Metzeler’s Roadtec Z8 takes top honors in wet-weather MCN test
In a comparison test between the top sport-touring tires from Metzeler, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Continental, Metzeler’s new Z8 took top honors, with a lap time nearly a full three seconds better than its closest competitor on the day, Dunlop’s Roadsmart II.
The test was conducted at the wet-weather circuit at Pirelli’s Milanese testing facility in Milan.
“All the tires are in the 39-40 second bracket around [this track], but the new Z8 is a 37.1, three seconds faster than the other tires. Now okay, this isn’t a really a racing test, but it means that if I’m three seconds faster on this tire, there’s extra safety I’ve got on the road. So this new Metzeler is head and shoulders better than the others at the moment because of the new technology they’re allowed to put into these tires. So if you want a sports touring tire, and you want it to be good in the wet, the Z8 Roadtec is the one to go for.”
Metzeler’s Interact Technology has a patented steel belt with various winding tensions across the carcass. It employs high tension for high-mileage in a straight line, and low tension on the shoulders for excellent grip in corners.
High winding tension in the center reduces compound movement and increases stability of the footprint area which reduces wear and ensures high speed stability on long motorway journeys. On the shoulders, low winding tension creates more flexibility and therefore higher energy absorption, the compound increases in temperature and becomes softer to offer more grip while leaning.
For more information on the Z8 Interact, check out these pages:
Z8 Interact (Europe)
Z8 Interact (USA)
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