Hankook OE on RUF Electric Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is possibly not the first vehicle that springs to mind when pondering environmentally friendly transport. Indeed, it is rumoured that some of the more militant green warriors would rather be harpooned by whalers than ensconce themselves within the German off-roader’s two-plus tonne bulk. But rip out the Cayenne’s sizeable petrol or diesel engine and replace it with an electrically driven system and you have another, more ocean friendly kettle of fish – the RUF Stormster. The German Porsche modifier has released a zero emission version of the SUV powered by a Siemens electric drive. Hankook’s UHP Icebear W300A SUV winter tyre in size 295/30 R 22 has been chosen as standard fitment.

Despite their efficient drivetrains, electrically operated motor vehicles like the new RUF Stormster often transmit considerably greater amounts of torque to the drive wheels than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. This means that making the proper choice of tyres calls for not only the lowest possible rolling resistance, but also the most efficient transmission of power. This is where, Hankook notes, the Icebear W300A is in its element. The Korean manufacturer explains that its patented Stiffness Control Contour Theory (SCCT) design technology delivers a more even distribution of pressure over the whole footprint area resulting in high levels of grip as well as reduced tyre wear. SCCT, Hankook adds, also delivers a more even internal pressure distribution, offering greater stability and less motion within the tyre – all of which minimises rolling resistance.

The tyre’s asymmetrical tread design, specifically conceived for use on high-powered SUVs, is also intended to help boost fuel economy without adversely affecting mileage or performance. The computer-optimised kerf structure is designed to maximize braking capability, especially in the cold and wet conditions encountered in Europe during winter. Naturally, the Icebear W300A utilises silica technology to optimise rolling resistance and grip on wet surfaces.

 “At Hankook Tire, environmental protection is an essential component of our group-wide Kontrol Technology development philosophy, and thus also one of the key pillar of our worldwide tyre development activities,” said Jin-Wook Choi, Hankook Tire executive vice-president and the tyre manufacturer’s head of operations in Europe, explaining the reasons behind the company’s participation in this project. “In state-of-the-art tyres, good ecological characteristics should be taken as a matter of course – just as much as, for instance, optimum safety features to protect our customers. We are therefore very pleased to be able to present our technology on the new RUF Stormster during the UN Climate Conference.”

Three of the new RUF vehicles have been selected to transport high-ranking attendees of the United Nations World Climate Conference around Copenhagen in December. These delegates, while admiring the Hankook tyres’ low rolling resistance, may also be impressed by the SUV’s performance: The 2,670 kilogram vehicle is able to accelerate from zero to a hundred kilometres per hour in ten seconds – just two seconds slower than a standard Cayenne – and has a top speed of 150 km/h. Lithium-ion batteries make a range of 200 kilometres possible.