Continental's Rainer Zietlow and his team have embarked upon the TDI-Panamericana Tour on CrossContact LX20 tires with EcoPlus Technology. They will be traveling close to 16,000 miles in 14 days from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Deadhorse, Alaska.
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel SUV will be driving non-stop with the drivers rotating through five-hour shifts.
“The CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology is the perfect fit for the Panamericana Challenge,” says Bill Caldwell, vice president of sales and marketing.
“With the LX20’s improved fuel economy, in concert with the tire’s durability, phenomenal wet braking abilities and all-season features, it was an obvious choice for the Challenge4 Team,” he notes. “At Continental, we're fully committed to our environment and we can’t wait to see our green tire in action.”
Caldwell says it can save the average driver up to 2,500 miles of fuel while offering a smooth and comfortable ride, crisp handling and drastically reduced road noise.
EcoPlus Technology consists of two main components, Tg-F polymers and +Silane. The Tg-F polymers are temperature-activated functional polymers that increase compound bonding, improving the wear and fuel efficiency of the tire, he explains. The second component, +Silane, is an additive that works to enhance the tire’s grip on slippery roads and reduce stopping distances. “These technologies work together to enhance the driving experience for a long tire life when conditions are normal, and to provide excellent wet braking on slippery roads.”
For more information, visit www.tdi-panamericana.com and www.continentaltire.com.