Hankook’s Dynapro HP2 adds SUV to high performance range

Hankook’s most recent addition to its high performance tyre range focuses on the increasingly important European segment of SUV tyres designed for high performance road use. In the March issue of Tyres & Accessories, we discussed the migration of SUV tyres to speed ratings above T; V alone has nearly 10 times the market share (20.4 per cent) it had 10 years ago, and though H (34.5) is currently the predominant designation for the SUV market, it is expected that SUV tyres will continue to follow the trends set by passenger cars. Indeed, 2012 saw a small year-on-year reduction in H’s market share. High performance tyres are now the most important story for SUVs as well as passenger cars.

The Dynapro HP2 is in this respect a tyre designed for this moment, reflecting today’s market. Presented in sizes from 15 to 19 inches, many of which have extra load markings, it focuses on H and V sizes, with some non-HP T coverage too. In its aims to reduce noise and rolling resistance, it is very much tuned to the current, want-it-all nature of the European SUV market that has fostered the success of the Range Rover Evoque, for example.

Hankook’s Dynapro HP2 entered the market in spring 2013. The manufacturer explains that it was developed for modern all-wheel road cruisers, an aim made apparent in the characteristics the company chose to highlight on its launch. First of all, Hankook’s engineers reduced the noise levels of the Dynapro HP2 by an average of four per cent compared with the predecessor. It did this through the addition of kerfs in the shoulder blocks extended into the sidewall, which had a positive knock-on effect on the overall ride comfort. 

Hankook used a full-silica tread compound which, combined with the tread design especially on the block level, improves both the wet grip performance (eight per cent) and directional control. Together with the wide belt package, the extra-wide contour design yields a more even distribution of ground pressure for improved dry-braking (four per cent) and handling properties. It also enhances the total tread life. The tread’s sturdy centre rib works to improve handling precision and steering feedback at higher speeds.

OE strategy

Mark Grace, marketing manager for Hankook Tyre UK explains that high performance SUV tyres, such as the Dynapro HP2, are also a part of the mix that is contributing to the increased importance of the high performance sector. 

As well as the Dynapro HP2 the latest additions to the Hankook high performance range include the Ventus S1 Evo2 and the Ventus Prime2. The Ventus S1 Evo2 is OE on the BMW 3 series uses technology developed in the DTM race series, to which Hankook is the sole supplier of its Ventus Race tyres. Building on the S1 Evo, the new tyre offers improvements in performance and environmental characteristics with rolling resistance reduced and handling and braking performance improved in both wet and dry conditions.

Hankook credits its latest generation silica compounding technology as one of the key factors that lead to the seemingly contradictory improvements in all aspects of performance. This is also applied to the Ventus Prime2 tyre, which Hankook characterises as a step forward in all areas compared to the previous model, itself an award winning product.

Hankook identifies high performance tyres as a major part in its continued sales success; the original equipment manufacturer recognition of its premium brand qualities has added to the increased revenue by creating a pull through in the aftermarket. Fitment on volume models such as  Audi A3, BMW 1 and 3 series, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Astra is part of this success as the bigger wheels selected by the manufacturers are fitted with high performance segment tyres.

Hankook’s tyres’ high performance credentials have been recognised by original equipment manufacturers and by independent tyre tests. According to the company, this OE recognition and independent test success is achieved through a commitment to research and development that includes significant investment in programmes carried out at R&D centres in Korea, Europe, the USA, Japan and China.