LAS VEGAS (Nov. 2, 2010) — Hankook Tire America Corp. today unveiled its Ventus V2 Concept high performance all-season tire for the tuner market during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The most visual feature is Hankook's patented “twister system” design, a 3-D wave-patterned center groove that forces more water through the grooves and away from the center of the footprint to provide improved wet traction, according to the tire maker.
“These improvements allow the Ventus V2 Concept to match the performance capabilities of most summer tires, but with twice the winter traction,” the company said.
Other features include a jointless cap ply to improve uniformity for durability and a smoother ride; a rim protector that provides better protection against outer shock and rim scratches; wide, high-tensile steel belts to increase tread life and steering response; and jointless bead wire and high-hardness bead filler for better high-speed stability.
The Ventus V2 Concept will be available in December in 22 sizes, ranging from 15- to 18-inch rim diameters, with H- and V-speed ratings.
Also during the SEMA Show, Hankook previewed three other tires due out next year: the enfren eco, a high-performance tire designed for hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles, is the next generation of the tire currently available in Asia and will be distributed in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2011; the Dynapro HT all-season performance tire for light trucks, vans and SUVs, will be available in the third quarter of 2011; and the Optimo H426, an all-season grand touring performance tire with 20-percent lower rolling resistance than its predecessor, will be debut in the second quarter of 2011.