Kumho joins Driven to Extremes marathon

Recreating a historic motoring exploit, the 3,600-mile challenge will visit 15 countries in just 120 hours. Kumho’s Ecsta PS71 EV tyre is an original fit on the Kia EV6 and it is this specialist product in 235/55R19 size that the challenge car will be equipped with throughout the trial.

Speaking of the challenge, Kumho Tyre (UK)’s managing director Keon Park said: “We are delighted to be involved with this landmark event, which allows us to showcase our first electric vehicle tyre to be approved by Kia ahead of the arrival of our full EV range next year. Kumho has a history of innovation, and the Ecsta PS71 EV will ensure we are at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle revolution.”

Patented noise reduction technology

Describing the Ecsta PS71 EV, Kumho says the tyre is “notable for its minimal level of resonance noise,” a quality delivered by Kumho’s patented K-Silent sound absorbing technology. This optimises the shape and properties of polyurethane foam materials placed within a tyre, which results in a marked reduction in the air vibration generated during contact with the road surface. Kumho developed the K-Silent system back in 2014 and now holds global patents for the design.

Other properties of PS71 EV that make it well suited for tyres intended for use on electric vehicles include low rolling resistance, strong anti-wear performance and excellent levels of grip.

In the footsteps of Stirling Moss

Inspired by an endurance test completed by Sir Stirling Moss 70 years ago, the ‘Driven to Extremes Euro EV Marathon’ is understood to be the first time the route has been attempted in a fully electric vehicle as a continuous trip. With the support of Kumho Tyre, as well as Kia UK, the team started their drive on 4 September and aims to arrive in Lisbon on 9 September, – a day that media company Green TV has declared World EV Day.

The ‘Driven to Extremes Euro EV Marathon’ draws on the adventure undertaken by Stirling Moss in 1952. A publicity stunt to promote the newly launched Humber Super Snipe 4-door saloon, the legendary racing driver, along with three of his ‘fast friends’, visited 15 European countries in less than five days. 2022’s challenge gives that journey a modern perspective, the team will travel from Oslo to Lisbon, driving roughly 200-mile legs at a time, to arrive on World EV Day, September 9th.

Speaking of the challenge, project leader Mac Mackenney said: “We’re delighted that Kumho Tyre’s expertise and knowledge will be part of this ambitious adventure. We want to show that every aspect of owning a modern EV means there’s no compromise – from the reliability of the vehicle to the dependability of the tyres. We’ll have a long way to travel, with the team driving in shifts, so resting and sleeping properly throughout will be vital. This means comfort and low road noise, as well as efficiency and safety – and we’ll be in good hands with Kumho.”

From its departure point at Kia’s Norwegian headquarters in Lørenskog on the outskirts of Oslo, the team of drivers will use main roads and bridges to cover the 3,600 miles and the adventure will be tracked at all times by a GPS system. The location is available via the Max Adventure website – www.maxadventure.co.uk and https://yb.tl/evmarathon. The team of three will take turns behind the wheel of the EV6, resting and navigating – with the only planned stops made for driver swaps and vehicle charging. A support vehicle, also supplied by Kia, will accompany the EV6 to document the drive, carrying a photography and film crew.

Regular updates, including pictures and videos from the team will be available during the drive, published via its own social channels as well as Kumho Tyre (UK)’s and other supporting partners.