Geneva launch for Vredestein Ultrac Satin

A successor to the Vredestein Ultrac Cento has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Vredestein Ultrac Satin is aimed at the premium high performance market and available in passenger car and SUV sizes. Manufacturer Apollo Vredestein says the Giugiaro-designed range was “developed for the discerning driver” and is crammed with advanced technology developed by the Apollo Tyres global R&D centre.

“The trend towards larger cars with powerful engines seems unstoppable,” writes Apollo Vredestein in a statement introducing the Ultrac Satin. “Cars with conventional combustion engines, the popular plug-in hybrids and electric models are increasingly characterised by their weight and power. This has led to Apollo Vredestein pioneering efforts for innovative and sustainable tyre technology – the new Vredestein Ultrac Satin. This high-class, premium summer tyre takes the performance of every car to the next level while helping reduce CO₂ emissions.”

According to the manufacturer, the Ultrac Satin offers excellent grip on wet surfaces and low rolling resistance: “A unique, traction-enhancing resin and Z-shaped grooves in the tread allow for unprecedented grip and handling on wet roads.” The tyre features an oval footprint, and this, in partnership with its asymmetrical tread pattern, is said to improve steering precision and control. Low rolling resistance and even levels of wet surface grip were “achieved by the company’s tyre technologists via optimised tyre geometry and compound improvements in the following five areas: the tread, the tread foundation, the sidewall, the carcass and the rim cushion.”

Apollo Vredestein says the Ultrac Satin was “developed for the discerning driver”

Apollo Vredestein evaluated the Ultrac Satin against predecessor tyre the Ultrac Cento (both tyres were 245/40 R18Y), and the manufacturer found that the new-generation rubber stopped 3.3 metres shorter when braking from 80km/h and above. Furthermore, it determined dry surface handling to be 12 per cent better than that of the predecessor tyre, while wet surface handling was judged ten per cent better. These benefits are combined, reports Apollo Vredestein, with more comfortable, precise and controlled steering performance, and low rolling resistance.

The initial Vredestein Ultrac Satin range covers 16 to 18-inch rim diameters and W and Y speed ratings, and during the course of this year the line-up will be expanded to cover sizes going up to a 20-inch rim diameter. In regards to the Ultrac Satin’s EU tyre label performance, Apollo Vredestein shares that all sizes have been granted an ‘A’ rating for wet grip, while rolling resistance ratings are ‘B’ or ‘C’, depending on dimension. Exterior noise is 71dB.

Vredestein Ultrac Satin Hardwell edition

The Vredestein Ultrac Satin Hardwell edition will be limited to a run of 225 tyres

If it wasn’t enough to launch a brand new tyre range, Apollo Vredestein has pushed the boat out and introduced a limited edition of the Vredestein Ultrac Satin. This exclusive product is being produced as part of Vredestein’s ‘Rock the Road’ campaign in partnership with Dutch performer DJ Hardwell. Hardwell’s upcoming track ‘Run Wild’ is the 225th release of his own label ‘Revealed Recordings’, and to celebrate this unique video, only 225 Vredestein Ultrac Satin Hardwell edition tyres will be produced. The tyre sidewall design is said to be “very distinctive” and will include Hardwell’s logos and an equaliser graph. The limited edition tyre will be solely available through preferred Apollo Vredestein business partners in the size 225/45 R17 Y, making the tyre suitable for cars such as the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.