Black Chili technology was developed in the world of bicycle racing, where the contact patches of thin cycle tyres are even smaller. It gets its name from the refined version of Black Carbon used in the compound, as well as the way that chili embeds and sticks itself into the pores of your tongues.
In fact, that’s exactly how Black Chili works. Its micro-flexible compound helps the tyre surface flex to fit tiny undulations in the road surface, while microscopic atomic bonds grip on like tiny suction pads – just like on a gecko’s feet – for maximum adhesion. Short-chain polymers within the compound also absorb the high-frequency vibrations that run through the tyre during braking, improving stopping distance performance.
The benefits of Continental’s Black Chili compound even extend to fuel efficiency. Long-chain polymers deep within the tyre’s structure absorb the low-frequency vibrations caused by a tyre rotating at high-speed, helping it to ‘run’ more easily, reducing its rolling resistance and improving fuel economy.
Focused on performance – in every area
The advanced technology in Continental’s Black Chili tyre range isn’t limited to the compound itself. Continental has a wealth of other high-tech solutions that improve outright grip, handling confidence and fuel efficiency, as well as reducing road noise – all of which makes driving high-performance cars more fun and engaging.
Continental’s ultra-high-performance SportContact™ 6 tyre, for example, has been designed to deliver the ultimate levels of grip and stability required for sports cars. Its asymmetric ‘Force Vectoring’ tread pattern uses an advanced macro-block design and stiff central ribs that work together, helping the tyre to transfer lateral forces across its surface during cornering for enhanced grip and steering feel.
Equally, the SportContact™ 6’s Adaptive Hybrid Cap Ply helps the tyre resist the natural change of shape – or ‘growth’ – that comes as a result of the centrifugal forces during high-speed running. By twisting high-tech Aralon350™ fibres together, it acts like a second steel belt in the tyre, providing extra structural reinforcement.
Continental’s PremiumContact™ 6 tyre, on the other hand, improves refinement and ride comfort, without compromising performance. Based on the SportContact™ 6, it features a smoother, stiffer tread pattern that reduces the impact of road noise – ideal for electric cars such as the Jaguar I-PACE or Tesla Model S that add the benefit of silent engine-free running to their impressive acceleration.
Continental’s advanced ContiSilent™ technology – available on the ContiSport Contact™5 range – adds a polyurethane foam insert inside the tyre, which absorbs shockwaves from the road, reducing interior vehicle noise by up to 9dB.
Staying safer on the road
Continental’s Black Chili tyres even offer a final shield of security. ContiSeal™, for example, seals the holes of small punctures from items such as nails, even if the object itself becomes dislodged.
Continental’s Supporting Run-flat (SSR) system takes this a step further, using a reinforced sidewall to prevent the tyre from being crushed between the rim and the ground in the event of a more dramatic puncture.
Both these features make it easier to change the tyre if needed, or even keep the tyre inflated long enough to source a replacement – a side benefit being no need to carry a heavy spare tyre, which negatively affects both handling and fuel efficiency).
Whether it’s delivering more grip, more confident handling, improved fuel economy, a more refined ride or even safer driving, these are just a few of the Continental technologies that our Autocar readers will be finding out more about on the Black Chili Driving Experience itself. So, make sure you join us on Autocar when the journey starts on Monday 1st July.
