Goodyear expands Mastercraft brand with 4 Courser models

AKRON—Goodyear has expanded the range of its Mastercraft brand with the launch of four all-season offerings in Courser line, including two designed with off-road traction.

The new lines are the Courser Trail and Trail HD, for those wishing to take their vehicles off-road, and the Courser Quest and Quest Plus for daily commuting. Goodyear assumed control of the Mastercraft brand a year ago with its acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

The Mastercraft brand serves a "unique need" within Goodyear's multi-brand portfolio, Michiel Kramer, general manager, consumer product marketing, said.

"Tread life and enhanced all-season performance were important factors when designing our new Courser product lines," Kramer said. "Giving drivers the ability to handle whatever the day may bring, whether that's driving off-road with the new Courser Trail or Trail HD, or going about your daily commute with the Courser Quest or Quest Plus."

Goodyear describes the Courser Trail and Trail HD as "long-lasting" all-terrain tires that provide "optimal" traction while also giving drivers the confidence to drive off-road. Goodyear is backing them with a 55,000-mile limited treadwear warrantly.

Features include:

• Raised black sidewall lettering and "aggressive" upper sidewall styling;
• "Reliable" wet braking and handling;
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation on the Courser Trail;
• Small "noise barrier" walls between shoulder blocks to help reduce wind noise;
• Stone Armor ribs between tread blocks provide robust barrier to stone drilling and rock sticking;
• Winter Biters treads embedded into tread blocks for improved snow acceleration and braking.

The Courser Trail launches in 28 P-metric sizes covering 15- to 20-inch rim diameters and the Courser Trail HD is available in 30 LT-metric sizes covering the same range.

The Courser Quest and Quest Plus are designed to provide dependable performance in wet and snowy conditions, Goodyear said.

The Courser Quest fits most passenger cars and minivans, while the Courser Quest Plus is designed for pickups and SUVs of all sizes.

The Courser Quest launches in 23 sizes covering 15- to 22-inch wheel diameters. The Courser Quest Plus is available in 46 sizes covering 16- to 20-inch rim diameters.

Goodyear is offering treadwear warranties of 70,000 and 65,000 miles, respectively on the Quest and Quest Plus.

Features include:

• Water evacuation grooves that offer hydroplane resistance;
• Enriched silica tread compound for enhanced grip in wet and snowy conditions;
• Optimized tread profile for traction and reliable handling when cornering;
• Noise Barrier Walls make for a quiet ride by reducing wind noise;
• Reinforced internal construction for more even treadwear across all tread blocks for more miles.

Pricing information was not disclosed.