Latest Hankook winter tyre the first of a ‘new generation’
Amongst the myriad of new releases on display at September’s IAA Motor Show in Germany, Hankook Tire presented its latest cold-weather products. The first of these was the i*cept RS, a replacement for the Icebear W440 intended for the moderate climates of Central and Western Europe. The Korean manufacturer says standout features on the i*cept RS include its “particularly reliable and stable handling characteristics on wet, snowy, slushy and also dry roads.”
“Our new winter tyre marks the beginning of a new generation and a new era of our company’s winter tyre range,” stated Jin-Wook Choi, Hankook Tire executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Europe. “The i*cept range and the RS as the latest development for the European market are strictly in line with future ecological requirements. Their breakthrough technologies provide best-in-class performance in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability while meeting the most challenging safety standards. Winter i*cept RS therefore classifies as a worthy successor to our million-selling Icebear W440 which, after all, was awarded with top marks by the ADAC, the largest German automobile association.”
Technical specifications for the i*cept RS state that its directional, V-shaped 5-rib tread design features 14 per cent more kerfs than the tyre it replaces. Hankook comments that enhanced traction on all surfaces is thus achieved as the kerfs are arranged in angles ranging from 0° in the centre-tread to 15° in the tyre’s shoulder area. The tread is also wider than the Icebear’s and the resulting increase in contact patch area is said to “significantly” enhance the tyre’s performance, particularly on icy roads. Moreover, Hankook says grip on snow and slush is “substantially improved” by the presence of staggered blocks along the middle of the tread. Last but not least, the tyre maker reports the corrugated 3D kerfs increase traction and braking performance on all smooth surfaces.
A full-silica compound has been used in the i*cept RS, and Hankook says this entirely new formula “assures the tread stays elastic even at very low temperatures, thus providing excellent traction and braking power.” Water drainage from the contact area is facilitated by four main grooves; the manufacturer states these grooves interact with the tyre’s V-tread to “efficiently prevent hydroplaning on wet winter roads.”
Further stated benefits include a longer tread life and eight per cent lower rolling resistance compared to “conventional” patterns. Hankook also notes that the angle used in the tyre’s ribs has resulted in a “significant reduction” in tyre noise. These two features are of course relevant to the upcoming European tyre label; Hankook reports the i*cept RS was developed to meet the label’s requirements
The i*cept RS will be available in “all relevant” sizes and dimensions for vehicles ranging from small compact and medium-sized saloons to estates and people movers, Hankook adds. The range will be produced in T and H speed rated versions, with some sizes available in extra load (XL) versions.
Winter i*cept evo
Another new Hankook product for winter 2011/12 is the i*cept evo. This range is designed for upper midsize to prestige vehicles, luxury saloons, sports cars and medium to large 4x4s. Hankook says the ultra high performance i*cept evo features an “optimised tread compound for improved performance under all wintry conditions.” The tyre was developed with Central and Western European winter conditions in mind, and to this end Hankook’s tyre designers focused on optimising wet, dry and snow performance. The result is a tyre with a new silica compound and a “dual function” asymmetric tread design.
Explaining the tread and its double function, Hankook states the outer part of the tread is “optimised for dry and wear performance with 3D sipes that reinforce the tyre’s snow, abrasion and overall handling performance by preventing inner block movement while maximising edge effects.” The inner part of the tread features three longitudinal ribs that, together with lamellen, are said to “allow for improved wet and snow braking abilities.” The tread also features Hankook’s ‘polar bear claw groove’; this, along with the tyre’s longitudinally arranged auxiliary internal sipes, is intended to increase lateral stability and roadholding under ice and snow conditions.
“We are pleased to introduce our evolutionary ultra high performance winter tyre to the European market as a full line-up from this year,” stated Jin-Wook Choi. “The Winter i*cept evo is a result of our ongoing efforts to apply the highest standards of quality to our products. Already back in 2004 we were awarded with the “Swan”, the official and highly prestigious Scandinavian eco-label and we continuously work on further optimising our tyres without compromising neither performance, eco-friendliness nor safety. In line with Hankook Tire’s philosophy, called Kontrol Technology, we will continue to provide enhanced benefits and exceptional value to our customers.”
Much of the i*cept evo range is manufactured at Hankook’s Rácalmás factory in Hungary and is now available in 15 to 19-inch dimensions for 185 to 275mm tread widths and 75 to 35 series aspect ratios. Three speed ratings – T, H and V – are produced, and the majority of the range is XL rated.
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