It's the first tyre launch of 2011, and it's the launch we've all been hoping for - the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2!
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric was the successor to the extremely popular Eagle F1 GSD3 and quickly established itself as the tyre to beat. Three years after the launch of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric it still scores extremely well in both magazine tests and user reviews.
The improvements
In launching the F1 Asymmetric 2, Goodyear have concentrated on improving the braking performance and reducing the rolling resistance of the tyre. The F1 Asymmetric 2 is the first Goodyear tyre to use ActiveBraking technology, which Goodyear claim delivers up to 3 meters shorter stopping distance on both wet and dry roads when compared to "3 leading competitors". ActiveBraking technology increases the contact patch of the tyre during braking due to a specially designed tread block which deforms under load to offer extra grip. The F1 Asymmetric 2 also features a crossed plies carcass structure to offer improved torsion stiffness and has been constructed to minimised tyre weight. By combining a stiffer tyre and reducing both the unsprung and rotational weight attached to the vehicle, these features should offer both improved steering precision and handling when pushing on.
The independent TUV test also confirmed the F1 Asymmetric 2 has a class leading rolling resistance, a full 7% better than it's nearest rival in 255/40 r19 thanks to it's fuel saving technology and aerodynamic sidewall design.
The proof
Not wanting to just take Goodyears word for how good the F1 Asymmetric 2 is, Tyre Reviews is currently in Spain at the launch. Armed with a GPS data logger, a video camera and an iPad, we are ready to report on exactly how well the F1 A2 performs.Watch this space for some real world experience of the F1 Asymmetric 2, or alternatively follow Tyre Reviews on twitter or facebook for real time feedback.
Links:
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
- Goodyear Tyres
- Goodyear (external)
Full F1 Asymmetric 2 press release
Goodyear introduces Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 - successor to multiple test-winning summer tyre.Innovative ActiveBraking Technology delivers up to 3 meters shorter stopping distance (Compared to the average performance of three leading competitors. Braking distance on wet road from 80km/h to 20km/h, braking distance on dry road from 100km/h to 0km/h, measured by TÃœV SÃœD Automotive in December 2010; Tyre Size: 255/40R19; Test Car: Audi A7; Location: Mireval (FR) & Garching (GE); Report nr: 76244706-1.)
Seville, Spain, February 7th, 2011 - Goodyear is proud to introduce the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 with revolutionary ActiveBraking Technology, which answers the most pressing needs of consumers of Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres: greatly improved stopping distances when they need it most.
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is the latest in Goodyear's Ultra High Performance summer tyre line-up. It is a tyre that is designed to exceed the high expectations set by outstanding success of its predecessor, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric.
The ActiveBraking Technology in the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 increases road contact during braking, thereby delivering significantly shorter braking distances on both dry and wet roads - proof of Goodyear's continued commitment and efforts to improving road safety.
The tyre also performed well in dry braking and handling tests, stopping 2 meters shorter than the average performance of the three leading competitors. On dry roads, the competitors tested were still travelling at an average speed of 22km/h while the Goodyear Eagle F1 had already come to a stop. The TÃœV SÃœD Automotive test also confirmed that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 delivers top-class rolling resistance in its category, with a 7% better rolling resistance2.
Better prepared for the unexpected - with ActiveBraking Technology.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 with ActiveBraking Technology, crossed plies carcass structure and ‘high surface' silica tread compound sets new standards in dry and wet performance, handling and braking in the ultra-high performance tyre segment.Asymmetric 2 increases the road contact patch of the tyre during braking. While conventional tyre blocks show little or no transformation during braking, the blocks in the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 due to their specially designed shape, develop more surface under braking load and therefore increase the tyre-to-surface contact area. The larger contact patch offers increased grip, which in turn leads to shorter stopping distances.
Improved dry performance: handling and steering precision with exceptional braking capacities.
The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 features a crossed plies carcass structure, which contributes to increased torsion stiffness for improved steering precision, handling and braking on dry road surfaces. The new tread compound, containing very high levels of a new Silica grade delivers superior grip levels leading to further gains in dry handling and dry braking performances.The lower tyre weight also contributes to better dry handling, as the vehicle's unsprung mass is reduced, enabling the tyre to follow the surface contours more closely.
Short braking on wet
On top of the ActiveBraking Technology, the new tread compound, using a unique blend of high molecular weight polymers, a very high silica content and race traction resin bring increased levels of adhesion on wet road surfaces.Reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 also features Goodyear's renowned FuelSaving Technology, which ensures reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.Three areas have been subject to Goodyear engineers' attention:
- A minimized tyre weight with less rubber and an optimized tyre construction for reduced heat generation and rolling resistance;
- A new ‘high surface' silica grade that contributes to reduced heat generation;
- An aerodynamic sidewall design, which delivers significantly lower aerodynamic drag further minimizing energy loss, especially at higher speeds.
Lower noise emission levels
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 offers a smooth and quiet ride. The tyre's optimized block design and optimized 4 Pitches Sequence with 64 blocks on the outside and 72 blocks on the inside help reduce noise output levels.Better mileage
The tyre's computer optimized cavity shape and tread stiffness result in uniform pressure and stiffness distribution across the footprint, resulting in better mileage levels.Wide range of sizes available
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is available in 29 popular sizes:235/50R18 XL 101 Y
215/45R17 87 Y
215/45R17 XL 91 Y
225/45R17 91 Y
225/45R17 XL 94 Y
235/45R17 94 Y
235/45R17 XL 97 Y
235/45R18 XL 98 Y
255/45R18 XL 103 Y
245/40R17 91 Y
245/40R17 XL 95 Y
225/40R18 88 Y
225/40R18 XL 92 Y
235/40R18 XL 95 Y
245/40R18 93 Y
245/40R18 XL 97 Y
255/40R18 95 Y
255/40R19 XL 100 Y
245/35R18 XL 92 Y
255/35R18 XL 94 Y
265/35R18 XL 97 Y
225/35R19 XL 88 Y
235/35R19 XL 91 Y
245/35R19 XL 93 Y
255/35R19 XL 96 Y
285/35R18 97 Y
255/30R19 XL 91 Y
265/30R19 XL 93 Y
275/30R19 XL 96 Y
In 2012, additional 21 sizes will be added to the size line-up.
What would be the best pressure to pump these tires if you have a 225/45R17 front and 245/45R17 rear If you wanted to get the best km out of the tires ?
I have had F1A2's on the front of my Lexus GS450h for nearly 2 years now and they have been superb. Nearly up to 20,000 miles and still well over half the tread left. I'm super impressed with the all weather grip and quietness - getting a set put on the rear tomorrow!
I've not had any aquaplaning issues but the Lexus is a bit of a tank so this may help.
I've been using F1A2 for 6 months and already made 17000 KMs (around 10K miles). I'm very much satisfied with its performance. My car is a BMW 3 series F30 and I prefer a sporty driving style. The size is 225/45/18 XL and I had Continental Sport Contact 3 and Michelin Pilot Sport 2-3 previously and F1A2 outperformed them totally.
In dry F1A2 is the champ. Especially the braking is extremely good. You can purchase F1A2 just for its safety for braking on dry. It's also very sharp on grip, quiet and comfortable. I really don't care its rolling resistance. Another point is it's strength. I mean road conditions in Turkey is very bad. Too many holes on roads are very dangerous for you and your tires also. I had problems with Michelin PS series in that way but F1A2 is still perfect.
In wet I found F1A2 is just satisfactory but not examplary. It succeeds under normal conditions but if you make it to the limits it may surprise you. Especially braking under heavy rain or shallow wet on road is adequate. But lateral grip, aquaplanning and handling is still very good.
For wear I hope it lasts very much. It's more than 10K just now but it still seems to be 90%. No degradation on performance. This is unbelievable because Mich's were like butter on the road just after 5K. Even Conti's were very bad on the road but when you look at its treads they were like new. Sorry for the english as I'm a foreign.
It may not be useful for most of you but as an indicator, I paid 900€ for a set in Turkey. Conti and Michelin cost about the same in my country because of government.
Excellent tyres in the dry & wet. Only downside is aquaplaning in deep puddles, but you should be slowing down for them whenever possible anyway !
great tyres and with new lower price a steal.
Was happy with my Eagle F1A and progressed onto Eagle F1A2 with no regrets. Enjoyed my time with the tires.
I have
vredestein ultrac sessanta and there a amazing tyre but the new goodyear eagle f1 asymmetric 2 look like a great tyre to? any bady got the
vredestein ultrac sessanta?
Yeah, bad memories with them. Grip on wet close to none. You would suspect they will last forever but the were gone in less than a year after around 5k miles. Performance of the cheap Chinese rubber for the premium price.
Done 25,000k on F1A after transferring from previous F1 GSD3s I inherited with the car. Plenty of round town driving but also open road (non-motorway) highway driving. Great for every day but handles NZ south island sweeping bends and mountain passes brilliantly! Have fitted chains to myA3 for skiing but drove packed snow and access roads with good grip. Time for some F1A2s now - if it ain't broke, dont fix it ...
Michelin PS2 now seemed gone in my mind since I got these Asymmetric 2 tires! Bye bye Michelin
Awesome tyre.... had V1 on my RS6 but had tried many other tyres.... by far the best tyre wet or dry. And with 550hp & 600ftlbs tq going down.... you need good rubber. Have V1 on my Work van too (Astravan Sportive SE150) and they are just as good on that.
V2's will be on there very soon.
And not good in the wet?????? Your car is broken mate......
it would be great if they had a better selection of sizes , neither the front or back sizes are available for my car :-(
Had 2 of these fitted to my Seat Leon FR TFSi and found that they are good in the dry but poor in the wet. Managed to get about 3.5K out of them which in my eyes is very poor. Giving the Falkens a try now.
I have ordered four 225/45R17 already for my '03 BMW 325ci but my tyre guy says it might be the middle of the year before I can get them. I can wait.....
We spoke to Goodyear earlier today and they should to start to become available early March - hopefully you won't have to wait that long!
Be sure to let us know how you find them!
Got these on order i get them early may. (Fingers crossesd)
already have 225/45/17, good grip/ not laudy, 415 for a 4 from local garage.