Hankook releases line of high-performance tires

LAS VEGAS—Hankook Tire America Corp. is launching four high-performance tires—two for passenger cars and two for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks—that will start shipping in 2014.

The company unveiled the four tires—three in the Ventus line and one in the Dynapro line—during a press conference at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.

Hankook described the Ventus V12 evo2 as a ultra high performance summer tire that incorporates an Aqua Jet tread pattern for improved wet handling. It will start shipping in the first half of 2014 in 62 sizes ranging in rim diameters from 16 to 21 inches.

The Ventus V2 concept2 is a high-performance all-season tire that incorporates a high-density nylon reinforced belt design to aid in maintaining optimal tire contact pressure, and maximizing overall cornering and handling performance. It will be available in 22 sizes ranging from 15- to 18-inch rim diameters and also will start shipping in the first half of 2014.

The Ventus S1 evo2 SUV is a premium UHP tire for SUVs and crossover vehicles. Hankook said it incorporates technology developed from Hankook Tire's experience as the official tire supplier for the European DTM racing series. The tire offers "exceptional" braking in both wet and dry conditions, according to the tire maker, along with high cornering grip and low rolling resistance for improved vehicle fuel efficiency.

It will start shipping in the second half of 2014 in 13 sizes in 19-, 20- and 21-inch rim diameters.

The Dynapro HP2 is described as a high-performance all-season tire for SUVs, crossover vehicles and light trucks, offering four circumferential grooves to resist hydroplaning and improve wet condition performance, along with radial sipes and grooves for improved handling in dry conditions.

It will be available starting in the second half of 2014 in 36 sizes in rim diameters ranging from 16 to 21 inches.