Virtual launch of Vredestein’s new Wintrac tyre

Vredestein has upgraded its renowned Snowtrac tyre and rebranded the model as the Wintrac. The new tyre is even more suitable for current European winters as it will have an improved performance in all types of wet conditions while continuing to drive superbly on snow. Initially due to be unveiled at The Tyre Cologne exhibition, the new Wintrac will instead be Vredestein’s first ever virtual launch as the brand continues to innovate and develop in these challenging times.

The new model represents a significant change of perspective from a tyre intended mainly for driving on snow to an all-round winter tyre, hence the rebranding from ‘Snowtrac’ to Wintrac’. Corresponding even better to European winter conditions in particular, the tyre will join the Wintrac Pro (its ultra-high-performance counterpart) in a new Vredestein Wintrac family.

The Wintrac benefits from a new structure and new materials. The improved tread design includes a dedicated V-groove structure with a guaranteed through-hole, ensuring optimal water drainage in both longitudinal and lateral directions. Shoulder blocks contain patented ‘adaptive’ 3D sipes, extending the total sipe length and ensuring excellent winter performance throughout the lifetime of the tyre. An inter-locking mechanism in the shoulder blocks provides additional stability and considerably enhances dry and wet handling performances.

The new model has an improved performance over its predecessor in a range of ways, including 10% better water evacuation (less aquaplaning), 5% more sipe length and 5% more rubber in contact with the road, leading to enhanced grip on wet and snow surfaces. Moreover, the unique blend of polymers & resin particles in the next-generation high-density silica compound – combined with an oval-shaped footprint and even pressure distribution – enables equal wear and a better performance, providing up to 10,000 km more mileage and an even better performance than the latest Snowtrac 5. Last but certainly not least, a lower rolling resistance translates into substantial fuel consumption savings.

Originally supposed to be presented at this year’s The Tyre Cologne, the Wintrac will now instead represent the very first virtual launch by Vredestein – further proof of the brand’s resilience in the fact of the COVID pandemic. The first phase of the production has started in both of Apollo Vredestein’s European plants: the new tyre will initially be available in 27 sizes in 15 and 16 inches, one of which has already been homologated by an original equipment manufacturer (for the VW Golf 8, specifically). A second phase with additional sizes will follow during 2021.