Continental Designs Tomorrow’s Tire

Hanover / Frankfurt, September 2019. At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Continental will be presenting Conti C.A.R.E., a comprehensive technology system. Conti C.A.R.E. (Connected. Autonomous. Reliable. Electrified.) stands for the fine-tuned networking of wheel and tire technology and the manageability of the desired performance characteristics. These characteristics are also closely aligned with the requirements of electric and autonomous driving in both individual and shared mobility scenarios. In combination with the web-based ContiConnect Live application, Conti C.A.R.E. forms a flexible system solution that can provide a means of tire management for modern robo-taxi fleets, for example, boosting performance as well as helping to optimize costs.

Conti C.A.R.E. tires feature sensors that are built into the structure of the tire. These sensors generate and continuously evaluate data concerning tread depth, possible damage, tire temperature and tire pressure. This monitoring system, which goes by the name of ContiSense, transmits information on the condition of the tires to ContiConnect Live, facilitating efficient mobility management for fleet operators.

No less innovative is the idea of actively adjusting tire pressures by means of centrifugal pumps built into the wheel. As the vehicle accelerates, the centrifugal forces within the wheel act on the pump to generate compressed air. This PressureProof technology keeps the tire pressure constantly within the ideal range and helps achieve a sustainable drop in CO2 emissions. Any excess compressed air is stored in an integrated tank. PressureBoost technology then uses this air to rapidly adapt the tire pressures to various driving situations.

And in the SilentWheel concept, Continental will be presenting a modified wheel rim that reduces the vibrations generated while driving and delivers superior ride quality.