Continental Tyre has launched the replacement of the very popular MaxContact MC5 tyre with the very logically named MaxContact MC6. According to Continental, the tyre is not just a successor of the MC5 but it is supposedly an even sportier tyre than before. The new MaxContact MC6 promises to deliver significant improvement in wet and dry handling, wet braking, and mileage performance. The MC6 rounds up the '6' series of tyres on sale here in Malaysia - the CC6, UC6, Sport Contact 6 and now the MC6.
The Malaysian launch of the MC6 was conducted at the Sepang International Circuit. Continental had arranged for us motoring media folk to run through a few sessions to try out the MC6. We tried out the wet braking test against the MC5 where we accelerated to around 75kmh and stood on the brakes.
We then did an emergency lane change at 70kmh with the MC6 and the MC5 and then we did a high speed slalom with a Mercedes GLA 200 shod with MC6. The session ended with a run through Sepang Circuit in various cars.
You can see the performance advantage of the MC6 against the MC5 in the short video that I have recorded here showing the wet braking test between the tyres.
I have to say I wasn't disappointed one bit. The tyre is a marked improvement over the MC5 in the wet braking test as well as the emergency lane change. On the wet braking test, the MC6 stopped between an average of 5 to 6 meters shorter distance than the MC5. On the emergency lane change test, the MC6 was also miles more grippy than the MC5. There was more grip out of the box and it also felt more safe and secure. These two tests really showed off the improvements over the MC5, which had been around for about 6 or so years already.
I personally was intrigued with this new tyre as I personally have been using a set of MC5 tyres on the Mercedes-Benz C180 (W204) which I use. The MC5 has been a grippy and consistent tyre to date (about 20,000km on it to date) and the only issue I have is that there is a thrum or resonance happening of late at speeds above 100kmh. According to the chat I had with the spokesperson at Continental, it could be caused by harmonics of the tyre and the car's chassis which seem to hit a certain 'sweet spot' in terms of frequency causing the resonance rather than every one facing the same issue. I tend to agree as I have friends who have not faced this problem using MC5 tyres. But I am quite pleased with the performance overall.
Anyway, with the launch of the new MC6 tyre, such an issue would not be relevant anymore. The MC6 tyre has a different thread pattern and a different rubber compound too. The only thing similar are the layers of aramid fibre, polyester and steel ribs layered onto the tyre. Everything else is new and it feels like it too. It seems that the local research has paid off in terms of outright performance over the predecessor. By the way, the MC6 is a tyre designed for our climate as Continental has designed it mainly for the Asia Pacific region.
Most of the range of these tyres are also locally produced with some coming from China and MC6 20inches coming from Europe. So since most are locally produced, the price for the MC6 should be quite close to the MC5 and should be affordable. Continental has not stated any clear prices for the moment as they state that their dealers should price it competitively.
Tyre sizes range from 205/45/16inch all the way to 295/30/20inch. At this moment, Continental states that the complete range of MC6 tyres will make its way to their dealers by the first quarter of 2018 with popular sizes available from now onwards. (Tyre description in the Press Release below)
PRESS RELEASE (AND TYRE DETAILS)
Continental Tyre Malaysia Launches MaxContact™ MC6
MaxContact™ MC6 provides solid stability, maximum safety and ultimate grip with exceptional feedback and superior handling for the adventurous driver
It perfectly embodies the most advanced German technology that is synonymous with high performance and premium quality
The launch of MaxContact™ MC6 is a crucial step towards “Vision 2025”, the long-term growth strategy for Continental Tyres with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 4, 2017 - Continental Tyres, the leading German tyre manufacturer, unveiled the next generation MaxContact™ MC6, another pillar of its Generation 6 products. The MaxContact™ MC6 is not just a successor product of the predecessor MaxContact™ MC5; its features have been recalibrated into an even sportier tyre. Featuring German technology and incorporating Continental’s automotive expertise, the new MaxContact™ MC6 provides solid stability, maximum safety and ultimate grip with exceptional feedback and superior handling for the adventurous driver.
The launch of MaxContact™ MC6 demonstrates Continental Tyres’ continued pursuit to innovate by creating tyre technology that enables consumers not only to drive safely but also to enhance their driving pleasure and confidence. Compared to its predecessor, the new MaxContact™ MC6 delivers a significant improvement in wet and dry handling, wet braking, and mileage performance. With its “When MAX Performance Counts” inspiration, it is designed to capture the imagination of drivers who seek thrilling adventures in their everyday driving and are passionate about performance.
“Following the successful launch of UC6 & CC6 last year, we are thrilled to introduce another Generation 6 product. The MaxContact™ MC6 will redefine the driving experience of our APAC consumers. It exemplifies Continental’s comprehensive automotive expertise and our ability to pave the way for “Vision Zero” by providing technologies for safer driving”, said Philipp von Hirschheydt, Executive Vice President Passenger and Light Truck Replacement Tires APAC.
“Our expertise in tyres is further enhanced by our extensive understanding of the needs specific to APAC drivers, combined with a regional network of tyre manufacturing sites in China, Malaysia, and India, as well as the Greenfield in Thailand which has recently commenced construction – which all highlight and reinforce our ‘In the market, for the market’ approach,” he added.
“We are looking to penetrate and to meet the ever growing demand of the Malaysian market. With the launch of the MaxContact™ MC6, we look to bring forth a line that is the epitome of German technology designed for local roads. With the cutting edge technology, we are looking to create a competitive presence in the tyre industry catered for sporty drivers”, said Cameron Wilson, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia. “We are also proud to announce that the MaxContact™ MC6 will be manufactured locally at our state of the art Alor Setar plant. All initiatives have been to date to bring comfort and safety both hand in hand through the development and usage of our tyres,” he added.
MAXContact™ MC6 Product Highlights:
Multifunctional Tread Design that enhances grip and handling while reducing braking distances in wet and dry conditions: Its pattern design enables maximum grip where safety counts and cornering speed. The multifunctional tire tread gives the driver maximum stability and shorter braking distances.
Adaptive Grip Compound that enables superior grip levels that interlock with the road’s surface: The MaxContact™ MC6 compound enables maximum grip and safety due to the perfect adaptation to various road surfaces - down to the nanometer scale.
Xtreme Force Construction that delivers exceptional cornering performance: At hard cornering and high speed, the stiffness of the Xtreme-Force ply material reduces tyre flexing and provides maximum control and better handling. At lower speed the adaptive ply material retains its flexibility to ensure a comfortable ride.
Beyond its dynamic qualities, the MaxContact™ MC6 features include good mileage performance and low noise levels for everyday driving. The product range is available for rims with diameters from 16 to 20 inches with the 20 inch tyres imported from Europe, covering a wide range of passenger vehicle models.
Continental Tyres’ commitment to innovation and excellence in the development of its products is at the core of its growth momentum in the APAC region. Its cutting-edge technology, which is exhaustively tested and in turn ensures maximum value for consumers and business partners alike, underscores the leading German tyre manufacturer’s expansion in the world’s most dynamic automotive market.
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