Hankook Tire, the leading and one of the fastest growing tyre companies in the world, today announced its continued original equipment portfolio expansion in the premium segment of German automobile manufacturers, as the company will now supply ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres for the new third-generation of BMW X5. At its market launch, the trendsetter from the Munich-based automobile manufacturer in the field of luxury sports activity vehicles will be factory-equipped with Hankook Tire’s top performing tyres for the first time. The all-new Ventus S1 evo² SUV tyre will be applied with a newly developed construction with sports-dynamic genes specifically for this vehicle category. It will also be available on the replacement market as of Spring 2014 in sizes from 17- to 22-inches, covering aspect ratios 60 to 30, and tread widths from 225 to 315mm.
The new Hankook Ventus S1 evo² tyre also features a VAI Siping System, a Vehicle Alignment Indicator that provides and easy and convenient way to check the vehicle’s wheel alignment settings by comparing wear on the sipes of both of the tyre’s shoulders.
Following on from the MINI, BMW 1-, 3- and 5-series, the BMW X5 is the fifth model from the BMW Group that Hankook Tire will supply original equipment for. “This new addition to our existing OE portfolio, particularly in the luxury SUV segment, represents a significant value to our business at Hankook Tire, given the flourishing, sharp growth this segment is experiencing in the global automotive market,” says Mr. Seung Hwa Suh, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire. He adds, “Starting with the supply of our high-performance tyres to BMW X5, Hankook Tire will continuously expand our presence in the global SUV market as a premium tyre supplier.”
The concept behind Hankook Tire’s flagship Ventus S1 evo2, is also in the new SUV-version aiming at drivers of high-performance, dynamic vehicles, who demand uncompromising and sports-like performance from their tyres across all parameters without compromising features like luxurious comfort, low rolling noise and low rolling resistance. “With the new Ventus S1 evo² SUV, we have developed a high-performing tyre that optimally supports the characteristics of premium SUV-vehicles designed for a sporty yet comfortable feel, like the new BMW X5, without neglecting the attributes of efficiency and environmental excellence, which are becoming increasingly important,” explained engineer Klaus Krause, Head of the Hankook European Technical Center in Hanover, Germany.
The particularly sophisticated technology of the Ventus S1 evo2 SUV with its multiple tread radius and double-layer rayon carcass provides a maximum tyre contact area under all conditions. The tyre impresses not only with outstanding aquaplaning abilities but also with optimum road contact for perfect balance under both wet and dry conditions. Driving control and safety at high speeds are also significantly improved. The innovative DTM-inspired three-layer block design with its special staircase arrangement of the outer rib blocks, provides an improved tyre contact area as tyre wear progresses, thereby guaranteeing more effective traction performance across the entire life cycle of the tyre.
The Ventus S1 evo2 SUV is equipped with the newest generation of highly developed silica compound with an optimised cross-linking system that improves wet traction, wear characteristics and thermal ageing resistance. The high traction styrene polymer formula enables improved wet performance while rolling resistance is reduced for maximized environmental excellence. A refined cooling system with surface enlarging fins anchored to the base of the tread grooves and micro-turbulence generating dimples arranged on the outer edges of the shoulder block enable faster heat dissipation for more stable handling characteristics and longer tyre durability. In order to make the driving experience even more comfortable, the new Hankook Tire’s UHP flagship is equipped with a particularly aerodynamic sidewall that further reduces tyre noise and also highlights the sports-look of the tyre. The Ventus S1 evo2 SUV is manufactured predominantly in the company’s state-of-the-art Hungary factory.