How did we test Ecoura to ensure longevity?

This February, we were proud to announce our latest innovation in high-performance tyres, Ecoura. Engineered with performance and longevity in mind, Ecoura is built to keep drivers on the road longer, while ensuring a reliable, efficient and comfortable driving experience.

Ecoura prioritises a quiet and comfortable driving experience, with advanced features that reduce noise, improve ride comfort and enhance wet-weather performance, giving you confidence on every journey.

Achieving this level of quality required a rigorous focus on testing during every stage of Ecoura’s development. Here’s how we achieved the next generation of driving excellence with Ecoura.

Testing & Development of Ecoura

Ecoura was put to the test at IDIADA in Spain, one of Europe’s most challenging independent testing facilities., A series of rigorous assessments evaluated Ecoura’s safety, performance, and reliability, creating a next-generation car tyre worthy of the Davanti name.

But what did the testing include?

Wet braking – The wet braking test consists of driving a vehicle at 110 km/h into a heavily watered section of track, and then applying the brakes to come to a complete stop. The braking distance covered by the vehicle is measured using ultra-precise GPS equipment.

Dry braking – Similar to the wet braking test, the dry braking test involves driving a vehicle at 110 km/h before applying the brakes to come to a complete stop. To ensure the tyres can be relied upon for an emergency stop, ultra-precise GPS equipment measures the distance covered during the test.

Wet handling – Wet handling testing consists of both objective and subjective tests. The objective test is a lap time of a wet handling circuit, taking into account the tyre’s ability to transfer the car’s power to the road and ultimately the amount of control the driver has. Meanwhile, the subjective test involves the test driver applying a rating to several parameters based on their knowledge and experience, such as safe, predictable handling and effortless road performance.

Dry handling – Dry handling is not only about high-speed performance. The test driver evaluates the reaction to steering input and cornering, as well as rear axle stability to ensure tyres stay safe when pushed beyond their limit. Test drivers look for how tyres react to changes in direction and pace, the amount of steering lock required and any loss of grip.

Longitudinal aquaplaning – Using GPS and precision-recording equipment, aquaplaning resistance is measured when the driven front wheel speed is 15% faster than the speed the vehicle is travelling. The higher the speed, the better the tyre is at preventing aquaplaning.

How is Ecoura designed to perform?

Ecoura is engineered with several key features that contribute to its exceptional performance, through a combination of innovative features such as:

Enhanced ride comfort & noise reduction – The varying tread block pitch works to reduce noise by removing resonant frequencies for a quieter, more comfortable drive. Compartmentalising grooves work together to minimise and help contain noise.

Wet grip & aquaplaning resistance – Deep circumferential and outer grooves facilitate efficient water evacuation for high levels of aquaplaning resistance and maximised traction in wet conditions.
Exceptional traction in all conditions – Engineered for high levels of straight line and cornering traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

Optimised, lightweight design – Optimised, lightweight tyre design reduces material consumption and waste for greater efficiency while maintaining performance.

Find out more about the new Ecoura tyre here, or look into other high-performance tyres available in the Davanti range on our product page.

For more advice on Ecoura, contact your local Davanti dealer using our Dealer Locator.