Hankook celebrates ultra-high performance tire Ventus

20 years ago, the premium tire manufacturer Hankook celebrated its market debut in the European ultra-high performance (UHP) tire segment with the Ventus S1 evo. Since then, the summer tire designed for maximum dynamics has been consistently further developed over four generations, right up to the current Hankook Ventus evo. The result: countless test victories and more than 30 vehicle brands that now rely on Ventus tires as original equipment. The sales figures also speak for themselves: on average, global sales of the Ventus family have increased by around ten percent annually over the past two decades.

The launch of the Ventus S1 evo, for the first time with a distinctive "wave pattern" in the tread, marked Hankook's entry into the premium segment for UHP tires in Europe in 2005. Thanks to its excellent driving characteristics, the sporty model was able to assert itself in this segment right from the start and has been improved in terms of high speed on both dry and wet roads with each new generation. The current Ventus evo model, launched at the end of last year, marked a new industry standard with exceptional wet grip, combined with low rolling resistance and high mileage. Thanks to AI-based development, the tire meets the requirements for both sporty performance and maximum safety.

This also applies to the tire compound, where the Ventus evo overcomes classic target conflicts and offers a superior driving experience even in summer downpours. Wide drainage grooves ensure good water drainage and, together with the optimized tire contact patch, reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

The Hankook portfolio is complemented at the top by the Ventus S1 evo Z variant in the UUHP (Ultra Ultra High-Performance) segment, which will be launched in 2021. Developed for demanding sporty vehicles, it offers extra grip and lateral control in fast corners as well as maximum stability at high speeds. Overall, the Ventus family now covers a wide range of applications in Europe, from premium comfort tires to UHP and UUHP tires. Another new model is to follow this year

The quality of Ventus tires is also reflected in their increasing presence in manufacturers' original equipment. More than 30 brands worldwide now rely on tires from the Ventus family ex works, including Mercedes-AMG, BMW, Porsche and the Volkswagen Group. Since 2023, Hankook has also been the official technology partner of Brabus, where Ventus UHP and UUHP tires are used, among others.

The reputation of Hankook's Ventus family also stems from its successful use in motorsport. The Ventus Race racing tire is currently being used in the international GT racing series Lamborghini Super Trofeo on three continents. Specially developed for the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo2, the racing tire delivers a high grip level with maximum consistency in all conditions. Hankook is also represented in the FIA World Rally Championship and numerous other motorsport series with the Ventus tire name. (aum)