SAN JOSE DEL CABO, Mexico (Jan. 10, 2011)—Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. said it will launch an ultra-high-performance tire with all-season capabilities, the Kumho Ecsta 4X.
The Ecsta 4X will be available in June or July and is the “ultimate in UHP performance” and “equal to what's in the marketplace,” according to Rick Brennan, Kumho's vice president of marketing.
Brennan said the new tire is in response to a shift in the UHP segment of the market that is growing rapidly and now includes consumer expectations of high speed ratings and high mileage capability. In 2010, the top four UHP tire sizes in demand fit police cars, Toyota Camrys, Hyundai Sonatas, Ford Fusions and Honda Accords, he said.
The tire has a traction rating of AA and temperature rating of A. Kumho said it will come with an asymmetrical tread design that delivers grip, cornering and braking in wet and dry conditions.
When it launches, the tire will come in 48 sizes in the following rim diameters:
15 inch, three sizes;
16 inch, seven sizes;
17 inch, 17 sizes;
18 inch, 14 sizes;
19 inch, three sizes; and
20 inch, four sizes.