A new passenger car tire range released by Hankook Tire in Europe is one the manufacturer says heralds a "new era in the tire segment." 
The range is called Kinergy Eco and takes its name from kinetic energy, or energy of motion – a clear nod to the tyre’s focus on reducing rolling resistance. Hankook states the Kinergy Eco “combines state-of-the-art Hankook tire technology in the areas of safety, handling, and comfort with the environmental consciousness that is becoming an increasingly important criterion for today’s vehicles.”
The tiremaker reports it has successfully brought of “an impressive balancing act” with the Kinergy Eco. Specifically, by combining materials such as silica nano-particles – which Hankook notes “are thus far uncommon in this segment” – with the latest compound technologies, the manufacturer states it has reduced the new tire’s rolling resistance by 12% in comparison with unspecified conventional tires currently available on the market.
Hankook notes this reduction has not come at the expense of other properties and says “this versatile all-rounder really shines in safety-related disciplines, such as wet braking.” The Kinergy Eco offers about eight per cent shorter stopping distances by comparison to other tires in its class, Hankook adds.
“To us, the Kinergy Eco heralds the dawn of a new era in tires,” states Jin-Wook Choi, executive vice-president and European head of Hankook Tire. “Our society’s values have changed a great deal in recent years. People are more environmentally conscious in their thinking and their actions, and they want their tires to also offer better fuel economy, but without sacrificing safety and driving comfort. In the Kinergy Eco, we have succeeded in creating this combination. But it is also clear that the safety of our consumers remains our top priority. We make no compromises on safety.”
The tire’s asymmetrical tread pattern is said to “significantly” enhance its handling while making driving more comfortable and quieter on the whole. Wide longitudinal grooves are designed to offer protection from hydroplaning and the tire’s tread block edges are ‘self-sharpening’, a quality Hankook says ensures “the necessary grip on both wet and dry driving surfaces.” Wider shoulder blocks and an enlarged contact area are featured to improve traction and stability in curves, even at high speeds, on a dry surface. (Tyres & Accessories)
