German OE deals endorse Hankook’s PCR range-topper

A number of recent original equipment deals have acted as an endorsement for the Hankook range’s quality. Audi’s TT and TTS models, the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the BMW 4-Series Coupé will be fitted with the manufacturer’s flagship Ventus S1 evo². The tyre, produced exclusively at the company’s EU manufacturing facility in Hungary, features an especially high grip combined with high long-term durability and a low rolling resistance.

The most recent of these OE deals, for the Audi TT and TTS, will feature the Ventus S1 evo² in sizes 225/50R17, 245/45R17 or 245/35R19 as standard or optional equipment, depending on the engine version. “The Audi TT stands for excellent design as well as dynamics and innovation, and is thus a perfect match for our flagship Ventus S1 evo² tyres,” explains Ho-Youl Pae, Hankook president and COO for Europe. “The very latest innovative technologies were used for the development of our high-end tyre in order to effectively support the vehicle’s character. Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to supply original fitment tyres for this sporty Audi design icon.”

The tyre is designed with high tensile, yet extremely lightweight steel cord material, which is also used for Hankook racing tyres in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) for example, meaning the Ventus S1 evo² still enables highly dynamic driving even under permanently challenging conditions. The development of the Ventus S1 evo² also took environmental aspects into account, resulting in a significantly reduced rolling resistance and low rolling noise.

“During the intensive test phase, our tyre once more successfully proved its high degree of characteristic dynamic driving properties,” explains Klaus Krause, head of the European Technology Centre (ETC), where Hankook coordinates the tyre development for Audi AG vehicles. “With the Ventus S1 evo² we have implemented our Kontrol Technology philosophy and developed a modern high-performance tyre which is customised to the requirements of our customers in terms of dynamic driving, safety, eco-friendliness and comfort.”