News With its ContiSportAttack 5, Continental aims to set the standard.

Continental has decided to make its mark in two highly strategic sectors in 2026: among off-road enthusiasts with the TKC 80² and in the road sports sector with the ContiSportAttack 5. The German manufacturer wants to gain a larger share of this market, where grip and precision are essential in all situations.

Developed in the research centers of Hanover and on the racetrack, the ContiSportAttack 5 is not just a successor to the previous model: it redefines its positioning. With a decidedly sporty profile (80% road/20% track), it targets riders of performance-hungry and/or thrill-seeking machines, from the BMW S 1000 RR to the Yamaha R9, not to mention "super roadsters" such as the KTM 1390 Super Duke R or the S 1000 R, to name but a few.

The goal set by Rafael Kascha, development engineer, is to improve all the major features without making any compromises.

The technological quintet: a closer look at the innovations

To ensure maximum grip and a top speed of up to 320 km/h, Continental has incorporated five technological pillars:

Slick profile and durability: The new design features a continuous central strip with no tread pattern to maximize service life. Conversely, the ends have a larger contact surface for extreme cornering grip, with open outer tread patterns to boost traction when exiting corners.

MultiZoneBelt technology: A major innovation based on the winding of the steel belt. Tighter in the center for perfect stability under high loads in a straight line, it is spaced out on the shoulders to offer greater flexibility, a better contact surface, and increased confidence when cornering at maximum angles.

BlackChili and silica: The rubber compound has evolved. A new BlackChili polymer formula ensures even wear on the track. At the same time, an optimized silica content guarantees total safety on cold, wet or slippery surfaces, without compromising performance on dry surfaces.

Carcass construction: The geometry of the plies and the materials have been revised to increase the rigidity of strategic areas, offering surgical precision handling.

TractionSkin and micro-notches: Thanks to its micro-rough surface (TractionSkin technology), the tire does not require release agents and offers secure grip from the very first kilometer. Specific micro-notches also ensure rapid temperature rise and optimal thermal maintenance.

Efficiency from mountain passes to sliding

One of the strengths of the ContiSportAttack 5 is its versatility. For track sessions, Continental says that this tire requires no heating blankets or specific pressure adjustments. This means you can go from the road to the track without transition; just swap your jacket for a suit.

Our target audience is experienced, technical riders who are passionate about sporty riding, says Christoph Ettenhuber, head of the motorcycle department.

Focus: The science behind BlackChili

The secret to its performance lies in the BlackChili compound. This high-tech polymer combines new-generation synthetic rubbers and natural rubbers, bound together by nanoscale carbon black particles. One of its most remarkable properties is its ultra-fast temperature rise, reaching 40 to 50 degrees in all weather conditions, regardless of the ground temperature.

ContiSportAttack 5 highlights:

New profile for improved:
- grip on dry surfaces (-1.2 sec. vs. ContiSportAttack 4),
- handling,
- mileage,
Rapid temperature rise thanks to BlackChili, temperature maintenance and stabilization thanks to micro-notches,
Improved wet grip (-2.2 sec. vs. ContiSportAttack 4) thanks to increased tread depth.

ContiSportAttack 5 technologies:

• Approved Supersport tire; use (80% road, 20% track),
• BlackChili compound
• RainGrip technology for even more grip on wet surfaces, thanks to specially activated silica, this compound ensures optimal grip down to the microscopic level of the road surface.
• MutliGrip technology: continuous and consistent grip when cornering, it provides a consistent level of grip with a single rubber compound thanks to the curing and temperature control of the tire during the production process.
• MultiZoneBelt technology: steel belt tightened in the center and spaced further apart on the shoulders.
• TractionSkin technology: a revolutionary new micro-rough tread surface makes tire break-in as safe and short as possible. New mold coating technology without the use of release agents.
• GripLimitFeedback technology: increases safety at extreme lean angles, as the rider receives quick feedback from the tires for better control when the grip limit is reached.
• Manufactured in Germany in Korbach.

The ContiSportAttack 5 will be available from early 2026 in five main sizes:

• 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL
• 160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL
  
  
• 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
• 190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL
• 200/55 ZR 17 M/C (78W) TL

After six years of service, the ContiSportAttack 4 is handing over to a fifth generation (but it's not disappearing and is changing its price positioning). The price of the ContiSportAttack 5 should be similar, while its performance takes a leap forward. What's more, it promises to improve without making any compromises.