Designed to be the ultimate high performance winter tyre, the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D uses the same 3D sipe system as its sister tyre, the Goodyear Ultra Grip 8, but combines it with a new transversal sipe to create a microblock system to allow a better pressure deployment across the tyres surface.
Another priority for the WinterSport 4D was wet performance, and the designers have implemented an advanced compound to allow the tyre to excel in wet conditions, while still improvement in rolling resistance to reduce fuel consumption.
Video
New 4d Sipe System:New tread pattern: There will be more coverage of the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D on TyreReviews over the next few days, for now here’s the full press release.
Full Press Release
Dunlop launches new SP WinterSport 4D
14th March 2010, Are, Sweden. Dunlop unveil their latest ultra high performance winter tyre today, appropriately in the harsh near-arctic conditions of Northern Sweden where the performance of the tyre will be demonstrated against key competitors. The new Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D incorporates a range of innovative new technologies designed to enhance safety and provide the feedback that gives the driver confidence in the wide range of winter conditions.
Designed to excel in all Winter Conditions
Increased Grip in Snow and Ice
The recent harsh winters in Northern Europe have reminded drivers (even in countries where Winter Tyres are not required by law) of the benefits of choosing the best tyre for the conditions. The Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D derives its name from a new 4D sipe system.
Dr Bernd Loewenhaupt, Director, Consumer Tyre Development, explained the technology: “A sipe is an ultra-thin groove in the tread that enhances traction and grip. Compared to its predecessor, we have combined our acclaimed 3D sipe system with a new transversal sipe and created a micro-block that allows better pressure deployment on the road.â€
The 3D sipes on the tyre tread increase the number of sipes and therefore edges in contact with the road, giving additional braking and acceleration performance.
“On the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D we add a transversal sipe. This gives additional edge in the lateral direction, ideal for enhanced lateral grip. The combination of both (4D Sipe System) creates an independent micro-block that allows a better pressure deployment in contact with the road, for extra snow handling performance and cornering grip†added Dr Loewenhaupt
The opening of the sipe is determined by traction force. The higher the traction force in circumferential direction, the more the opening. However, the deformation of the tread blocks is reduced by the innovative system of interlocking 3D-sipes.
On the new SP WinterSport 4D tyre there is a sawtooth feature on the inside of the blocks for additional deep snow braking performance.
On Ice, the performance of the Dunlop is enhanced by a compound featuring Functionalised Polymers that avoid the symptoms associated with compound hardening at lower temperatures.
Designed to excel in the rain
The Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D is not just an outstanding performer in snowy conditions. For much of Europe, the cold months are characterised by wet roads that never receive the sunlight or temperatures needed to dry them. To perform in these conditions, Dunlop has invested in a combination of unique directional tread design and a dynamic tread compound. “Our tread compound is designed to evacuate water quickly and efficiently by eliminating turbulence in the tread grooves. The compound’s functionalised polymers provide the optimum dynamic stiffness needed at different temperatures. These active ingredients ensure that the Dunlop can deliver best in class grip on wet roads without compromising on snow performance. Our choice and mix of compound is tailored to maximise snow and wet performance – whilst still allowing an improvement in rolling resistance, benefiting fuel economy†added Dr Loewenhaupt.
Engineered for performance and road feedback
Dunlop ultra-high performance tyres are famed for their road feedback and enhanced steering feel. This is one of the reasons why Dunlop is chosen by performance car drivers, tuning companies and prestige, high performance OEMs such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, and Jaguar. It is therefore important to Dunlop that a winter tyre should share these same qualities. To achieve high levels of steering response, the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D features an interlocking mechanism on its sipe system. Under braking and heavy cornering conditions the blocks lock together giving a steering and braking response more akin to a dry weather summer tyre.
Low weight means more performance – and efficiency
Dunlop are race winners in the Le Mans series, where tyre weight optimisation is a relentless focus for engineers to improve performance and the efficiency of cars in endurance racing. “Dunlop has applied the same focus to the SP WinterSport 4D, improving rolling resistance by 11% versus its predecessor, thanks in part to the functionalised polymers in our tread compound that reduce rolling resistance, whilst enhancing wet and snow performance. This, combined with a weight reduction, means the tyre requires less power from the engine to overcome the rolling resistance. When it comes to the effect of weight on the performance of a tyre, in this case, less is more!†added Dr Loewenhaupt.
Building on proven success
The latest Dunlop is designed to raise the bar still higher, as its predecessor (SP WinterSport 3D) was a prolific winner of recommendations in international independent tyre tests organised by the world’s motoring press. For example, as recently as last year, the SP WinterSport 3D reinforced its reputation with accolades in the ADAC Motorwelt/ÖAMTC, AutoBild Sportscars, Stiftung Warentest and AutoBild Allrad comparison tyre tests.
However, for Dunlop, being First is not enough. Dunlop has a winning mentality evidenced by its success in International Motorsport, and this mindset means the company are constantly developing new tyre technologies to enhance performance and driving pleasure. The result is the new Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D.
Wide range of sizes to suit most performance cars
The Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D is available in 37 variants, from 195/65R16 to 255/35R19 covering more than 8 out of 10 cars in the high performance tyre market.
Hello there,
I got my dunlops 4D 225/45/17 this year and I have to say they are worth the money, no questiones asked there. They are very quiet, even quieter that my summer Continental Sport contact 5 by a big margin. Regarding the fuel consumption, it increased slightly over summer tyre, but I'd gladly pay the extra, but not get stuck. After all the tyre is designed to grip, so increased consumption is to be expected. On my Mercedes went down to 33 mpg from 35 mpg previously. But again if rather pay £3 more per fuel tank due to the increased consumption than get stuck or have an accident. Leave the ESP on and don't worry about a thing, whether you go up a hill or down hill, you will make it safely every time, but remember doesn't matter how good the tyre is it also has its limits!
I have 205/55/16 on my Golf MK4. Done around 10k miles so far. I had 175/70/14 Firestone FuelSaver before. What a difference!
Just tried them out in the snow that fell in the UK today :)
PLUSES: The Dunlop is very smooth, and amazingly quiet. I thought I was driving electric car when I first put them on.
With regards to the snow, very good handling, didn't have any problems at all. While all the rest of the drivers struggled, I was overtaking without any problems. Tried to pull couple of handbrakes on remote roads corners, and honestly, I couldn't drift properly, these tyres got my rear like train on tracks.
Obviously you shouldn't forget that where there is ICE, there is only one law of physics in rule and no tyre ever will have any better than almost no grip. However, if you are careful, stop and go gently, you wouldn't thinks its winter outside and enjoy the view :)
MINUSES: With regards to fuel economy - well, my petrol engine is anyway very inefficient, but these tyres didn't help improving the economy. Rather the opposite.
We put these WinterSport 4D's on my other halfs '07 VW Golf Plus, 1.9TDI (195/65 R15 91H) just on a year ago, and what a revelation ...
To the extent of the fact that we would go looking for rural roads, (steep, unsealed, potholes etc) in the snow, to see if we could find the limits ... Never really found them.
They were extraordinary, and she hasn't complained about them, all summer at all (and she has driven loads of miles this year, probably approaching 18K). They are showing about 5.5mm at the front, and maybe 7mm or so at the rear, so the wear has been ok as well. This has sometimes been a factor with Dunlops in my (laymans) experience,
Couldn't recommend them highly enough, for about £350 outlay. :-))
Would it be a bad idea to use dunlop sp winter sport 4d tyres all year round ?
People do it, but your wear and grip characteristics on hot summer days won't be ideal.
Where you can, 2 sets of tyres are optimum.
Hi there, I am looking for a best winter tyre that I can get for my VW Caravelle long wheel base. Would the Dunlop winter sport 4D be suitable for my car? Thanks a lot. Not sure about the differences of tyres for vans and cars. It weighs 2.2t so it's like a Land Rover or other 4x4 weight wise I believe. Anyway, if you can shed some light on the matter for me, it would be much appreciated. All the best. Pavel
There are van specific winter tyres, but assuming they make a Winter Sport 4D in a load rating high enough for your van, they should work.
The load rating is the key though, van tyres often have extremely high load ratings which car tyres never reach.
Hi there. I've just fitted a set of these to my Volvo V40. Can't wait for snow! Any ideas how many miles / km these should last for?
Providing you don't run them through summer they should have a similar total tread life to normal tyres.
Be advised though, the snow and ice performance drops off at around 4-5mm on all winter tyres.
Thanks for the quick reply, and sorry for sounding like a total pleb, but... what is the tread life of normal tyres? I understand that it depends on lots of different factors, but is there an average / "under normal conditions" figure?
Anywhere between 50 and 50,000 miles, depending on various factors :)
where to buy?? have been searching around Britain for Dunlop 4D 205/45/17R for my Mini Cooper S. I get scared driving in the snow and think it would give me a little confidence driving during winter weather which I know the Mini's can do well
Unfortunately Dunlop don't make a winter tyre in that size.
You best bet is probably the Vredestein Wintrac Extreme:
http://lovetyres.com/search...
Just fitted 4 Dunlop 4D 205/55/16 94H on a Skoda Superb Estate. A bit quieter than the Fast Response equipping it until now.
They seem like good tires, but of course, it's a bit too soon to be certain.
tested them on snow: they are really, really good.
be very careful though, performance is abysmal during the first 300-500 km until you brake them in. i almost crashed into the guy in front of me, under normal braking conditions, wet road, 4 degrees centigrade.
they perform adequately now.
Just fitted pair of DUNLOP Winter Sport 4Ds 215/55 R16 97H to the front of my VW Sharan 2.0 TDi - this year on new VW steel wheels 7 x 16 (about £52 plus vat from VW). Previous 2 years used 3Ds on my alloys. Snow arrived on 5/12/2011 so well prepared. Early indications 4D as good as 3D which were excellent.
Great news, keep the feedback coming :)
Hi, I have bought a set of 215/55 R16 Dunlop Wintersport 4Ds to replace my current summer tyres on my Seat Alhambra for the winter. Rather than swap the over the summer tyres on my current 7Jx16 alloy wheels I am considering buying a set of second hand steel wheels to put the winter tyres on. However I cannot find a set of matching steel wheels (I believe steel wheels in this size were only ever fitted as spare wheels) but 6Jx16 steel wheels are commonplace. New 7Jx16 steel wheels are 80GBP each. Would there be any impact should I have the 215/55 R16 tyres fitted to 6Jx16 wheels?
(I have compared offsets by the way and they are comparable.)
Many thanks
The recommended rim size for a 215/55 R16 tyre is 6j - 7.5j, with 7j being optimum.
We're not sure what the dynamic differences would be between the 6j and 7j wheel though.
Ok, thanks for the reply. As they're within the range I guess I'll just go for it.
Which tyres are recommended for a merc 320 sport diesel auto?
Depends on the size you're looking for!