Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ Review: Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire

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The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ is a high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars, coupes, and sedans. It is the latest offering from Continental, a leading German tire manufacturer renowned for its cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to safety and performance.

This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Control Contact Sport SRS+, evaluating its capabilities across various driving conditions. We will delve into its dry and wet performance, comfort levels, treadwear, and overall value proposition. By the end of this review, you will have a comprehensive understanding of whether this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.

Design and Construction

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ features an asymmetric tread pattern designed to provide excellent grip and handling performance. The outer shoulder blocks are larger and more rigid, enhancing cornering stability and responsiveness. The inner shoulder blocks are smaller and more flexible, improving ride comfort and traction on straight-line driving.

The tire’s compound is a advanced silica-enhanced tread compound that Continental calls “BlackChili.” This proprietary rubber compound is engineered to remain pliable and provide exceptional grip, even in cooler temperatures. It also resists hardening over time, maintaining consistent performance throughout the tire’s life.

Internally, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ utilizes a twin-ply casing with a reinforced sidewall design. This construction method enhances the tire’s strength and durability, allowing it to withstand high speeds and cornering forces without compromising ride quality.

Continental has also incorporated their “SportPlus Technology” into the tire’s design. This includes an optimized bead area for improved steering response and a specialized belt package that promotes even treadwear and enhanced handling stability.

Overall, the design and construction of the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ demonstrate a focus on delivering high-performance capabilities while maintaining a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Dry Performance

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ delivers exceptional dry grip and handling performance. From the moment you hit the road, you’ll notice the tires’ impressive steering response and cornering stability. The advanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern work together to provide uncompromising traction, even during aggressive cornering or emergency maneuvers.

These tires excel in dry conditions, inspiring confidence with their tenacious grip on the tarmac. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or carving through twisty backroads, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ ensures precise turn-in and minimal understeer. The tires communicate road conditions effectively, allowing you to push the limits while maintaining a secure and planted feel.

During hard acceleration, the tires demonstrate remarkable traction, putting down power with minimal wheelspin. Braking performance is also impressive, with shorter stopping distances and a reassuring sense of control. Overall, the dry performance of these tires is truly outstanding, making them an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts who demand the utmost in grip and handling prowess.

Wet Performance

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ delivers exceptional wet grip and hydroplaning resistance, making it a standout choice for drivers seeking confidence in adverse weather conditions. Engineered with an advanced silica-enhanced tread compound and an optimized tread pattern, this tire excels in channeling water away from the contact patch, ensuring maximum traction on slick surfaces.

During wet testing, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ demonstrated impressive braking performance, with shorter stopping distances compared to many of its competitors. The tire’s wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches work in tandem to evacuate water efficiently, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning even at higher speeds.

Moreover, the tire’s tread design incorporates large tread blocks and a high sipe density, which enhances grip on wet roads by increasing the number of biting edges. This translates to improved handling and steering responsiveness, allowing drivers to maintain control and stability even during sudden maneuvers or emergency situations.

Whether navigating through heavy downpours or encountering standing water on the road, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ instills confidence with its exceptional wet performance capabilities. This tire is an ideal choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded performance tire that excels in both dry and wet conditions, providing peace of mind and enhanced safety in inclement weather.

Comfort and Noise

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ delivers an impressively comfortable and quiet ride for a high-performance summer tire. On smooth roads, the ride quality is plush and well-damped, soaking up minor imperfections with ease. Even over rougher surfaces, the tire maintains composure, with only moderate impact harshness transferring into the cabin.

Noise levels are also well-controlled, with the tire emitting only a muted hum on the highway. There’s none of the audible roar that plagues some performance tires, making the Control Contact Sport SRS+ a pleasant companion on long road trips. Around town, the tire remains hushed, with little tread noise to disturb the serenity of the cabin.

Continental’s engineers have struck an excellent balance between grip, responsiveness, and comfort with this tire. While it may not quite match the cloud-like ride of a dedicated touring tire, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ provides a level of refinement that belies its sporting intentions. Whether cruising on the highway or tackling your favorite backroad, this tire delivers a smooth, quiet experience that enhances the driving enjoyment.

Treadwear and Durability

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ is designed to deliver excellent treadwear and durability, ensuring a long-lasting performance on the road. With its advanced rubber compound and optimized tread design, this tire can withstand the rigors of everyday driving while maintaining its grip and handling characteristics.

One of the standout features of the Control Contact Sport SRS+ is its impressive treadlife expectancy. Continental rates this tire for up to 60,000 miles of treadwear, which is an exceptional lifespan for a high-performance summer tire. This longevity not only translates into cost savings for the consumer but also reduces the environmental impact associated with frequent tire replacements.

In addition to its impressive treadlife, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ boasts a robust construction that enhances its resistance to cuts, chips, and other types of damage. The tire’s reinforced sidewalls and advanced bead design provide added protection against potential hazards on the road, such as potholes, curbs, and debris. This durability ensures that the tire maintains its structural integrity and performance characteristics even under demanding driving conditions.

Furthermore, Continental backs the Control Contact Sport SRS+ with a comprehensive warranty program, offering coverage against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty not only instills confidence in the product but also demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Overall, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ excels in the areas of treadwear and durability, offering drivers a high-performance tire that can withstand the test of time and miles without compromising on grip, handling, or safety.

Vehicle Fitment and Sizing

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most passenger cars, crossovers, and performance vehicles. Offered in 15-inch to 20-inch diameters and various width options, these tires can accommodate everything from compact sedans to high-performance sports cars.

For optimal performance and safety, it’s crucial to select the correct size and load rating for your vehicle. Continental provides a comprehensive fitment guide that lists all compatible vehicle makes and models, ensuring a perfect match. Additionally, the tires are available in various speed ratings, including H (130 mph), V (149 mph), and W (168 mph), catering to different driving styles and vehicle capabilities.

When it comes to load ratings, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ offers options ranging from standard passenger car ratings to higher load capacities for vehicles carrying heavier loads or towing trailers. This versatility makes the tire suitable for a wide range of applications, from daily commuting to occasional hauling or towing duties.

It’s worth noting that proper tire sizing is crucial not only for performance but also for safety and compliance with vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Consult your owner’s manual or a trusted tire professional to ensure you select the correct size and load rating for your specific vehicle and driving needs.

Value for Money

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ tires offer an excellent value proposition for drivers seeking a high-performance summer tire that doesn’t break the bank. While not the most affordable option on the market, these tires strike a compelling balance between cost and performance capabilities.

At a price point typically ranging from $120 to $180 per tire (depending on size and retailer), the Control Contact Sport SRS+ sits comfortably in the mid-range category for performance summer tires. This positions them as a more budget-friendly alternative to premium offerings from top-tier brands, yet they deliver performance that punches well above their weight class.

When considering the impressive dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and overall driving dynamics these tires provide, the cost becomes quite reasonable. Their ability to instill confidence and deliver a thrilling driving experience on dry roads and maintain composure in wet conditions is on par with tires costing significantly more.

Furthermore, the treadwear and durability ratings suggest these tires can provide a lengthy service life, potentially offsetting the initial investment over time. With proper maintenance and rotation, many drivers can expect to extract thousands of miles from a set of Control Contact Sport SRS+ tires before replacements are needed.

In summary, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ tires represent an outstanding value proposition for enthusiastic drivers seeking a high-performance summer tire without the premium price tag. Their well-rounded capabilities, balanced performance characteristics, and competitive pricing make them a compelling choice for those seeking maximum bang for their buck.

Competitor Comparison

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ competes in the ultra-high performance summer tire category against models like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Bridgestone Potenza RE070R, and Pirelli P Zero PZ4. While all these tires offer impressive dry grip and sporty handling, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ distinguishes itself with exceptional wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.

Compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, the Continental demonstrates superior wet braking and cornering stability on soaked roads. The Pilot Sport 4S has a slight edge in dry grip and steering precision, but the Control Contact Sport SRS+ feels more planted and confident when driving in the rain.

Against the Bridgestone Potenza RE070R, the Continental tire exhibits better overall wet performance while matching the Bridgestone’s high levels of dry grip and responsive handling. However, the RE070R may have a slight advantage in terms of treadwear longevity.

The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is another formidable rival, offering blistering dry performance and precise steering feel. Yet, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ outshines it in wet conditions, providing higher hydroplaning resistance and more consistent traction on slick surfaces.

While the competitors may excel in specific areas, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ emerges as a well-rounded and capable performer across a wide range of dry and wet driving scenarios, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts seeking maximum confidence and control in all weather conditions.

Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ Video Review

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Conclusions and Recommendations

The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ is an excellent all-season performance tire that delivers a well-rounded driving experience. Its key strengths lie in its impressive dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and comfortable ride quality. The tire’s advanced silica-enhanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern provide exceptional grip in various conditions, while the polyamide reinforcement in the sidewalls enhances steering precision and stability.

On dry roads, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ excels, offering precise steering response and high levels of grip during spirited driving or emergency maneuvers. Its wet performance is also commendable, with the tire’s grooves and sipes effectively evacuating water and maintaining traction on slick surfaces.

While the tire’s treadwear durability is not class-leading, it still offers a respectable lifespan, especially considering its performance capabilities. The Control Contact Sport SRS+ strikes a good balance between performance and longevity, making it a practical choice for enthusiastic drivers who value both aspects.

In terms of comfort and noise, the tire delivers a smooth and well-damped ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and minimizing cabin noise. This makes it a comfortable choice for daily driving or long-distance journeys.

Overall, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a high-performance all-season tire that excels in various conditions without compromising ride quality or comfort. It is particularly well-suited for sports cars, performance sedans, and coupes, where its capabilities can be fully utilized.

For those seeking maximum treadwear or driving primarily in severe winter conditions, dedicated summer or winter tires may be more appropriate. However, for most drivers in temperate climates, the Control Contact Sport SRS+ offers an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and year-round usability.

Alternatives of Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ Tire

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

• French tire manufacturer Michelin produces the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, a leading competitor in the ultra high performance summer tire segment.
• The Pilot Sport 4S features Michelin’s Maximum Grip Technology, with a tread design focused on keeping the tire in contact with the road surface as much as possible. This translates into precise steering response and high levels of grip.
• Wet weather performance is another strength of the Pilot Sport 4S. The tires incorporate Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology to provide quick water evacuation. Reviewers praise the tire’s wet grip and hydroplaning resistance in heavy rain.
• Treadlife is rated at 20,000-30,000 miles, which is lower than the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+. The Michelin comes with a 30,000 mile treadwear warranty.

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS

• Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone offers the Potenza RE980AS as their ultra-high performance summer tire.
• It utilizes an asymmetric tread pattern with large inboard shoulder blocks for responsive handling and cornering grip. Continuous center ribs enhance high speed stability.
• The Potenza RE980AS incorporates a water dispersing compound to resist hydroplaning on wet roads. Reviewers note strong wet traction and braking performance.
• Expected treadlife is 20,000-30,000 miles. The tire has a 30,000 mile treadwear warranty from Bridgestone.

Pirelli P Zero

• Treadlife estimates are 20,000-30,000 miles. Pirelli backs the tire with a 30,000 mile treadwear warranty.
• Italian tire brand Pirelli positions the P Zero as their premium ultra-high performance summer tire.
• The P Zero uses an asymmetric, directional tread design focused on quick, precise steering response.
• The stiff outside shoulder provides strong cornering grip.
• Pirelli’s high-silica tread compound gives the P Zero its wet-weather capabilities. The tire performs well on wet pavements, with hydroplaning resistance in heavy rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Other Continental Tire Reviews

If you’re interested in exploring other Continental tire options, check out our comprehensive reviews of their various offerings. Continental’s commitment to quality and performance shines through in their diverse range of tires.

• Continental Extreme Contact Sport Review
• Continental Viking Contact 7 Review
• Continental Pure Contact LS Review
• Continental Control Contact Tour A/S Plus Review
• Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ Review