Wheel not included

Continental ExtremeContact Sport
  • Continental ExtremeContact Sport
  • Continental ExtremeContact Sport
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The ExtremeContact Sport is Continental's Max Performance Summer tire developed for the drivers of sports cars, performance sedans and powerful luxury vehicles looking to combine serious performance in the dry and wet with refined ride and noise comfort. Like all summer tires, the ExtremeContact Sport is not intended to be serviced, stored nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Utilizing a specialized summer-only compound molded into a five-rib (six-rib in some sizes), asymmetric design, the ExtremeContact Sport features Continental's SportPlus Technology, which focuses on delivering precise handling, wet traction and enhanced wear for well-rounded maximum performance. The outside shoulder features wide tread blocks for lateral grip and high-speed handling, and the continuous center rib provides constant rubber-to-road contact for solid on center feel, while an optimized footprint evenly distributes pressure across the face of the tire for improved tread life. Continental's patented +Silane tread compound technology delivers the grip needed for sure-footed handling in damp conditions, and the deep, circumferential grooves provide a direct path for water to flow through the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Quickview Performance Indicators molded into the tread pattern provide at-a-glance awareness of the tire's suitability for use in dry and wet conditions.

The internal construction of the ExtremeContact Sport consists of a polyester or rayon cord (depending on size) body casing and two-ply sidewall construction to add sidewall stiffness without compromising ride comfort. The casing ply supports two high-tensile steel belts, and two spirally wound polyamide cap plies reinforce the structure for high-speed capability.

Note:: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Max Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. Compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.

Tire Rack Test Results Continental ExtremeContact Sport

October 21, 2022

Tires Tested

Continental ExtremeContact Sport
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

Vehicles Used

2022 Subaru BRZ Limited

When designing a product to replace an existing favorite, manufacturers typically have two options: a clean-sheet redesign or incremental improvement. This is true of almost any consumer product - computers, automobiles, cell phones, and yes, even tires. While the clean-sheet redesign typically has more advertising appeal - marketers get to use fun phrases like "all-new" - historically, evolutionary change has seemed to result in products that ultimately deliver more customer satisfaction. While Continental didn’t indicate which method they chose for their new Max Performance Summer tire, the ExtremeContact Sport 02, based on the evolutionary-type naming convention and the very similar visual appearance to its predecessor, we could make a pretty confident guess.

At Tire Rack, we don’t draw conclusions based on guesses and assumptions, though. We get to the truth through controlled testing, so we knew that’s what we had to do. We compared the new ExtremeContact Sport 02 to its predecessor, the ExtremeContact Sport, on the road and our wet and dry track. We also added a new element - dry track testing at our local racetrack, a 2.1 mile circuit in South Haven, Michigan.

On the Road

Ride quality and noise comfort were very similar between the two products. In fact, we would go so far as to say drivers are unlikely to notice a difference without the benefit of back-to-back testing. Fortunately for us, back-to-back testing is what we do, and our test drivers were able to discern a couple minor contrasts from the old tire to the new ExtremeContact Sport 02. In terms of ride quality, the new tire seemed to cushion minor bumps more adeptly than the existing tire, which resulted in slightly less disturbance in the cabin. However, the ExtremeContact Sport 02 seemed stiffer overall, so medium-to-large bumps and any concave imperfections were perceptibly firmer. Noise comfort between the two was even more tightly-grouped than ride quality. Our drivers could only discern a difference on a single type of surface, and that was coarse or cross-cut concrete. The ExtremeContact Sport 02 created a higher-pitched, slightly more distinct resonance that hurt its score a small amount. Otherwise, both tires exhibited the athletic refinement expected from a premium Max Performance Summer tire.

The most significant difference our team experienced came from the steering and light handling. The ExtremeContact Sport 02 had a small dull spot immediately on-center that helped it from feeling darty on the highway. Once past that point, the steering response ramped up quickly, resulting in quick changes of direction that made the vehicle feel very light on its feet, especially compared to the old tire, which was more linear and natural feeling, but ultimately slower to respond. Both tires were accurate in terms of precisely placing the vehicle where intended. The new tire had a very strong return to center after turns were completed.

On our Track

A red 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited conducting dry track testing

On the dry track, our braking and skid pad numbers were essentially a wash, with the existing product displaying a minimal advantage in 50-0 mph braking and the ExtremeContact Sport 02 barely generating the higher number in lateral gs. The enhanced steering response did help the new tire set the fastest average lap by a little over a quarter of a second, which around our track, is a large enough advantage to be felt by an in-tune driver. Subjectively, the ExtremeContact Sport 02’s steering was the primary topic of conversation, as it was as noticeable during track use as it was on the road. Overall, the existing tire felt more delicate and light-footed, like it wanted to glide around the track. The new tire exhibited a more traditional, "brake-turn-go" personality.

Dry Track Average Times 50-0mph
Slalom Total Lap Lateral gs ABS Stop
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 5.05 29.95 0.97 79.6
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 5.04 29.68 0.98 80.8
A white 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited conducting wet track testing

In the wet, we found similarly comparable results, where the old tire once again stopped slightly shorter from 50 mph, and the new tire delivered slightly higher lateral traction. Wet lap times were even closer than they were in the dry, with less than a tenth of a second separating the two. The subjective personalities were comparable to our dry findings, as well. Both had very high outright traction that allowed for impressive speed through all sectors of the track. The old tire felt more comfortable drifting a little and using all four tires through every element. The ExtremeContact Sport 02 seemed to have slightly higher limits, but it was also more abrupt in its transition from grip to slip. The traction was peakier, as opposed to the broad plateau of the older product. As a result, the new tire was slightly more difficult to drive and also more rewarding to master.

Wet Track Average Times 50-0mph
Slalom Total Lap Lateral gs ABS Stop
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 5.29 32.65 0.84 104.9
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 5.27 32.57 0.85 106.5

At the Racetrack

Max Performance Summer tires are designed as street tires, first and foremost. For anything other than very light/casual track use, we recommend a tire from a higher-performance category, and even with light track use, drivers should keep a close eye on wear. Even so, lap times are often a part of the performance claims made by tire manufacturers when they introduce a new Max Performance Summer tire, and the ExtremeContact Sport 02 is no different in this regard. Continental claims improvements in dry lap times of up to 1 second, so we decided to put that claim to the test.

A red 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited conducting testing at the racetrack

At this point, it should come as no surprise that the steering response of the ExtremeContact Sport 02 was a common topic of conversation. Moving beyond that, our drivers also felt the new tire had a modest but meaningful increase in traction in every braking zone. Through the "S" of turns 7, 8, and 9, it also allowed more speed before it began to drift and push wide. Where the original tire required neutral throttle to maintain trajectory, the new tire could lightly accelerate through the tightest section, improving the top-end speed before the next braking zone. The result of the enhanced traction was a .73-second improvement in lap time, which we would say qualifies as "up to 1 second," as the manufacturer claimed.

Racetrack Average Times Total Lap
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 1:50.81
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 1:50.08

Conclusion

Based on the results of our preview drive, it seems Continental used the safe strategy of incremental improvement with the ExtremeContact Sport 02. When the current product is already one of the leaders in the category, that’s not a bad thing. The new tire is remarkably similar to its predecessor in most ways, with some notable differences in a couple key areas. Our official test in the summer of 2023 will tell the full story and determine how the new ExtremeContact Sport 02 compares to the best in Max Performance Summer, but we can safely say that fans of the existing tire will find a lot to love with the new product.

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Ratings Charts & Reviews Continental ExtremeContact Sport

Tire Category: Max Performance Summer

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Continental ExtremeContact Sport
Excellent
97%
5M
8.5 - Good
8.7 - Excellent
8.7 Hydroplaning Resistance
8.8 Wet Traction
9.2 - Excellent
9.1 Corner Stability
9.3 Dry Traction
9.1 Steering Response
N/A
N/A Light Snow Traction
N/A Deep Snow Traction
N/A Ice Traction
8.7 - Excellent
8.7 Ride Quality
8.6 Noise
8.0 - Good

Customers Say

Ratings data demonstrates the Continental ExtremeContact Sport delivers outstanding dry traction, with consistent 9-10 scores praising sharp cornering stability and responsive steering. Wet traction earns strong 8-10 ratings, highlighted by reliable hydroplaning resistance and confident grip in rain. Comfort receives positive feedback for a smooth ride, though some note moderate road noise at higher speeds. Treadwear scores 7-10 reflect solid longevity for a max performance summer tire, with many users reporting satisfactory mileage despite aggressive driving. Reviews emphasize the tire excels in its intended warm-weather use, with high satisfaction among drivers prioritizing precision handling and wet/dry performance over all-season versatility.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Customers Like:

608 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 579 positive
  • 29 negative

Customers praise the ExtremeContact Sport's excellent wet grip and hydroplaning resistance, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Positive reviews highlight confident handling in heavy rain.

February 28, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...Had my first wet autocross at Portland International Raceway where there was a lot of standing water on the South Paddock. Once again blown away with the level of grip in the wet, when I saw lots of cars slipping and sliding. I was faster than a lot of drivers I've known for years who normally beat me handily, and I think my tires were the difference...

I will echo other reviewers praising this tire's wet and dry traction and overall performance. Replaced a set of Yokohama S-Drives that I hated, and at my next autocross, I was blown away by how much grip I now had. The difference was THAT noticeable. Had my first wet autocross Feb. 27 at Portland International Raceway where there was a lot of standing water on the South Paddock. Once again blown away with the level of grip in the wet, when I saw lots of cars slipping and sliding. I was faster than a lot of drivers I've known for years who normally beat me handily, and I think my tires were the difference. I have done 15 autocrosses on these tires, including two days at Oregon Raceway Park, and the tires are holding up very well. I should get through this season before I have to replace them.

Beyond autocross, I simply like to drive my Miata. There a lots of great backroads near my house, and I regularly drive it on my 36-mile one-way freeway/highway commute to work. The tires have great grip and responsiveness on those spirited drives, and the ride is very comfortable for a little sports car. You don't expect quiet in a NA Miata, but these tires aren't noisy, either. And while driving home from Portland on I-5 yesterday in very heavy rain, the car was rock solid.

Before I bought these tires, several of my autocross friends were recommending the Bridgestone Re-71, but I was wary of wet performance since I live in Oregon and my car isn't just for autocross. Did some research and chose the Continentals for a better all-around tire, and the wet performance has confirmed my choice. Highly, highly recommended.

Vehicle: 1991 Mazda Miata
Miles Driven on Tires: 4,000
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: SALEM, OR
Driving Style: Spirited
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July 20, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

4.2 out of 5 Star Rating
4.2 out of 5

...Confidence inspiring in the wet.

Great tire for daily/spirited back road driving. Confidence inspiring in the wet.

Vehicle: 2002 Mazda Miata Sport Pkg
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: HARRISON TOWNSHIP, MI
Driving Style: Spirited
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749 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 731 positive
  • 18 negative

Customers praise the ExtremeContact Sport's dry traction, with most scoring 9s and 10s. Responsive handling and reliable grip in dry conditions. A few ratings between 7-8 note minor variability.

January 31, 2018 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...The dry traction is absurd, and the cornering is phenomenal!...

Not sure where my original review went on these tires.....however, I noticed an incredibly soft sidewall immediately after mounting. Almost disconcerting. My advice is give the tires a chance - let the tires set to the wheels and lubricant used to mount with time to dissipate. The response has sharpened after about 1000 miles and it doesnt feel nearly as soft as the first couple of weeks after installation. The dry traction is absurd, and the cornering is phenomenal! Wet traction really excels, I have absolute wet or dry confidence even when it has rained in FL (deluges). They tend to sing at 80-90mph over concrete but thats expected with fat straight grooves. A firm ride with good feedback, compound is soft though and you will pick up small grit and rocks in parking lots. Will update with wear rate as they continue to gain mileage.

Worth every penny.

Vehicle: 2010 Honda Civic Si Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ORLANDO, FL
Driving Style: Spirited
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September 22, 2017 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...They handle great in dry conditions... Cornering feels solid. It rides like on rails...

Too early to tell, so far these tires look really good and sporty. They handle great in dry conditions. Haven¿t seen rain yet. I will update once I do. Cornering feels solid. It rides like on rails. Not noisy at all. My previous BFG were noisy. These are quiet, and offer better grip and a better Smoother ride.

Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS RS Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 100
Driving Conditions: Mostly City
Location: PANORAMA CITY, CA
Driving Style: Average
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May 23, 2017 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...The dry traction is absolutely incredible, they never loose grip. Also they are incredibly stable at all speeds. Through sweeping turns youcould feel them roll over on the sidewalk and really pull themselves out of the corner...

I've put about 10,000 miles on these sets and honestly biggest complaint was that not running them all around! These tires kept my car planted and made it feel like I was on rails.
These are the Best tires ive ever had. The dry traction is absolutely incredible, they never loose grip. Also they are incredibly stable at all speeds. Through sweeping turns youcould feel them roll over on the sidewalk and really pull themselves out of the corner. It feels like the grip never ends.
In the wet they are incredibly reliable, even through standing water they wouldn't break loose. I absolutely recommend for anyone who does spirited driving through back roads.
They are a fairly soft compound so they did wear out rather quickly, but still for the price they are worth every penny!

Vehicle: 2007 Honda Civic SI Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GILROY, CA
Driving Style: Spirited
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744 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 704 positive
  • 40 negative

Most customers rate ride comfort and noise levels highly, with scores mostly 9-10. Some note 7-8, still reflecting a smooth, quiet experience suited for summer performance driving.

June 21, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...I went with 255/40r18 in size and while I like it for the comfort aspect I wish I would have gone with 275/35r18 instead...

Definitely one of the best summer tires I've ever had the pleasure of using. I went with 255/40r18 in size and while I like it for the "comfort" aspect I wish I would have gone with 275/35r18 instead. Absolutely no complaints with these tires, I think it's one of the best in it's class for summer everyday driving. I'm glad I saved the extra money and went with these over the Michelin PS 4s.

Vehicle: 2019 Honda Civic Type R
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WEST BEND, WI
Driving Style: Spirited
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October 19, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...Very comfortable to daily drive in the summer, excellent tires for autocross, and extremely fun for canyon carving. They offer precise control and feedback for racing/autocross use but I've still found them to be comfortable and relatively quiet for what they are...

Excellent tire choice for anyone looking to improve the cornering, braking, and steering response of their car. Very comfortable to daily drive in the summer, excellent tires for autocross, and extremely fun for canyon carving. They offer precise control and feedback for racing/autocross use but I've still found them to be comfortable and relatively quiet for what they are. Would absolutely buy them again.

Vehicle: 2006 Honda Accord Sedan EX 4cyl
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: DULUTH, MN
Driving Style: Spirited
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555 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 459 positive
  • 96 negative

Most customers rate treadwear highly, with scores of 8-10, noting long-lasting performance for summer use. A few report lower scores (0-6), citing premature wear concerns.

May 04, 2024 (Verified Purchase)

4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...I got over 60,000 miles from my first set which is phenomenal for a tire of this type... The tread design also is not prone to cupping or other nasty wear on vehicles like mine with a lot of negative camber and toe in in the rear suspension, so they are useful for their entire tread depth.

This was my second set. I love these tires because of their quietness, comfort, crazy good wet traction, and extremely long wear. (I got over 60,000 miles from my first set which is phenomenal for a tire of this type) The tread design also is not prone to cupping or other nasty wear on vehicles like mine with a lot of negative camber and toe in in the rear suspension, so they are useful for their entire tread depth.

Vehicle: 2006 Volvo S60 R
Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: CLEVELAND, OH
Driving Style: Spirited
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July 18, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

3.9 out of 5 Star Rating
3.9 out of 5

...However, my mixed daily driving caused some uneven camber wear. Definitely recommend you rotate them more often. Wish I got a little more life out of it but knowing the other tires in the category I probably wouldn't be able to get anymore tread life in the competition...

This is my first summer tire, I got a lot of enjoyment out of them. Constantly running touge every weekend (So you know I was beating on it). However, my mixed daily driving caused some uneven camber wear. Definitely recommend you rotate them more often. Wish I got a little more life out of it but knowing the other tires in the category I probably wouldn't be able to get anymore tread life in the competition. Side wall is on the softer end so I don't recommend dropping the tire pressure too low at some points I was riding sidewall. 34 psi was pretty safe for me.

Vehicle: 2018 Toyota Corolla iM
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,500
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: NUTLEY, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited
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July 28, 2022 (Verified Purchase)

3.7 out of 5 Star Rating
3.7 out of 5

...Despite the glowing reviews, these tires did not last even a fraction of what I thought they would, especially with 340 treadwear... After three 20 minute sessions, the sidewalls had been completely destroyed. The tread was torn, there were chunks falling off, and I honestly wasn't sure if it would be safe for me to drive home on them, let alone on track...

When I went to purchase these tires, I was looking for something I could drive on in the summer that could hold up to a track weekend or two a year. I could not be more disappointed in my purchase. Despite the glowing reviews, these tires did not last even a fraction of what I thought they would, especially with 340 treadwear. When I first had them put on, they were fantastic. Compared to the previous tires I had, the road noise was nonexistent. I truly could not believe how quiet they were. After a month or two, I tried them out at a small local autocross event, and again, I was shocked at how well they performed. The tires were responsive, didn't spin at all, and held on tight through corners. Even when other issues arose with my vehicle, the pressures and temperatures remained stable and didn't show signs of wear. In the wet, my previous set of tires were like driving on ice skates, but yet again, the ExtremeContact Sport lived up to its name. The grip was exceptional in the rain; so good that I barely even noticed a difference from the dry traction. So far, the tires had been everything I wanted and more. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and for me, this came at my first track event. After three 20 minute sessions, the sidewalls had been completely destroyed. The tread was torn, there were chunks falling off, and I honestly wasn't sure if it would be safe for me to drive home on them, let alone on track. As much as I loved these tires while they lasted, I can not recommend them to anyone. Continental has a strict warranty that does not cover any track use, so despite driving less than 50 total miles on the track and 27,000 under the treadwear warranty, I am out $600. Tire Rack has been fairly understanding and given me a discount on new tires, but I am still frustrated with how quickly the Continental ExtremeContact Sport went to pieces and the lack of any kind of assistance or support from Continental. These are not safe for any track use.

Vehicle: 2003 Honda Civic Si Hatchback
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Driving Style: Spirited
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

Testing Premium Max Performance Summer Tires 2021: Continental ExtremeContact Sport (01:26)

Continental’s ExtremeContact Sport is one of the leaders in Max Performance Summer. We compare it to the newest and best to find out if it’s still at the top.

Read the Full Test Report

A Clash of the Titans in Max Performance Summer: The Sequel (06:08)

When two titans of the tire industry release successors to their top-rated products, drivers need to be ready and armed to choose which one will be right for them. We took a look at the newest in Max Performance Summer to see how they stack up against each other and one of the best existing entrants in the category.

Read the Full Test Report

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