Based on the experience gained with the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx fitted to the demanding J5 3.2 C with its 348 bhp power, Dunlop’s engineers have now developed a new tyre for the brand new J4 2.2C – which debuts later this week – more evidence of the successful teamwork between Autodelta and Dunlop. An Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C test car at the Dunlop Development Centre, Hanau, Germany, where the SP Sport Maxx GT was developed. Jano Djelalian (Managing Director, Autodelta) and Herbert Werner (Manager Car Tyre Development, Dunlop) during tyre testing at Spa-Francorchamps.

Based on the experience gained with the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx fitted to the demanding Autodelta J5 3.2 C with its 348 bhp power, Dunlop’s engineers have now developed a new tyre for the brand new Autodelta J4 2.2C – which debuts later this week – more evidence of the successful teamwork between Autodelta and Dunlop.

After an intensive evaluation process, the latest Dunlop ultra high performance pattern SP Sport Maxx GT was selected, and the Amsterdam debut of the J4 2.2 C on 20 June at 17:00 CET will be the first time that this new 245/35 ZR19 XL tyre has been fitted to a production vehicle, signifying the regard leading global tyre manufacturer Dunlop holds for Autodelta. This tyre will enter production in August 2008.

The new compound on the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT also importantly pushes forward the environmental credentials of the tyre range; with efficiency, respect for the environment, and economy advancement being key areas to both Dunlop and Autodelta. The tyre will feature a combined silica/black carbon compound. The silica comprises of the latest technology high dispersion silica combined with state-of-the-art functionalized polymers and traction resin. The black carbon is a special type derived from the DTM racing tyres. Aromatic oil free assures that the tyres will even comply with all foreseen new environmental regulations from beyond 31.12.2009.

This pattern on the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT as applied to the Autodelta J4 2.2 C offers the Dunlop’s “feel the road - touch technology” design features: Multi-Radius Tread technology, which provides highly effective pressure deployment in the contact patch combined with a smoother transition from straight line to curve; flatter tread profile with about 8 % bigger contact patch in order to achieve higher stability and steering precision combined with more grip; and specific bead seat system providing a tight link between tire and rim essential for enhanced road feedback.

As the Dunlop flagship pattern, the SP Sport Maxx GT is specially designed in order to achieve outstanding results in the areas dry handling and dry braking combined with excellent wet handling and wet breaking properties.

In addition to the “touch technology”, this asymmetric pattern provides the following features: very wide, solid outside shoulder blocks for exceptional cornering stability; stiff centre rib ensures straight line high-speed stability; and straight-line grooves in the middle and the inner of the tread ensure quick, turbulence-free water drainage.

This is all combined with the latest aromatic oil free silica compound, which not only provides exceptional dry / wet handling / braking properties and very good wear behaviour but also complies with future environmental regulations.

Success is a Dunlop tradition, and the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tyre was the winner of the Sport Auto Tuner Grand Prix in May 2007, fitted to a Cargraphic Porsche 997. Based on this “winner tyre” outstanding tests with the Autodelta J4 2.2C were carried out in England and in Germany (including high speed tests on the “Autobahn”), which finally led to a sophisticated construction that comfortably fulfils the very high demands of Autodelta customers all over the world.

Jano Djelalian, Managing Director Autodelta, said: “We were delighted with the success of the intensive development programme carried out by Dunlop in order to arrive at a tyre that would specifically satisfy the demands of the J5 and J6, and this excellent working relationship we have built up has moved smoothly forward to the J4 project. Dunlop have been hugely enthusiastic and respectful of our philosophy and worked very hard to help us achieve the dynamics from the car that we wanted to reach. That this new tyre size of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT will be shown for the first time in public when we launch the J4 on Friday I think shows that Autodelta’s unwavering commitment to achieving technical excellence shines through.

Herbert Werner, Manager Car Tyre Development, Dunlop said: “I’m very pleased that the latest ‘touch technology’ of our SP Sport Maxx GT tyres have proved to be so superbly capable to be adapted for the tough requirements that Autodelta demands when it creates its extreme sports cars. Dunlop tyres are the perfect choice to enhance the Alfa Romeo driving experience and the rigorous test programme we are carrying out with Autodelta has amplified this, taking it onto a new level.”