I found this report for info:
Continental Sport Contact 3
The Continental Sport Contact 3 recommended in Which magazine as a Best Buy in 2006 has an asymmetric tread pattern designed for shorter braking distances at high speeds and also benefits from excellent directional stability and precise steering. Designed as the ultimate high performance tyre for high performance sports cars ithis tyre is fitted as original equipment to the Audi RS4, A5 and Mercedes SLK.
...and this is the manufacturers write-up:
Manufacturer's Description:
Extremely sporty. Safety without compromise: The new ContiSportContact 3
One of the most cruicial requirements of tyres fitted on high performance sports cars is agile steering precision. This ensures your vehicle maintains good adherence to the road in face of the considerable forces acting on the tyres when driving at high speeds, making abrupt manoevres or changes in road surfaces. The asymmetric tread pattern ribs on the new ContiSportContact 3 are designed to absorb these forces.
On dry roads, the new tread pattern ribs provide outstanding braking capability and steering precision, by absorbing the forces exerted on braking. This means a reduction in stopping distances.
On wet surfaces, the unique grooves allow increased clearance of water for better resistance to aquaplaning.
The pattern ribs provide shorter braking distances.
Longitudinal forces come into effect when braking. These forces are retained by the continuous pattern ribs due to their high longitudinal stiffness. The result is an improved braking performance.
The asymmetry secures improved steering precision.
During swift and abrupt steering manoeuvres high lateral forces act on the pattern ribs from the outside. The angled sides stabilise the ribs and reduce their deformation under such forces thus resulting in an increased steering precision.
I note though that the tread pattern looks slightly different than the tyre shown on the first report:
CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT 3 (HIGH PERFORMANCE)