Dunlop
British motorsport heritage with global performance
History & Overview
Dunlop was founded in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish-born veterinarian living in Belfast, Ireland. He invented the first practical pneumatic tire to help his son ride more comfortably on his tricycle, revolutionizing transportation forever. The company quickly expanded and became one of the world's largest tire manufacturers throughout the 20th century.
Dunlop's motorsport heritage is unmatched in endurance racing, with 34 overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (tied with Michelin for most all-time). The brand dominated Formula 1 in the 1950s and 1960s, winning five consecutive Constructors' Championships from 1958-1962. Dunlop also pioneered many tire technologies including the first run-flat tire in 1975.
Today, Dunlop operates under different ownership in various regions - Goodyear owns the brand in North America, Europe, and Australia, while Sumitomo Rubber Industries (parent of Falken) owns it in Japan and parts of Asia. Despite the complex ownership, the brand maintains its performance focus and continues to be a major presence in motorsport, including the British Touring Car Championship and Super GT series.
For official specifications, visit Dunlop's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
SP Sport Maxx GT
Max Performance SummerFlagship ultra-high performance tire engineered for European sports cars. Features Touch Technology for enhanced dry grip and MRT (Multi-Radius Tread) for consistent contact patch through corners. OEM on Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG vehicles. Available in 17"-21".
SP Sport Maxx RT2
Ultra High Performance SummerSport-focused tire balancing performance with everyday usability. Hybrid CTT compound delivers grip across temperature ranges. Noise Shield Technology reduces road noise. Available in 17"-20".
Direzza DZ102
Ultra High Performance SummerEnthusiast-oriented performance tire with aggressive asymmetric tread pattern. Popular with sport compact owners for spirited street driving. Good wet and dry grip at accessible pricing. Available in 15"-18".
Direzza ZIII
Extreme Performance SummerTrack-capable street tire designed for maximum grip. Soft compound delivers exceptional dry traction for autocross and track days. Limited tread life reflects performance focus. Available in 14"-18".
Winter Sport 5
Performance WinterWinter tire that maintains sportier handling characteristics. 3D interlocking sipes provide snow traction while maintaining block rigidity. Popular in European markets with mandatory winter tire laws. Available in 16"-20".
Grandtrek AT
All-TerrainAll-terrain tire for SUVs and light trucks. Balanced design provides off-road capability without compromising highway comfort. Multi-edge tread blocks enhance traction in varied conditions. Available in 15"-20".
Price Range
Brand Highlights
- 34 Le Mans 24 Hours overall victories - tied with Michelin for most all-time
- Pioneered pneumatic tire technology in 1888, enabling modern transportation
- 5 consecutive F1 Constructors' Championships from 1958-1962
- Touch Technology optimizes rubber compound at molecular level for enhanced grip
- Noise Shield Technology reduces interior cabin noise through polyurethane foam lining
- DSST (Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology) run-flat system allows driving up to 50 miles at 50mph after puncture
Motorsport Heritage
Dunlop's motorsport heritage is unmatched in endurance racing. With 34 Le Mans 24 Hours victories (tied with Michelin), including dominant runs in the 1950s and 1960s, Dunlop has been developing tires at the limit of performance for over a century.
Who Should Buy Dunlop?
Ideal For
- European car owners seeking OEM-equivalent quality
- Sport compact enthusiasts (Direzza line is excellent value)
- Endurance racing fans appreciating Le Mans heritage
- Budget-conscious track day participants (Direzza ZIII)
- Drivers in markets where Dunlop has strong distribution
Consider Alternatives If
- Those seeking the absolute latest tire technology
- American truck/SUV owners (limited off-road lineup)
- Buyers wanting extensive size selection in North America
- Premium luxury car owners (Michelin/Pirelli have better positioning)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Dunlop tires?
It's complicated. Goodyear owns Dunlop in North America, Europe, and Australia. Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Falken's parent) owns Dunlop in Japan and much of Asia. This split ownership means the brand positioning and product lineup varies by region. Despite the complexity, both maintain Dunlop's performance focus.
How did Dunlop win so many Le Mans races?
Dunlop dominated Le Mans in the 1950s and 1960s, winning 5 consecutive F1 championships (1958-1962) during the same era. Their focus on endurance racing led to tire technology that could survive 24-hour races—extreme heat cycling, varying conditions, and driver changes. This heritage influences their modern SP Sport Maxx line.
Is the Direzza ZIII good for track days?
Excellent value for grassroots track days. The ZIII offers solid grip at accessible pricing—it's a step below premium track tires like Michelin Cup 2 or Toyo R888R in ultimate grip, but costs less and is perfectly capable for most amateur track days and autocross. Great choice for beginners.
Did Dunlop really invent the pneumatic tire?
John Boyd Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic tire in 1888 for his son's tricycle. While Robert William Thomson patented an earlier pneumatic design in 1845, Dunlop's version was the first commercially viable one. This invention literally enabled modern transportation as we know it.
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