Hankook proclaims DTM influence in latest Ventus
The fruits of Hankook’s DTM involvement can now be seen by all – the Korean tyre maker has released its first ultra high performance tyre to employ engineering drawn from DTM racing technology, the Ventus S1 evo². This flagship of Hankook’s UHP portfolio is said to benefit from expertise the company has gained as exclusive tyre supplier to the DTM – Hankook states a “multitude of technical innovations and design features” has enabled its engineers to arrive at the “best balance” between wet and dry performance. The Ventus S1 evo² has also been developed to meet next year’s EU-labelling requirements.
“Advanced tread-design and optimised compound technology result in a new high-end UHP tyre that delivers on performance as well as comfort, safety and environmental friendliness,” Hankook reports. The tyre utilises “multi tread radius profile technology,” which the manufacturer says results in an “outstanding tyre footprint shape that facilitates excellent hydroplaning performance, optimal ground contact pressure in both wet and dry conditions plus improved driving control and safety at high speeds.” The tread’s DTM-inspired triple layered block design with outer rib block staircase arrangement is said to increase the tyre’s contact patch as tyre wear progresses, ensuring consistently high traction performance throughout the tyre lifecycle.
The compound used in the Ventus S1 evo² is described by Hankook as being “the latest generation advanced silica compound.” The Korean manufacturer shares that the compound also contains an optimised cross-linking system that additionally helps to improve wear performance and heat aging resistance. Furthermore, an all-new high-grip styrene polymer formula is said to support superior wet performance while lowering rolling resistance.
Tyre cooling is achieved through surface enlarging fins installed in the ground of the tyre’s grooves and double step micro-turbulence creating dimples positioned on the outer shoulder block edges; these are intended to induce the rapid release of heat, thus ensuring a more stable handling performance and increased tyre life. Hankook also claims a “pleasant driving experience” is achieved through the tyre’s “special aero dynamic sidewall design,” which is said to further reduce tyre noise and emphasise the tyre’s sporty appearance.
“Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo² is a worthy successor of our multiple award-winning bestseller Ventus S1 evo, which was frequently distinguished by leading European automotive magazines and possibly one of the most successful UHP tyres ever.” said Jin-Wook Choi, Hankook Tire executive vice-president and COO for Europe. “It comes loaded with innovative technologies and design features that we were able to derive from our expertise as the exclusive tyre partner of DTM teams Audi and Mercedes. Our new premium performance tyre will provide customers with sportive and stylish driving pleasure, comfort and safety while it is environmentally friendly at the same time. This makes the Ventus S1 evo² another perfect example of commitment to technology and excellence.”
Most Ventus S1 evo² production will take place at Hankook’s factory in Hungary. A spring 2012 season introduction is planned for the new tyre and it will initially be available in 17 to 19-inch sizes in series 45 to 35 aspect ratios and 215 to 275mm tread widths. The range will be completed within 2012/13, the tyre maker added.
Related news:
Comments