Tyre Technology

Dunlop's history is rich with important innovations that have improved the driving experience. With the discovery of the aquaplaning phenomenon and the introduction of the 3S-technology as key innovations, Dunlop is proud of the array of other technological advances throughout the past century that have improved the driving experience for all kinds of drivers in all kinds of conditions.

1889 - Dunlop Tyres begins production of pneumatic tyres invented by Scottish inventor John Boyd Dunlop in 1888.
1922 - Development of the first Dunlop steel bead tyre with a woven cord casing trebled tyre life.
1948 - Dunlop introduces a tubeless tyre with a plastic self-sealing layer on the inner surface casing. This coating prevented loss of air in case of tyre damage.
1959 - Dunlop introduces the first tyre (RS5) incorporating an intensive knife-cut tread pattern, a nylon casing (for strength and resistance at high speed), and the safety shoulder developed by their engineers in Germany.
1962 - 1964 Dunlop’s technical team discovers a phenomenon unexplained until then - aquaplaning. The subsequent pattern patents (introduced as SP 68) ensured that from then on tyre pattern development was focused on the few square inches of tyre at ground contact. The density of knife-cuts in the tread surface was dramatically increased, and a new feature known as 'aquajets' enabled water to be ejected sideways.
1972 - World innovation: Dunlop develops the first 60 series steel belt tyre.
1973 - World innovation: Dunlop launches DENOVO, the first ‘fail-safe’ wheel/tyre system. 1983 Dunlop presents the TD/Denloc safety and ’fail-safe’ system.
1994 - World innovation: Dunlop presents the first ultralight construction belt tyre. It reduces the vehicle weight by about 12 kg.
1997 - Dunlop introduces the high-performance tyre SP Sport 9000, a completely new profile technology.
1998 - Development of the DSST (Run Flat) tyre, a self-supporting tyre.
1999 - The tyre monitoring system WARNAIR is introduced. It quickly detects air pressure loss and indicates this to the driver either by an audible or visual warning.
2002 - Dunlop introduces the 3S-technology. An innovative asymmetrical tri-area tread is the basis of tyres born to equally unite the aspects of Silent running, Sportiness, and Safety. 2007 Introduction of Touch Technology™to give drivers a better feel for the road.
2008 - To improve steering response, we develop the first tyre with Kevlar® pulp inserts in the sidewall - Dunlop SP Sport Maxx® TT.
2012 - After 10 years as the official control tyre, Australian V8 Supercars shift from 17” tyres to all new 18 inch Dunlop Sport Maxx control tyres developed specifically for Car of the Future in 2013.
2013 -Dunlop celebrates 125 years as a global tyre manufacturer.
2013 - Dunlop wins the 2013 Isle of Man TT and has been won consecutively by Dunlop tyres since 2004.
2014 - Dunlop Noise Shield Technology - designed to significantly reduce rolling noise by up to 50%.
2018 - Dunlop introduces Shinobi technology to the Dunlop Sport SP Sport LM705.

2021 - Dunlop celebrates 20 years as the Supercars control tyre and the 20th race at Mt Panorama Bathurst.
2023 - Dunlop Tyres develops customised tyre compounds for the next generation of Camaro and Mustang Supercars.