Goodyear launches Wrangler Duratrac RT in Oz

GOODYEAR has launched its newest off-road tyre in Australia this month (September), the Wrangler DuraTrac RT joining the Goodyear range as an evolution of the original Wrangler DuraTrac – an award-winning tyre and one fitted on a range of vehicles as OEM equipment.

The new Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT is said to improve on the outgoing model for durability and traction, while “taking nothing away from the original”.

Benchmarked at Goodyear’s proving ground, the Wrangler DuraTrac RT is said to offer a 10 per cent improvement in dry-weather handling, and better off-road performance in mud and sand, thanks primarily to an optimised tread pattern with solid tread blocks and more “biting edges”.

Utilising a light truck construction, the more robust tyre introduces a three-layer sidewall Goodyear says offers greatly improved resistance to abrasions and cuts, while the new DuraEdge shoulder profile assists not only in bolstering traction but extending protection against rocks and other hazards when operating at lower pressures.

While the compound of the tyre is unchanged from its predecessor – continuing to provide resistance to cutting and chipping – Goodyear says the addition of built-in rim protection provides a “defensive barrier” against scratches and wheel damage in rough terrain.

“The Wrangler DuraTrac RT tyre now comes with light truck construction across every size, meaning the carcass is even tougher than before,” explained Goodyear Australia and New Zealand senior director of sales and marketing, Jeremy Hill.

“Wrap-around gum strips improve the bond between the steel belts and the tyre compound creating a greater connection to the tread blocks for even more confidence.”

Mr Hill said the alteration of the tread pattern brings a major increase in the number of sipes, which improves traction in wet, muddy and snowy conditions.

The change in the blade angle of the tread blocks and the accompanying changes to the angle and depth of the tie-bars between each tread block, results in reduced tread squirm and “more predictable performance everywhere”.

According to Goodyear, the Wrangler DuraTrac RT is designed for travellers who typically split their driving 70:30 between off- and on-road.

“For the last 12 years, feedback from customers and dealers about the original Wrangler DuraTrac has consistently been ‘don't change anything’,” added Mr Hill.

“We love that, but just like our customers, we also like to explore the limits. Our evolved Wrangler DuraTrac RT keeps all the qualities that make the original so good and pushes even further.”