Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta Tyres

The new ultrac Sessanta has firmly placed itself at the top of the ultra high performance segment of the tyre market. The Sessanta is a test winning, aesthetically pleasing tyre that also offers fantastic value for money. All at Tyremen strongly believe that this is the best high performance, summer tyre available in the UK today!

Tyre features and benefits
The Sessanta is the newest tyre produced by Vredestein in partnership with Giugiaro Design. In fact the name, ‘Sessanta’ refers to Vredestein’s 60 years existence in Enschede, Holland – "sixty" is wrote "Sessanta" in Italian.

The innovative design and sophisticated line pattern gives outstanding grip, performance and a unique and attractive design. The tyre has a parametric design and each size is individually optimized in terms of contour, tread and construction. This sophisticated design technique produces excellent characteristics on wet and dry road surfaces. The Handling Tuned Tread Compound (HTTC) allows faster cornering and controlled correction of the car is possible in bends. The Handling Tuned Sidewall (HTS+) principle ensures direct steering response and optimal contact with the road surface. Two rayon carcass layers make the tyre sturdy and allow controlled handling in critical situations.

What are asymmetrical tyres?
The Vredestein Sessanta is an asymmetric tyre, so as opposed to being directional it has an inside and outside. "Inside" is printed so that tyres are fitted correctly. Because of the unique design of the tyre there is no need for a left and right side, the special ‘footprint’ helps to dispel water effectively.

The inner side is more open, this allows the tyre to effectively disperse water. The outer side is less open; this is intended for high traction on dry roads and adherence in corners.

This image to the left shows what a fitted pair of Sessanta’s would look like. Yes, I admit the appearance is different, however this set up allows for great water expulsion. Essentially the unique footprint is designed for performance and we simply know that it works!!

Sessanta Test Reviews
The Sessanta has already strung up a number of recommendations including:

Evo "Recommended"
Auto Review "Test Winner"
Sport Auto "Recommended"
Powercar "Test Winner"

Focusing on Powercar’s (highly regarded German motoring magazine) test winning performance here is some information on the tests and results.

How did they test the tyre?
An Audi TT 2.0 TFSI was fitted with 245/30R20 from 8 leading tyre manufacturers. 12 different evaluation tests (6 on a wet track & 6 on a dry track) were carried out at the Pirelli test track at Sumare in Brazil. Wet tests looked at aquaplaning (straight & sideways), braking, driving safety, handling time and cornering time. Dry tests analysed braking, driving safety, handling time, slalom, comfort and noise.

How did Vredestein perform?
Wet tests – "The new Vredesteins had the wet tests all to themselves. They had the competition on the ropes in sideways aquaplaning. They were also problem free, easy and fast in handling."

Dry tests – "The Vredestein were good natured in both wet and dry. Although they didn’t have the best braking result, they made up for it with fast times in the slalom and handling tests.

Overall positions:

1st Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
2nd Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
3rd Pirelli P Zero Nero
3rd Continental Sport Contact 3
5th Michelin Pilot Sport 2
6th Dunlop SP Sportmaxx
7th Hankook Ventus S1 Evo
8th Toyo Proxes T1 R

It was great news for Vredestein to win this test, not only because of the extensive testing that was carried out, but also because this test was specifically designed to test high performance tyres in large sizes on a high performance vehicle.