Hankook wins BMW M GmbH as a new customer in the high-performance segment

The BMW X3 M and X4 M are fitted withVentus S1 evo Z tyres

Hankook is fitting the BMW X3 M and X4 Mwith its premium tyres – a first for vehicles from BMW M GmbH. The brand newHankook Ventus S1 evo Z, which is fitted ex works, was specially developed forthe UUHP (Ultra-Ultra-High-Performance) segment for use on particularly sportyhigh-performance vehicles. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z is available for bothBMW M GmbH models in 255/40 ZR21 102Y tyres on the front axle and 265/40 ZR21105Y on the rear axle and has been adapted to the specific requirements of BMW MGmbH. A high level of grip and very precise lateral guidance for optimumhandling behaviour, even under very sporty conditions, were decisive criteriaduring the approval process, which for all M models traditionally includes anextensive performance test on the legendary Nordschleife bend at theNürburgring.

Neu-Isenburg,Germany, 15. July 2021 –Ultra-Ultra-High-Performance is the name of the tyre category introduced byHankook this year with the market launch of the Ventus S1 evo Z, which isdesigned for particularly sporty high-performance vehicles. As a first for thepremium tyre manufacturer, BMW M GmbH vehicles, namely the X3 M and X4 M modelswill feature the new tread. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z‘s characteristicsunderline the motorsport DNA of the M models. This manifests as remarkably highdynamics, agility, and precision. With a maximum output of 510 hp and 650 Nm oftorque on the Competition models, both models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h injust 3.8 seconds.

Inaddition to the release tests customary in the industry, the mixed tyres usedhere in sizes 255/40 ZR21 102Y☆ on the front axle and 265/40 ZR21 105Y☆ on the rear axle were also extensivelytested at maximum speed on the legendary Nordschleife bend at the Nürburgring.This ensures that the tyre construction is robust and able to meet the demandsof the M models at all times.

The new Hankook VentusS1 evo Z is currently used as original equipment by leading premiummanufacturers and is currently available in 15 dimensions from 19 to 21 incheswith tread widths between 225 and 315 mm in cross-sections from the Series 30to 45. Throughout the year additional sizes will complement the line-up, with afocus on the high-end range. 

"Ourcompany was founded 80 years ago," says Sanghoon Lee, President of Hankook TireEurope, "So it’s certainly a special gift that our latest product has been ableto win over BMW M GmbH, a particularly prestigious customer from the sports carmanufacturer segment."

Forthis highly demanding vehicle segment, especially when it comes to tyres, theVentus S1 evo Z has been equipped with an aramid composite material in adouble-layer carcass. This prevents deformations caused by possible heatdevelopment during extensive use. Deformations would otherwise lead to anundesired increase in the rolling circumference and less precise handling athigh speeds. Aramid fibres are extremely heat-resistant and are characterisedby their very high strength as well as good damping properties with a lowweight relative to their size. The new Hankook tread pattern gains additionalstability from high-strength steels in the belt and bead areas, which, incombination with the reinforced sidewall, ensure straight-line stability andsteering precision, as well as sporty, dynamic handling.

Anotherfocus when developing the Ventus S1 evo Z was on high grip in different weatherconditions. The tread compound used is borrowed from Hankook’s motorsportresearch and development. For an optimalinteraction of fillers, silica and natural resins, the latest generation offunctional polymers have been used in the mixture. This ensures a consistentlyhigh level of grip across a wide range of applications. The compound technology used in production originates from Hankook’sracing tyre development, where smaller material batches are processed gently,over significantly longer periods of time.

Oftenseen with particularly sporty treads, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z also uses anasymmetrically designed tread pattern. The arrangement of the individual treadblocks has been developed to ensure optimum block stiffness under variousdriving conditions. Three main drainage grooves positioned in the inner treadarea ensure water is drained efficiently in wet conditions. In addition,special attention has been paid to the outer tread area of the tyre, where asignificantly increased proportion of tread takes into account the requirementsfor high-performance cornering and precise lateral guidance, particularly forvery sporty driving in dry conditions. Other tyres for M GmbH models arealready in development at Hankook.