AKRON (Jan. 20, 2004) — Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. is launching its ECSTA ASX ultra-high performance, all-season tire, Jan. 24-27 at the 2004 ESPN Winter X Games VIII in Aspen, Colo.
“ESPN's Winter X Games feature athletes who have total control and outstanding performance in winter action sports,” said Mike Leverington, director of marketing for Kumho. “The Winter X Games are a great venue for Kumho to launch its new UHP all-season tire because the ECSTA ASX offers total control and excellent performance in all types of driving conditions—including winter weather.”
Kumho is an associate sponsor of the Winter X Games and the X Games.
The ECSTA ASX features an asymmetrical tread pattern for all types of driving conditions. The tread design provides more resistance to irregular wear compared with current directional patterns and enables the tires to be rotated easily from front-to-rear or side-to-side on a vehicle, Kumho said.
A three-rib tread design also provides overall balance between steering response, hydroplaning resistance and overall performance. Endless cap construction provides high-speed performance with no sacrifice in tire weight or ride, and a silica compound provides good tread wear without sacrificing rolling resistance or wet and snow handling, according to the Fontana, Calif.-based tire maker.
The tires also feature “detailed sidewall graphics for a refined appearance,” Kumho said, ass well as rim flange protectors to reduce the risk of pothole and curb damage to expensive alloy wheels.
With V and W speed ratings, the ECSTA ASX will be available in 38 sizes for 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels by mid-year.
Kumho also launched the ECSTA V710 ultra-high performance tire for hard-core racers at the Specialty Equipment Market Association/International Tire Expo last fall in Las Vegas. The tire became available Jan.1.