SEMA Show, Day Four: CTNA rolls out ExtremeContact DW, others

Continental Tire North America Inc. (CTNA) has introduced three performance tires at this week's Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, including its new ExtremeContact DW ultra-high performance tire.

The ExtremeContact DW is tuned for dry and wet conditions, according to CTNA officials.

Features include CTNA's proprietary DW Tuned Performance Indicators, visible letters built into the second rib of the tread.

The letters are designed to alert drivers "of the tire's optimal performance levels. 'D' indicates the tire is at optimum tread depth for dry conditions. 'W' indicates the tire is at optimum tread depth for wet conditions. As the tire wears and the letters are still visible, the tire performance remains optimized for that particular weather condition."

The ExtremeContact DW will launch during the second quarter of 2009. It will have 88 sizes, ranging from 16 inches to 21 inches.

Also new from CTNA is the ExtremeContact DWS, an ultra-high performance/all-season tire. The tire also uses CTNA's Tuned Performance Indicators, with an extra indicator for snow conditions. The tire will come in 88 sizes, ranging from 16 inches to 24 inches. Its first phase will launch during the second quarter.

In addition, CTNA has unveiled its ExtremeWinterContact, the company's "best winter tire to date," according to Tony Talbert, CTNA's light truck and winter tire manager.

Features include lateral grooves, multiple gripping edges, a flexible tread compound and others. The tire will be available for the 2009/2010 winter season in 52 sizes, raning from 13 inches to 17 inches. The line also will include light truck sizes, a first for a CTNA winter tire.