Apollo Tyres has unveiled the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+, a new premium winter tyre specifically designed for ultra-high-performance cars and SUVs, including the latest generation of performance-focused electric vehicles (EVs). This latest addition to the Vredestein lineup builds on the success of its predecessor, the Wintrac Pro, by offering enhanced grip, traction, and braking performance in winter conditions, while also improving fuel efficiency and driving range.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ represents a significant upgrade over the previous Wintrac Pro model. It features a newly developed tread compound that significantly improves grip, traction, and braking on snow, slush, and ice. These enhancements are complemented by a reduction in rolling resistance, which not only boosts fuel efficiency for internal combustion vehicles but also extends the driving range for electric vehicles.
Key to these improvements is the tyre’s advanced tread design, which incorporates a tailor-made blend of next-generation polymers and resins. This composition allows the tread blocks to remain flexible even at extremely low temperatures, ensuring better performance on snowy surfaces. The tread pattern itself includes sharply angled centre grooves and shoulder sipes, designed to maintain consistent cornering response in challenging winter conditions. This careful design results in a 4% improvement in braking, a 5% improvement in traction, and up to 20% better handling on snow compared to the Wintrac Pro, based on internal testing (reference size, 245/45 R18 100V XL).
The Wintrac Pro+ also retains the high levels of durability that drivers have come to expect from the Vredestein brand. The tyre features an advanced new blend of polymers and fillers in its tread compound, which helps resist wear and extend the tyre’s lifespan across multiple winter seasons. This durability was a hallmark of the original Wintrac Pro, which was independently rated as delivering segment-leading mileage.
In addition to its durability, the Wintrac Pro+ offers a 7% reduction in rolling resistance compared to its predecessor (size, 245/45 R18 100V XL). This improvement is achieved through the use of low-hysteresis materials in the tread and body compounds, which also enable the tyre to achieve a higher label class for rolling resistance in many available dimensions. These features contribute to a lower overall whole-life cost for drivers, making the Wintrac Pro+ an economically attractive choice.
Apollo Tyres has also made significant strides in improving the environmental impact of its products. Engineers at the company’s European R&D headquarters in Enschede, Netherlands, have increased the proportion of renewable and recycled materials used in the Wintrac Pro+ from 20.4% to 26.5%. Additionally, the carbon footprint during the ‘cradle to gate’ production phase has been reduced by 4% compared to the Wintrac Pro (reference size 245/45 R18 100V XL). These efforts align with Apollo Tyres’ broader commitment to sustainability, while also enhancing the tyre’s handling and safety.
The Wintrac Pro+ is particularly well-suited for modern plug-in vehicles. With most sizes in the range featuring an ‘XL’ load index, the tyre can accommodate the increased vehicle mass typical of electric cars. Moreover, its low rolling resistance is especially beneficial for electric vehicles, as it helps to maximise driving range—a key consideration for EV owners.
The Vredestein brand has a long and storied history in the winter tyre segment, dating back to the 1960s with the launch of the M&S 187 winter radial tyre. The first generation of Wintrac tyres debuted in 1996 and has since evolved to include performance-oriented variants like the Wintrac Xtreme and Wintrac Pro. These tyres have consistently provided drivers with superior all-weather cornering grip, short stopping distances, and excellent control even at high speeds.
Commenting on the launch, Yves Pouliquen, Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Apollo Tyres, said: “The ultra-high-performance category is taking a growing share of the overall winter tyre market, reflecting the popularity of performance-focused saloons, SUVs, and plug-in cars. This is where the effective management of torque and overall mass is critical for maximising safety, control, and driver confidence.
“We now plan to showcase the Vredestein brand, and our expanding winter and all-season tyre portfolios, through a range of new winter-sports marketing programmes, including an agreement to become Official Main Sponsor of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2025.”
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ is now available to order in over 120 sizes, catering to rims ranging from 17 to 22 inches. Most tyres in this range carry a ‘Y’ speed rating, making them suitable for speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). All products in the Wintrac Pro+ lineup are certified with the ‘Three Peak Mountain Snowflake’ symbol, indicating compliance with EU winter tyre regulations (ECE R117) for use on snow and ice.
With its combination of cutting-edge technology, durability, and a focus on sustainability, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ is poised to set new standards in the premium winter tyre market, offering drivers of high-performance vehicles unmatched control, safety, and confidence during the winter months.
What is the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+?
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ is a premium winter tyre designed for ultra-high-performance cars and SUVs, including the latest generation of electric vehicles (EVs). It is the latest addition to the Vredestein Wintrac series, offering enhanced grip, traction, and braking performance in winter conditions.
How does the Wintrac Pro+ differ from the Wintrac Pro?
The Wintrac Pro+ features a new tread compound that improves grip, traction, and braking on snow, slush, and ice. It also offers a 7% reduction in rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency and extended driving range for EVs. The tyre maintains the high wet grip and durability of its predecessor, with added enhancements in handling and sustainability.
What performance improvements does the Wintrac Pro+ offer on snow?
Compared to the Wintrac Pro, the Wintrac Pro+ offers:
Is the Wintrac Pro+ suitable for electric vehicles (EVs)?
Yes, the Wintrac Pro+ is designed to perform well on electric vehicles. Its low rolling resistance helps increase driving range, and most sizes have an ‘XL’ load index, making them suitable for the higher vehicle mass typical of EVs.
What sizes are available for the Wintrac Pro+?
The Wintrac Pro+ is available in over 120 sizes, suitable for rims ranging from 17 to 22 inches. Most tyres in the range have a ‘Y’ speed rating, allowing for speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
Does the Wintrac Pro+ comply with EU winter tyre regulations?
Yes, all tyres in the Wintrac Pro+ range are certified with the ‘Three Peak Mountain Snowflake’ symbol, indicating compliance with EU winter tyre regulations (ECE R117) for use on snow and ice.
How does the Wintrac Pro+ contribute to sustainability?
The Wintrac Pro+ incorporates 26.5% renewable and recycled materials, up from 20.4% in the Wintrac Pro. Additionally, the carbon footprint during the ‘cradle to gate’ production phase has been reduced by 4% compared to the previous model (reference size 245/45 R18 100V XL).
What is the wet performance of the Wintrac Pro+ like?
The Wintrac Pro+ maintains the high wet grip performance of the Wintrac Pro, which was widely regarded as best in class for grip and safety on wet surfaces.
Who is the ideal customer for the Wintrac Pro+?
The Wintrac Pro+ is ideal for drivers of ultra-high-performance vehicles, including those with performance-focused saloons, SUVs, and electric vehicles, who require superior winter performance, durability, and a tyre that supports sustainable driving practices.
Where can I purchase the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+?
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ is available for order now through authorised Vredestein dealers and select tyre retailers across the UK and Europe.
For more detailed information or to find your nearest retailer, visit the Vredestein website or contact your local tyre dealer.
