Hankook Tire Co. is launching a new semi-slick tire for extreme ultra-high performance—the Ventus R-s4. The tire replaces the Ventus R-s3.

Ventus R-s4 is a semi-slick tire with maximized grip, durability, and handling performance perfect for both racing and general driving, the tiremaker said.

The Ventus R-s4 features a tread pattern with geometric chamfer to enhance the tire’s durability and prevent tread surface damage. Additionally the tire has a gradually angled slant chamfer to maximize the contact surface, Hankook said. According to Hankook, the Ventus R-s4 also features a wider-center block, which improves steering response, a two-channel main groove with hydroplaning function, a variable groove angle which offers optimized block stiffness with no shaking, and a high stiffness shoulder blocks with proved steering response and improved cornering grip.

The Ventus R-s4 is scheduled to launch sometime in the first quarter.