Kumho revamps V710, Adds LX Platinum

Kumho is making some improvements to its championship-winning Ecsta V710 and is adding eight more sizes to the tyre’s lineup. First introduced in 2004, the V710 is Kumho’s top-of-the-line DOT competition tyre. The tyre has won more than 75 SCCA Solo National Championships in the last four years, as well as dozens of divisional Club Racing championships, the company said.

“Even though the V710 has continued to fare well in competition and in independent comparison tests by magazines such as Grassroots Motorsports, we knew it was time for some changes,” said Rudy Consolacion, Kumho motorsports manager. “We raised the bar when we introduced the V710 three years ago, and with the changes we’re making we’ll raise the bar again.”

According to Consolacion, the changes in the V710 will enable it to offer the highest level of DOT tyre performance for dry track conditions. The tyre features an asymmetric tread designed using a slick tread surface with two circumferential grooves on the inner half of the tyre. The grooves are molded at 4/32nds of an inch and thus do not require shaving. The V710’s radial construction includes two slightly angled polyester carcass plies and two lightweight steel belts reinforced by a circumferential nylon cap ply, Kumho said.

The new V710 is available in 25 sizes, including 305/30R18, 345/35R18, 225/45R17, 225/40R18, 215/45R16, 245/45R16, 215/40R17 and 335/30R19.

In another move, Kumho unveiled its new luxury touring tyre, the Ecsta LX Platinum, at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The tyre features an asymmetrical tread design, three dimensional waffle sipes, a jointless nylon cap, and a 60,000-mile limited tread wear warranty. The tyre includes a UTQG rating of 600 A A, and will be available in H, V and W speed ratings, the company said.

All of these features combine to provide a tyre with best-in-class attributes, exceptional mileage, outstanding ride comfort, low noise levels, exceptional snow traction and outstanding dry and wet handling, Kumho said.

The LX, which will include two run-flat sizes, is aimed squarely at the following vehicles: BMW 3 and 5 Series, Mercedes C, D, E and S Class, Accord V6, Cadillac CTS and CTV, Audi A4 and A6, Infiniti G35, M35 and Q, Lexus IS, GS and LS, Nissan Maxima, Acura RL and TL, and the Lincoln MKZ and Town Car.

The tyre is currently available in dozens of sizes ranging from 185/60R14 82H to 245/40R19 98W. (Tire Review/Akron)