Hankook Tire America Corp. unveiled four new products at the SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo: a UHP summer tire for passenger cars, a high performance all-season tire for passenger cars, a premium UHP tire for SUVs and CUVs, and a high performance all-season tire for SUVs, CUVs vehicles and light trucks.
“These four new tires coupled with our recent announcements to build a new manufacturing facility in Tennessee and multiple new OE agreements with major manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, Toyota and Honda clearly demonstrate our commitment to not only furthering our position as a leading premium tire brand, but also to developing and delivering the safest, highest performing quality tires to our customers and consumers in the U.S. and around the world,” said Byeong Jin Lee, president of Hankook Tire America Corp.
The new UHP summer Ventus V12 evo2 passenger tire features a sophisticated sidewall design and an advanced “Aqua Jet” tread pattern design to offer drivers of sports cars, coupes and sedans high speed stability, improved braking performance in wet and dry conditions, enhanced eco-performance, and better wear-resistance, Hankook said. The tire will be available the first half of 2014 in 62 sizes covering 16- through 21-inch wheel diameters.
The new HP all-season Ventus V2 concept2 passenger tire features a high-density nylon reinforced belt design to aid in maintaining optimal tire contact pressure, and maximizing overall cornering and handling performance, according to the tiremaker. It also offers a 3D tread block design and solid center rib to provide optimal braking and handling performance; a noise control block designed into the shoulder tread to help minimize unwanted road noise; and a Visual Alignment Indicator siping system that offers drivers an easy way to check tire wear and vehicle alignment, Hankook added. The Ventus V2 concept2 will be available the first half of 2014 in 22 sizes ranging from 15- through 18-inch wheel diameters.
Hankook said the UHP Ventus S1 evo2 SUV, designed for SUVs and CUVs, has been engineered with technology developed from the company’s experience as the official tire supplier for the European DTM racing series. The tire offers drivers exceptional braking in both wet and dry conditions, excellent cornering grip, and low rolling resistance for improved vehicle fuel efficiency, according to Hankook. It will be available the second half of 2014 in 13 sizes covering many popular 19-, 20- and 21-inch fitments.
The new Dynapro HP2, a HP all-season tire for SUVs, CUVs and light trucks, is designed with 4-channel circumferential grooves to resist hydroplaning and improve wet condition performance; radial sipes and grooves for improved handling in dry conditions and resistance to hydroplaning; a high stiffness center rib for precise steering control and feedback; and silencer sipes to prevent unwanted noise, Hankook said. The tire will be available the second half of 2014 in 36 sizes covering 16- through 20-inch fitments.
In addition to launching the new tires, Hankook also showcased the recently unveiled Hankook iFlex airless concept tire. Hankook said the iFlex is made from up to 95% recyclable materials, consumes less energy during use, and does not require air unlike conventional tires, lowering fuel consumption while simultaneously increasing vehicle safety.
