Abstract: A high performance, radial tire having a tread, the tread has an intermediate groove between first and second lateral edges, circumferential grooves between the first lateral edge and the intermediate groove, and a circumferential groove or grooves between the second lateral edge and the intermediate groove. Each groove has a first and second wall wherein the first wall of each groove is on the side of the groove nearest to the first lateral edge and the second wall being on the opposite side of the groove, the respective first and second groove walls having an angular orientation .theta..sub.1, .theta..sub.2 relative to a line perpendicular to a tangent to the tread surface curvature as approximately defined at the center of the groove wherein .theta..sub.1, is the angular orientation of the first wall and .theta..sub.2 is the angular orientation of the second wall, the angular orientation .theta..sub.1 is greater than the angular orientation .theta..sub.

Abstract: A directional high performance pneumatic tire having improved wet traction has an annular aqua channel and lateral grooves which direct water from the footprint to the shoulder area of the tire to help prevent hydroplaning. The aqua channel has an extended U-shape wherein one wall of the aqua channel has a steeper incline than the other side of the aqua channel. At least one side of each aqua channel is defined by lugs of various lengths, and longer lugs of the lugs of various lengths extend into the aqua channels and have an inclined wall. The varying length of the lugs cause the aqua channel to vary in width, and the aqua channel, in the narrower portion varies in width from 7-12% of the tread width, and in the wider portion varies in width from 17% to 22% of the tread width. In a preferred embodiment, the aqua channel may have a step between its shoulder side and its center side wherein the shoulder side is higher by a distance d.

Abstract: An asymmetric non-directional tread 12 for a tire 10 is disclosed. The tread 12 has a plurality of ground engaging tread elements 22 separated by circumferential and lateral grooves 24,28. The net contact area in a first tread half 30 is approximately equivalent to a net contact area in a second tread half 32 although the tread stiffness in the first tread half 30 preferably is higher than in the second tread half 32. The outboard side of some circumferential grooves 24 may be tapered to buttress tread elements 22 against cornering forces.