Cosmo Tires wanted to prove its newest extreme all-terrain tire, the Gripit XT, in a place that could push it to its limits. That’s how I ended up in Peru (home to one of the driest deserts in the world) with about 100 dealers, distributors, and Cosmo Tires team members. If you want to see what a tire can do on dunes as tall as mountains, there aren’t many better options.

Loose sand and steep slopes are some of the toughest conditions for any tire to thrive in. If the Gripit XT could climb the dunes of Ica, it could likely handle just about anywhere drivers might take it.

“There is no substitute for having hands-on experience,” CEO Tony Gonzalez said. “The tire performs beyond expectation… and you can see them doing their job right here in the middle of the desert.”

Tires like the Gripit XT are personal for Tony. He literally hand-drew its tread pattern before working with engineers to turn that sketch into reality.

Out on the sand, the scalloped shoulder lugs dug deep for traction, while Bead Claw reinforcements kept the tire locked on the rim. Cosmo’s Quiet Kat technology (using geometric isolation grooves to break up airflow) kept road noise low. Many sizes feature a 3-ply sidewall and up to 12 plies of under-tread reinforcement for heat control, puncture resistance, and stability. The tire also features Cosmo’s Directed Super Silica compound for cut resistance, wet grip, and lower rolling resistance.

Cosmo also backs the tire with a 50,000-mile warranty and its Hassle-Free Warranty Suite.

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