tire

* Within their category defined as premium priced Q\R\S\T-rated winter tires,
based on internal test results. Exceeding the safe, legal speed limit is neither recommended nor endorsed.

Pressure Distribution
CONTACT PATCH: More even pressure
distribution.

RESULTS:
- Improve Ice performances
- Improve Dry/wet braking handling.



Test conditions: Comparison on 215/65R16@IP=2.2bar, L=600 kgf, Rim=6.5JX16<