Goodyear launches new Eagle F1 series tyres
Goodyear has launched its two latest Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres of the Eagle F1 family, namely the Asymmetric 2 and Directional 5. A regional launch was recently in Hua Hin, Thailand, but local car enthusiasts were given a treat as Goodyear Malaysia hosted a number of car clubs at a launch-cum-test event held at the Proton Test Track in Shah Alam.
Participants of the event were gathered early in the morning at the main gate of Proton’s Shah Alam plant, where they were then ferried deep inside the facility to the test track. Similar to what companies organize for media events, participants were given a full briefing of both products and had the opportunity to try out both tyres in a series of wet and dry handling tests.
Among those present were a clutch of Autoworld members, namely vr2turbo, nofear1979, and mubull. Their presence were courtesy of our esteemed partners Quick Save Auto Boutique, who were given access to a number of seats in the event. Car clubs present at the event included the VW & Audi Club Malaysia, VW Sirocco Owners Club Malaysia, BMW Club Malaysia, My Latio Club, Lancer GT Club, Caldina Club Malaysia, Italia Auto Club, 8 Gen Civic Club and the Proton Inspira Owners Club Malaysia.
“The local launch involved 11 car clubs whose members put the tyres through the most stringent of tests with the aim of demonstrating why these tires are the top in class. Goodyear’s dealers also have continued to play a vital role in assuring drivers the confidence and comfort of our continuous commitment in providing quality and service,” said Richard Fleming, Managing Director, Goodyear ASEAN.
Participants started the day with the Eagle F1 Directional 5. Split into four groups, participants rotated between four activity stations which were wet slalom, dry slalom, circuit taxi ride, and a full product briefing. To add some excitement, prizes were in store for participants who clocked the best times in the wet slalom exercise.
The Directional 5 incorporates SportGrip Technology to with emphasis placed on handling, style and performance on the street. Its directional tread helps maximize water dispersion, thus providing optimum performance on wet roads. A successor of the GSD3, the Directional 5 is available with sizes to fit 15″ – 20″ rims at prices from RM290 to RM705 per piece.
In the afternoon, activities then shifted to the higher range and more expensive Asymmetric 2, available in 17″ – 20″ sizes priced between RM535 and RM1,710 per piece. The exercises were identical, but in the place of Honda Civics used in the morning, participants were now placed behind the wheels of the BMW 320i.
The Asymmetric 2 is Goodyear’s first tyre to feature ActiveBraking Technology which is said to help deliver up to 3 meters shorter stopping distance on wet roads (from 80kph) and up to 2 meters on dry roads (from 100kph) when tested against three unnamed leading competitors. The said test was performed in Europe using an Audi A7 shod in 255/40 R19 tyres.
Following these performance tests, a drift demo was conducted by the drifters of Team Goodyear, including its newest member, Tan Tat Wei. A Time Attack Challenge, which was an autocross of sorts, was also held in the afternoon for participants to test the performance of the new tyres and try their luck at winning some prizes (an iPad2 included) as well.
“It was fun and exciting. I enjoyed it very much, though it would be even better if Goodyear could extend the testing/trial a bit longer,” said vr2turbo, a veteran member of Autoworld Forum.
Most of the participants present appeared to enjoy themselves, and we look forward to see more such events where you, members of the public, have the opportunity to put products to test the way we do in the media. Follow the forum link below to get the forum members’ perspective of the event.
