Goodyear Eagles give sporty new Ford its wings

Benchmark tyre, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, has been selected as the only rubber fit enough for the sporty new Ford Focus ST.

According to motoring journalist Colin Mileman, in a recent article for SA Treads magazine, the Focus ST is "a truly brilliant car that sets new benchmarks for seriously hot hatchback performance, fantastic driver involvement and sheer entertainment".

The only tyre approved for the ST is Goodyear's latest generation Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 235/40 R18 956 XL. And, according to Mileman, "the relationship between car and tyre is so closely aligned that you almost dare not deviate from the original equipment specification".

"Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 has earned a string of spectacular awards, rave reviews and top competitor-test results around the world since its launch, confirming Goodyear's global mission, which is to deliver the highest quality products to its consumers," said Lize Hayward, Goodyear Group Brand Communications Manager.

"We are proud to say that this is the tyre of choice for some of the most admired car marques around the world, including the Porsche Carrera 911, and, of course, Ford's zippy new Focus ST."
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 features ActiveBraking Technology, which employs an innovative three-dimensional block design within the tread to increase the tyre's contact with the road when braking. The superb control and braking performance of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 – demonstrated repeatedly in independent benchmarking tests – is a critical factor for the demanding drivers of sports cars like the Focus ST.

Such performance attributes are important to the designers of the fine handling, EcoBoost-powered hot hatch. Offered in a 5-door hatchback, 6-speed manual transmission only, the turbocharged 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder engine produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This is a car for drivers who love to feel the passionate grip between tar, tyre and their grip on the steering wheel.

That said, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was additionally designed to meet low COâ‚‚ emission requirements. Goodyear's innovative FuelSaving Technology, which is integrated into the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, assists in vehicular emission reductions, as the technology is driven by reduced tyre weight and a new 'high surface' silica grade that contributes to reduced heat generation and lower rolling resistance.