The trio of manufacturers topped the Consumer Reports’ tests which rated 21 different models from 19 companies at the CR’s Auto Test Centre in Connecticut.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 all achieved ‘Excellent’ overall scores in Consumer Reports’ evaluations of braking, handling, hydroplaning, tread life, rolling resistance and noise.

Only the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric got ‘Excellent’ ratings in four of the five braking, handling and hydroplaning tests with a ‘Very Good’ score in the wet braking tests.

For further information on Consumer Reports, go to www.consumerreports.org

The Goodyear tyre scored 131.4 points across all the test categories, almost a full 17 points ahead of the next best performed tyre, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT.

Melissa Tilley, Goodyear’s Brand Manager, said that the result was an excellent reflection of the tyre’s superb handling capabilities in all conditions, particularly in the wet, as a result of its unique features designed to suit all types of conditions.

“The Eagle F1 Asymmetric is a great all-round performance tyre ideal for Australia’s environment,” Ms Tilley said.

“Its revolutionary Active Cornergrip and Racing Compound technology provide improved braking, cornering and handling in all conditions.

“While its results in the dry were indeed brilliant, the tyre’s performance in the wet tests were remarkable, demonstrating excellent grip and control due to the asymmetric tread design.

“The tread design also allows for superior control and comfort. The fact that the tyre placed so high in each test was again another great reflection of Goodyear’s innovation and how adaptable and flexible this road tyre is.

“We at Goodyear could not be more proud to have come out on top in these tests.”

The 2009 MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test was conducted at Oran Park using Audi S4s as the test vehicles, with seven of the most popular 245/40R18 size performance tyres on the Australian market entered.

The test provided an unbiased and independent ranking across seven categories – slalom in both wet and dry conditions, braking in both wet and dry conditions, lateral G in both wet and dry conditions, and an overall lap time test.

Rankings were then determined using the numerical data collected (stopping distances, G forces and lap times) and applying MOTOR’s results formula to come up with a score for each category.

Available in a variety of sizes, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric is now the undeniable leader in ultra high performance passenger road tyre market, currently holding both the highly acclaimed MOTOR Magazine and WHEELS Magazine Tyre Test titles.

Incorporating Dunlop’s latest technologies, the GT provides superior grip and steering precision, excellent high-speed and cornering stability and outstanding handling capabilities.

Melissa Tilley, Dunlop Brand Manager, said that the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT has been chosen by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) for their most prestigious and powerful models.

“For more than 120 years, Dunlop has incorporated its racing-inspired technologies into its road tyres for
exceptional driving pleasure,” Ms Tilley said.

“As car manufacturers continually raise the safety and performance levels of their cars, so too has Dunlop with its tyres, which is why Dunlop ranks as a leading choice for leading OE manufacturers.

“The SP Sport Maxx GT reflects this with OE fitments on the Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series, Audi R8 and S5, BMW 7 Series and the Mosler MT900 GTR among other leading sports cars in Europe,” she said.

Dunlop’s SP Sport Maxx GT combines a number of sophisticated tyre technologies: Multi Radius Tread (MTR), Touch and Hybrid Jointless Band technologies.

“Dunlop’s racing-inspired silica tread compound reinforces the tyres properties without compromising on dry grip, wet performance or mileage,” she said.

“The Hybrid Jointless Band and MTR technologies reduces circumferential deformation and promotes an even contact patch, which increases stability at high speeds, provides outstanding dry and wet handling, and a smooth, even wear.

“In addition, the Touch Technology combining a specific bead seat system, a flatter tread profile and an asymmetrical tread design with a variable land-to-sea ratio, delivers better road feedback, especially when cornering,” she said.