On the first out lap, while exploring the big Audi on pre set braking zone comes, the rather good brakes immediately hinted it was going to be a great day ahead. It is Goodyear’s latest and greatest Asymmetric 3 tyre launch event and they’ve prepared a handful of Audis for the new tyre test.
These are brand new, fresh from oven Goodyear Asymmetric 3 tyres and it was a good opportunity to see how they’d pan out over the 5 lap 2-ish km Sepang Circuit, South, in an Audi A5 Sportback. Passing subsequent corners, as I gradually turn up the pace, the Audi entertained further with its track day car spirit.
Back to the tyres. With braking points delayed to naughtier levels, now the talent of the Asymmetric 3 comes into play. The sensation of its firm sidewalls are obvious. I could sense the tyres working, but not hard, like it was a walk in the park, easily retaining structure at full braking. Every brake application felt reassuring and composed.
High Speed Stability
Approaching the high speed T12 corner of Sepang, which is usually a guessing game especially at turn in turned out to be more intuitive than expected. At the point of turn in, the A3’s were rock solid and accurate, locking in to the intended apex and never washes out. With the tyres fully loaded mid corner, the big Audi remained well planted throughout. This is where inferior tyres will start to collapse, squeal and scrub, fighting for grip.
Even when approaching the limits of these Asymmetric 3s, there’s a sense of leniency and buffer way before traction is lost. Again, signifying a well engineered tyre sidewall that is made to perform. That and other notable gimmicks mentioned on the A3’s brochure.
Precise Steering
What’s even more significant is the A3’s highly precise steering, which is a proud feature of these new Goodyears. On the circuit, its steering precision and sharpness is in fact very pronounced.
Such as when negotiating the slowest T9 corner of Sepang. In the Audi, barrelling down the short straight at 140kmh, before braking hard for the uphill left, the A3s were just as capable at stopping and then transitioning to turn in, while still being able to maintain a precise steering. This really sets it apart from the UHP tyres of before.
Verdict
The A3s felt very plush and quiet throughout the 5 laps covered. Whether I’m trying to take on T12 at almost full throttle or when punting for an early exit out of T9, the tyres continue to perform and exude plenty of feedback.
At its limits, the A3s exhibited every qualm it had with mild, very gradual squirms. Sort of like moving from good zone on to danger zone, and this danger zone begins with its own good zone, if you know what I mean.
I love how the Asymmetric 3 posses an almost relentless braking ability with equally impressive steering talent, never before seen in civilian UHP Road tyres.
If you’re looking at big performance and can’t be bothered with the hassle of researching but want something down to earth in affordability, you really can’t go wrong with Goodyear’s latest Asymmetric 3 tyres.
Prices, Sizes and Official Goodyear Statement
Goodyear Introduces the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Tire For Exceptional Driving Experience
The latest addition to the successful Eagle product family: Goodyear’s premium offering for a growing luxury sport market
- The latest addition to the successful Eagle product family: Goodyear’s premium offering for a growing luxury sport market
- Fitted as standard by a number of premium OEMs
- 2.6-meter shorter braking distance on wet roads compared to average performance of 3 leading competitors[1] to help stay in control
- 31% better tread wear performance compared to average performance of 3 competitors and 11.500 km extra mileage
Ben Hoge, Managing Director at Goodyear Malaysia Berhad, shared that the introduction of Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is in line to meet the growing demands of the premium sport tire segment in Malaysia.
Goodyear has launched its latest premium tire, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, in Malaysia. This premium, luxury sport tire delivers a 31% better wear performance and shorter braking distance on dry & wet roads helping drivers to stay in control and to enjoy the journey. With proven Eagle family test wins and an OE track record, including the new Jaguar XF, it is Goodyear’s premium offering for excellent braking performance, responsive handling and control in both dry and wet conditions.
The premium sport segment is clearly a growth market[3], expected to increase with an compound annual growth rate of more than 6% from 2016 to 2020 in Asia Pacific. This is primarily driven by expected growth in China (5.9%), Australia (5.7%) and ASEAN countries (9%)[4] .
The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is packed with new technology [5]. The new Grip Booster Technology comprises a grip booster compound and adhesive resin for stickiness, which deliver strong grip for shorter braking and improved handling. The Active Braking Technology increases the contact surface and grip when braking, which allows for a shorter braking distance. The new reinforced construction technology delivers a stronger, lightweight construction improving handling, cornering performance, tread wear and fuel efficiency.
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 has been tested by independent organization DEKRA[6] which resulted in a strong performance on tread wear compared to other premium tires on the market. In fact, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is projected to offer up to 11,500 km extra mileage (or +31% better wear performance) versus the average of three leading competitors.
Additionally, the independent TÜV Süd Benchmark Test[7] ordered by Goodyear show that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, compared to the average of three leading competitors, having a 2.6 metre shorter braking distance (9% better performance) on wet roads, a 1.3 metre shorter braking distance on dry roads (4% better performance) and 4% better wet handling. The same test results also show a 10.9% better rolling resistance compared to the average of the three tested competitors, which represents the second best rolling resistance performance of the tire brands tested[8].
“Malaysia’s tire market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR rate of ≈3% during 2016 – 2020[9], the replacement tire market accounted 80% market share in 2016[10] is anticipated to grow through 2020. With that, the introduction of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tire is in line to meet the growing demands of the premium sport tire segment here in Malaysia, both in the OEM and consumer market.” said Ben Hoge, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia Berhad.
“Goodyear is known for its commitment to innovate and to offer superior performing products to its consumers. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is designed to suit the needs of consumers in Malaysia, and tested to Goodyear’s highest standards to provide confidence that it will perform on the region’s roads.
It has also been accredited as original equipment for some of the world’s leading cars such as the Jaguar XF, Mercedes E-Class, the BMW 5 series, Alfa Romeo Guilia, Chevrolet Camaro and the Porsche Panamera. With its improved grip and braking technology, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 demonstrates Goodyear’s brand promise of offering greater peace of mind, regardless of the destination,” Ben added.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Launch _Picture 4: [From left] Chee Lip Choon, Sales Director of Goodyear Malaysia Berhad & Ben Hoge, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia Berhad marking the official appearance of Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tire into the Malaysia markets.
Availability, Prices and Sizes
For the Malaysian market, the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tyre will be offered in 17” to 20” rim diameter variants, with up to 34 sizes available.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tire retails from RM668 to RM1,820 inclusive of GST, depending on different sizes. Consumers can now purchase the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires at Goodyear Autocare and Servitekar outlets, as well as authorized Goodyear dealers nationwide.
To learn more about Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, as well as other Goodyear tires, please visit Goodyear Malaysia’s Official Website – http://www.goodyear.com.my/, or find us at Goodyear Malaysia’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/GoodyearMalaysia .
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[1] 2.6 meters shorter braking distance (9% better performance) on wet roads and 1.3 meters shorter braking distance (4% better performance) on dry roads compared to average performance of 3 leading (available at the time of the test) designs from key competitors in UHP segment. Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in Sept – Oct 2015 by order of Goodyear Dunlop, Tire Size: 225/45 R17 91Y; Test Car: VW Golf; Test Locations: Mireval (F), Papenburg (D), TÜV SÜD PS Garching (D); Report No. 713066268.
[2] Compared to average performance of 3 leading (available at the time of the test) designs from leading competitors in UHP segment. Tested by DEKRA in Sept – Oct 2015 by order of Goodyear Dunlop. Tire Size: 225/45 R17 91Y; Test Car: VW GOLF VII – 150 CV; Test Locations: open road and test circuit FP01 with test conditions described in test #2015-137.
[3] Source: Goodyear Dunlop internal forecast
[4] Source: IHS GI Vehicle Sales 2016-2020, Ver. Dec’15
[5] Compared to its predecessor
[6] Compared to average performance of 3 leading (available at the time of the test) designs from key competitors in UHP segment. Tested by DEKRA in Sept – Oct 2015 by order of Goodyear Dunlop. Tire Size: 225/45 R17 91Y; Test Car: VW GOLF VII – 150 CV;
