New Cadillac Opts for Goodyear Run-Flat Tires

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2004 -- Goodyear run-flat tires will be carrying one of the most upscale automobiles in the market -- the all-new 2004 Cadillac CTS-V high-performance luxury sedan -- when it begins arriving in dealerships this month.

The CTS-V is the most powerful production car ever offered in the Cadillac lineup. Equipped with a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine that is expected to produce 400 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque, the car features a standard six- speed manual transmission.

At the four corners of the car, seven-spoke 18x8.5 aluminum wheels will be wrapped with Goodyear rubber, to provide the grip and traction necessary to transmit the horsepower to the pavement. The tires are Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar run-flats in size P245/45WR18.

"The CTS-V represents the best of what Cadillac has to offer, and it makes sense that Goodyear tires were selected to complete this high-performance package," said Kevin Kramer, Goodyear's vice president, original equipment tires. "These Eagle F1 Supercar tires contribute high-speed grip, durability and the extra benefit of extended mobility through their run-flat capability."

Goodyear Extended Mobility Technology (EMT) allows the Eagle F1 Supercar tires on the new CTS-V -- on standard wheels -- to run without air, fully loaded, for up to 80 miles at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. A tire-pressure monitoring system is standard equipment on the CTS-V, providing an alert to the driver when any of the tires loses a considerable level of air pressure.

The run-flat tire's strength is derived from a sophisticated reinforced flank. When inflation pressure is lost, the sidewall reinforcements prevent the tire from leaving the rim and avoid any noticeable loss of handling, comfort and safety.

"Goodyear is proud to have been chosen for this key run-flat fitment on one of the world's best cars. It places our highly visible run-flat technology on an equally high-visibility car," Kramer said. "CTS-V drivers, riding on Goodyear run-flat tires, shouldn't have to face any worries about being stranded with a flat tire. They can continue on their way until they have the tire inspected."

Goodyear is the world's leading manufacturer of run-flat tires, with applications on the Chevrolet Corvette, Mini Cooper, various BMW sports cars and others.

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 85 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs about 88,000 people worldwide. Additional information about the company and its products is available at www.goodyear.com .