After Hankook Tire first announced the successful test of its airless tire to Korean media, the tiremaker has officially released the details of the successful ride and handling tests for the airless Hankook iFlex.
The fifth non-pneumatic concept tire of Hankook since research began in 2011, the iFlex does not require air pressure and is designed to be eco-friendly with material that enhances the energy efficiency in production and is easily recycled, the tiremakersaid.
During the examination, the tire’s limits in durability, harness, stability, slalom and speed were tested. During the speed test an electric car fitted with the iFlex tires reached up to 130kmh. The tiremaker said the impressive results in the five categories illustrated that NPTs could match conventional tire’s performance.
“The Hankook iFlex’s ability to deliver the perfect high-speed driving performance is the result of Hankook’s longstanding commitment to independently developing progressive, innovative tire technology. Aiming to strengthen our technological leadership in the global tire market, we will continue to develop cutting edge eco-friendly and future-oriented tires,” said Seung-Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook.
The tiremaker also aims to reduce its carbon footprint with construction techniques that simplify the manufacturing process from eight stages to four.
