NEU-ISENBURG, Germany — Mercedes-Benz Group A.G. is equipping its latest Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé with a custom version of the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z ultra-ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tire, according to Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.
The tire features a bespoke sports pattern with extra-wide tread and modified tread mixture to ensure maximum grip in extreme driving conditions. The OEM approval, including the MO1 label (Mercedes-AMG Original) on the tire's sidewall, is the first partnership between Mercedes and Hankook. The GT Coupe is an all-wheel-drive sports car with a power rating of up 585 hp.
"We are proud to be an OEM for the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé — a high-performance model with particularly sporty handling. We see this as a confirmation that our products meet the highest requirements," Sanghoon Lee, president and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, said.
"With its outstanding handling and technology carried over from motorsport, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z is the perfect partner for the flagship model in the Mercedes-AMG range."
Hankook modified the tire to improve conditions and compliment vehicle performance.The tire features a reinforced aramid hybrid cap ply, which improves performance, especially on dry surfaces. The aramid material prevents unwanted tire expansion from centrifugal forces at high speed — "an essential feature for a vehicle with a top speed of over 196 mph," Hankook said. It also minimizes tread deformation caused by lateral forces when changing direction, promoting neutral handling and better control.
The tire is made with a new tread mixture that has more silica for better grip and rigidity in various weather conditions. The tread now interlocks more effectively with the road surface for maximum braking performance, and can withstand high temperatures caused by extreme use, keeping the performance level of the tires constant for longer.
The UUHP Ventus S1 evo Z are the only tires approved as OE for a Mercedes-AMG vehicle, and strict criteria are imposed by the manufacturer, Hankook said.
Hankook said there was a short development time — eight months — for the tire, including intensive dry handling tests on the Nürburgring North loop, "one of the most demanding race courses in the world with numerous corners and almost 1,000 feet of elevation change. One lap under race conditions is equivalent here to around 1,243 miles of everyday driving."
The car reached a top of speed of 190 mph and an average speed of around 93 mph.
"If you can hit your performance and speed targets on the North loop, you can have full confidence in the capability of your tires. The partnership with Mercedes-AMG will only further increase the reputation of the Hankook name in the supersport segment," Klaus Krause, head of the Hankook Europe Technical Center, said.
Hankook produces the tires in the sizes 295/35 ZR20 (105Y) XL for the front, and 305/35 ZR20 (107Y) XL for the rear at its plant in Rácalmás, Hungary.
