Nexen tires to be OE for Porsche Macan

STUTTGART, Germany — Porsche A.G. has selected Nexen Tire Corp.'s N'Fera RU1 as an OE fitment on the 2018 Macan compact SUV, the South Korean tire maker reported recently.

The selected tire — which Nexen describes as an ultra-high-performance product optimized for sports driving — is being supplied to Porsche in sizes 235/55R19 101Y (front) and 255/50R19 103Y (rear).

Nexen did not say which Macan model it's supplying. Porsche offers five Macan models: the base model, an “S”, “GTS”, “Turbo” and “Turbo/Performance Package.”

The Macan is a four-door hatchback that seats four. Porsche offers three engine options: a 252-hp turbocharged four-cylinder; a 340-hp 3-liter twin-turbo V6; and a 440-hp 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.

Porsche also specs the N'Fera RU1 on its Cayenne SUV.

Nexen Tire CEO Travis Kang noted that his company will be in a better position to provide European car makers with OE tires once the firm's plant in Czech Republic comes on stream in 2018.

According to Nexen, the tire demonstrates unparalleled cornering stability and sports handling for high-speed driving. It is equipped with 3D-Nano Grip Technology, which the tire maker said maximizes braking capabilities at high speeds.

The N'FERA RU1 has won nine design awards in Europe, America and Asia, Nexen said, including the 2017 Red Dot Design Award and Japan's Good Design Award.